Integrating leadership development into radiation oncology training: A qualitative analysis of resident interviews

ABSTRACT Purpose Radiation oncologists need to have more than sound clinical and technical competencies. To optimize care for patients and advance all aspects of radiation oncology (RO), radiation oncologists must also be effective leaders. Embedding systematic leadership education into RO training programs is challenging. This study examined RO residents’ perspectives and preferences relating to leadership education. Such data informs the integration of universal leadership learning into RO training in Australian and New Zealand, and identifies priority areas to facilitate successful leadership development initiatives in RO training programs worldwide. Methods and Materials Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with 13 RO residents across eight Australian training departments and all stages of training. Data from transcriptions of taped interviews were coded by ≥ 2 researchers and collected to saturation. Qualitative thematic analysis was conducted employing an iterative inductive process to develop codes into themes and subthemes. Representative quotes were collated to illustrate subthemes. Results Four key themes related to leadership education were identified and labelled: (1) Recognition, credibility and value of education, (2) Logistics of formal learning, (3) Real-world opportunities: ‘seeing and doing’, and (4) One size does not fit all. Residents unanimously felt formal leadership education was important and that aspects of becoming a good leader could be learned. Organisational and cultural factors emerged as either barriers or facilitators to learning. There was strong support for interactive methods of learning, and role-modelling by senior colleagues was identified as having a major impact on junior learners. Conclusions This study offers insight into RO residents’ perspectives and preferences around their own leadership development. Findings have practical implications for the design of effective RO leadership programs and bring us one step closer to the ultimate goal of enhancing leadership capability for all RO professionals.