Blog

Amol Akhade: How oncologists keep themselves updated?

Amol Akhade/LinkedIn

Dec 19, 2024, 01:55

Amol Akhade: How oncologists keep themselves updated?

Amol Akhade, Hemato-oncologist at Suyog Cancer Clinics and Reliance Hospitals, posted on LinkedIn:

“With numerous oncology conferences held annually, presenting new data through discussions and presentations, it’s intriguing to observe how oncologists stay informed. While attending these conferences either in person or online is preferred, challenges like time and costs can pose obstacles.

Taking a different approach, I conducted a survey on X which got 265 responses to explore how oncologists keep themselves updated.

The results unveiled that 64% of oncologists rely on posts on X for staying informed. These posts offer insights from experts who analyze the nuances of presented data during conferences, providing valuable information that enriches comprehension.

For oncologists striving to remain current in the field, leveraging these posts on X can be remarkably advantageous.

Another notable information source is oncology newsletters distributed by various websites, with 18% of respondents relying on them for updates. These newsletters succinctly summarize critical data and feature expert discussions and opinions.

Additionally, 14% of oncologists opt to await updated guidelines, particularly concerning insurance reimbursement. However, the timing between updates and data presentation is crucial, especially when patients can benefit from new information. Proactively seeking information is essential for ensuring optimal outcomes for patients.

Interestingly, only 4% rely on industry-provided materials for updates, recognizing the potential bias associated with such sources.

Moreover, beyond the survey findings, accessing full-text articles published in medical journals is crucial. Reading and forming personal opinions on such content is significant. While many oncologists prefer this method, challenges like restricted access due to paywalls and time constraints hinder this practice. Encouraging discussions among peers to evaluate the value of new data is vital.

Lastly, podcasts by various oncologists provide valuable insights on current data, including nuanced perspectives, even critical ones. Many oncologists find these podcasts and short videos highly beneficial for staying informed.”

Dr. Amol Akhade is a senior consultant medical oncologist and hemato-oncologist at Suyog Cancer Clinics and Reliance Hospitals. He has received his super specialization training in hemato-oncology and medical oncology from Tata Memorial Hospital. He specialises in chemotherapy for hematological cancers as well as solid tumors. He also specialises in allogenic and autologous bone marrow transplant.