Background: An "endangered species," the physician-scientist faces challenges in oncology. The authors thus implemented a series of voluntary off-hours sessions on academic development for their trainees.
Methods: Numerous workday interruptions among trainees led the authors to conclude that off-hours sessions would be preferable. Thus, this feasibility project was conducted. All 34 trainees were invited to a session and were surveyed thereafter. An attendance rate of >or=34% was to be a "success."
Results: Seventy percent of trainees attended, and over 90% said they would do so again. Write-in comments were mostly favorable.
Conclusions: Off-hours sessions to discuss academic career development are feasible among medical oncology trainees.