2850 - From Electives to Enduring Partnerships: A Scalable Checklist-Based Framework for Global Radiation Oncology Training

Purpose/Objective(s):

International radiation oncology electives offer trainees exposure to diverse health systems and resource-limited practice environments, helping to address global oncologic disparities. Beyond education, these experiences can expand access to cancer care in underserved regions and support local physician training through mutual knowledge exchange. Despite the growing emphasis on global engagement, many residency programs lack standardized processes to ensure safe and sustainable participation. We developed and implemented a structured, checklist-based framework as a quality improvement initiative to support scalable international radiation oncology electives in low- and middle-income country (LMIC) settings.

Materials/Methods:

Utilizing established institutional collaborations and prior global rotations, we developed a standardized framework to guide elective planning, implementation, and the development of longitudinal partnerships. Core components include: (1) formal host-site vetting; (2) structured mentorship alignment; (3) executed Memoranda of Understanding; and (4) clearly defined clinical responsibilities, supervision, and trainee scope of practice. Pre-departure preparation includes structured training in cultural competency, regional oncology practice patterns, and health system infrastructure. Administrative standardization addresses visa coordination, institutional sponsorship, travel registration, malpractice coverage, credentialing, vaccination clearance, housing coordination, and contingency planning. The framework prioritizes host-institution goals, supports local physician education, and promotes sustainable knowledge exchange rather than episodic service delivery. Post-rotation debriefing and bilateral feedback support ongoing quality improvement and partnership sustainability.

Results:

Implementation of the framework enabled successful resident and faculty rotations while strengthening institutional collaboration and educational exchange. The structured model improved participant preparedness, enhanced regulatory compliance, and expectations for clinical engagement. Visiting participants contributed to patient care, multidisciplinary case discussions, and structured teaching, supporting immediate clinical needs and longitudinal physician training. No safety concerns or operational disruptions were reported during the implementation period.

Conclusion:

A standardized checklist-based framework enables safe, ethical, and sustainable global radiation oncology training while supporting workforce development and cancer care delivery in underserved settings. This model expands on existing documentation requirements and offers a practical framework that can be adopted by other training institutions and may inform future specialty-society guidelines and policy initiatives supporting responsible global oncology engagement at the learner level.