Under-Graduate Oncology Education in Iraq: Roadmap for Improvement

Abstract

Oncology is a branch of medicine that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, and is divided into surgical oncology, radiation oncology and medical oncology. Cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide and there is a distinct shortage of adequately qualified oncologists in Iraq. Oncology education should be introduced at the beginning of medical school (college) as every doctor may face cancer patients in their training and practice after graduation. However, there is a gap in this area, as this branch is relatively new compared to other clinical branches. Holistic cancer care and a patient-centered approach should be the goal of modern oncology. Comprehensive under-graduate oncology education should be a critical component in medical education. This work is aiming to present a roadmap for an ideal oncology curriculum, which can be integrated and implemented into the Iraqi medical schools’ curricula.