Race, Ethnicity, and Sex Among Senior Faculty in Radiation Oncology From 2000 to 2019

Background: As the field of brain and spine stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) continues to grow, so will the need for a comprehensive evidence base. However, it is unclear to what degree trainees feel properly equipped to use SRS. We assess the perceptions and comfort level reported by neurosurgery and radiation oncology residents concerning the evidence-based practice of SRS. Methods: A continuing medical education (CME) course provided peer-reviewed updates regarding treatment with intracranial and spinal SRS. Presentations were given by neurosurgery and radiation oncology residents with mentorship by senior faculty. To gauge perceptions regarding SRS, attendees were surveyed. Responses before and after the course were analyzed using the Fisher’s exact test in R statistical software. Results: Participants reported the greatest knowledge improvements concerning data registries (P < 0.001) and clinical trials (P = 0.026). About 82% of all (n = 17) radiation oncology and neurosurgery residents either agreed or strongly agreed that a brain and spine SRS rotation would be beneficial in their training. However, only 47% agreed or strongly agreed that one was currently part of their training. In addition, knowledge gains in SRS indications (P = 0.084) and ability to seek collaboration with colleagues (P = 0.084) showed notable trends. Conclusion: There are clear knowledge gaps shared by potential future practitioners of SRS. Specifically, knowledge regarding SRS data registries, indications, and clinical trials offer potential areas for increased educational focus. Furthermore, the gap between enthusiasm for increased SRS training and the current availability of such training at medical institutions must be addressed.

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Accelerated partial breast irradiation using brachytherapy (APBIb) for breast cancer (bca): Predictors of use and guideline concordance.

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2011.29.27_suppl.84 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 29 (27_suppl) ◽

pp. 84-84

Author(s):

J. A. Hattangadi ◽

N. Taback ◽

B. A. Neville ◽

J. R. Harris ◽

R. S. Punglia

Keyword(s):

Radiation Oncology ◽

Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation ◽

Partial Breast Irradiation ◽

Lower Grade ◽

Breast Irradiation ◽

The Us ◽

Estrogen Receptor Positive ◽

Race Ethnicity ◽

American Society ◽

Negative Lymph Nodes

84 Background: APBIb is a novel alternative to whole breast irradiation (WBI). The American Society for Radiation Oncology Guidelines (ASTRO-G) established appropriateness for APBIb use off protocol. Methods: 138,815 bca patients from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database underwent WBI or APBIb after lumpectomy from 2000 to 2007. Patients were classified as suitable, cautionary, or unsuitable for APBIb according to ASTRO-G. Logistic regression was applied to study APBIb use overall and within each guideline category. Results: Overall, 2.6% received APBIb and use varied by ASTRO-G: 5% in suitable, 3.4% in cautionary, and 1.6% in unsuitable patients (p<0.0001). APBIb use increased with time (2000: 0.3%, 2007: 7%) and varied widely with region (0% Alaska; 7% Atlanta, Georgia). Independent predictors of APBIb among suitable patients included white (OR 2.0, p<0.001) race, region (OR 2.6-8.6, p<0.0001), later year (2006-7 v 2000-2 OR 20.3, p<0.0001), and lower grade (OR 1.3, p=0.01). Among cautionary patients, white race (OR 1.8, p<0.001), non-Hispanic ethnicity (OR 1.3, p<0.04), region (OR 3.1-10.2, p<0.0001), metropolitan location (OR 1.9, p=0.01), later year (2006-2007 OR 17.6, p<0.0001), and lower grade (OR 1.4, p<0.0001) predicted for APBIb. Among unsuitable patients, race (p<0.0001), region (OR 3.3-21.6, p<0.0001), later year (2006-7 OR 12.7, p<0.0001), estrogen receptor-positive status (OR 1.3, p=0.002), lower grade (OR 1.3, p<0.01), and negative lymph nodes (OR 2.0, p<0.0001) predicted for use. In several regions, odds of APBIb increased as appropriateness decreased (see Table). Conclusions: APBIb has been rapidly adopted in the US. Its use varied by race, ethnicity, and region, especially among patients who may not be suitable candidates for this technique. [Table: see text]

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Diversity Based on Race, Ethnicity, and Sex, of the US Radiation Oncology Physician Workforce

International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics ◽

10.1016/j.ijrobp.2012.08.020 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 85 (4) ◽

pp. 912-918 ◽

Cited By ~ 54

Author(s):

Christina H. Chapman ◽

Wei-Ting Hwang ◽

Curtiland Deville

Keyword(s):

Radiation Oncology ◽

Physician Workforce ◽

The Us ◽

Race Ethnicity

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Diminishing Barriers to the Praxis Examination in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Perspectives on Global Issues in Communication Sciences and Related Disorders ◽

10.1044/gics1.2.64 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 1 (2) ◽

pp. 64-71

Author(s):

Luis F. Riquelme

Keyword(s):

Geographic Location ◽

The United States ◽

Success For All ◽

Speech Language Pathology ◽

Barriers To Success ◽

Call To Action ◽

Language Pathology ◽

National Certification ◽

Race Ethnicity ◽

Passing Score

Abstract Passing the Praxis Examination in speech-language pathology or audiology can be a difficult task. A passing score is the entry to a list of requirements for national certification (CCC-SLP, CCC-A) and for state licensure in the United States. This article will provide current information on the examination and address barriers to success that have been identified over the years. A call to action may serve to refocus efforts on improving access to success for all test-takers regardless of race/ethnicity, ability, or geographic location.

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