Journal of Clinical Oncology, Vol 16, 372-379, Copyright © 1998 by American Society of Clinical Oncology
Training resource document for curriculum development in medical oncology. Adopted on February 20, 1997 by the American Society of Clinical Oncology
PURPOSE: Medical oncology is a rapidly growing profession, not only in its
membership, but in its knowledge-base as well. In order to keep pace with
the changing profile of health care delivery and still ensure uniform
quality subspecialty training, a template for education is needed. DESIGN
AND RESULTS: An Ad Hoc Committee was created from the American Society of
Clinical Oncology (ASCO) membership. Goals of training were discussed and
curriculum guidelines were created. To gain special expertise in medical
oncology, the curriculum emphasizes formal instruction in the following:
(1) the treatment of individual malignancies, with an emphasis on a
coordinated multidisciplinary approach; (2) a clinical experience that
emphasizes patient management in both the inpatient and outpatient
settings; (3) the ability to perform specified procedures; and (4) the key
tools in basic science that apply to patient management. This document
should be considered the educational frame work around which a curriculum
is developed.
