Strategic Medical Student Engagement Enhances Knowledge, Interest, and Recruitment in Radiation Oncology

Background Residency match data suggest there may be a suboptimal number of radiation oncology (RO) residency applicants. This report describes one RO residency program’s approach to medical student engagement (MSE) to improve interest in RO and enhance recruitment. Methods One RO residency program implemented a strategic approach to MSE. Key components of MSE were identified and included social media, didactic lectures, open house events, and research mentorship. Events that led students to conduct clinical rotations, preclinical observerships, research rotations, or residency applications were considered measures of success. Results Seven Instagram posts and 14 X posts were created to promote MSE events and announce departmental achievements. Didactic lectures were offered to all five local medical schools, three of which participated. One medical school included an RO didactic lecture during the MS2 oncology block, and two medical schools incorporated student interest group lectures. Virtual and in-person open house events were conducted to educate students on RO. Notably, 4 out of 10 attendees expressed interest in RO after the open house by completing observerships and initiating research projects (N = 2), requesting a future student interest group RO lecture (N = 1), and completing a rotation and applying to residency the following academic year (AY) (N = 1). Four students established a formal research mentorship. One student completed a poster presentation at a national meeting, wrote four manuscripts, and was accepted to medical school. Another student completed a poster presentation at a national conference. The remaining two students have projects in process. All four students completing research projects maintain an interest in RO. Conclusions Implementation of a comprehensive MSE initiative by an individual residency program is feasible. Early results suggest improved interest in the specialty, which can lead to enhanced residency recruitment.