More than Cramps in Scrubs: Exploring Dysmenorrhea among Women Healthcare Workers.

Though understudied, dysmenorrhea, a painful cramping sensation occurring near and during menses, is the most prevalent gynecological disorder among women of reproductive age, affecting 50-90% of the global population. Contributing factors of this disorder include poor medical assessment, lack of consciousness, gender bias, moderate to high levels of stress, and depression and anxiety. Among school students and healthcare trainees, dysmenorrhea contributes to short-term absenteeism, lower productivity, creativity, and job performance. Among medical trainees, dysmenorrhea has been found to impact daily activities to a disabling degree in nearly one third of instances, resulting in difficulties in relationships and even self-isolation. Dysmenorrhea further produces substantial global economic losses and higher healthcare costs. To begin to alleviate the extensive issue of dysmenorrhea, we must increase awareness to fully understand its prevalence, risk factors, and potential for effective, affordable, and accessible treatments. Concurrently, our clinical environment must adopt a standard description and assessment tool to prevent, measure, and monitor dysmenorrhea, while on a global scale, we must develop and widely disseminate nationwide labor regulations that address the workforce impact due to the effects of dysmenorrhea.

Precision Immuno-Oncology in NSCLC through Gender Equity Lenses.

Precision immuno-oncology involves the development of personalized cancer treatments that are influenced by the unique nature of an individual's DNA, immune cells, and their tumor's molecular characterization. Biological sex influences immunity; females typically mount stronger innate and adaptive immune responses than males. Though more research is warranted, we continue to observe an enhanced benefit for females with lung cancer when treated with combination chemoimmunotherapy in contrast to the preferred approach of utilizing immunotherapy alone in men. Despite the observed sex differences in response to treatments, women remain underrepresented in oncology clinical trials, largely as a result of gender-biased misconceptions. Such exclusion has resulted in the development of less efficacious treatment guidelines and clinical recommendations and has created a knowledge gap in regard to immunotherapy-related survivorship issues such as fertility. To develop a more precise approach to care and overcome the exclusion of women from clinical trials, flexible trial schedules, multilingual communication strategies, financial, and transportation assistance for participants should be adopted. The impact of intersectionality and other determinants of health that affect the diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes in women must also be considered in order to develop a comprehensive understanding of the unique impact of immunotherapy in all women with lung cancer.

Latinas in medicine: evaluating and understanding the experience of Latinas in medical education: a cross sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: The percentage of physicians identifying as Latina has not improved despite improvements in recruitment of Latina medical students, suggesting barriers to retention and career advancement. Discriminatory experiences and mental health inflictions throughout training may contribute to difficulties in recruitment, retainment, and advancement of Hispanic/Latinx trainees, a notably understudied population. METHODS: An anonymous, online survey was distributed to Latinas in the continental U.S. between June 22 to August 12, 2022. Eligibility criteria included: self-identifying as Hispanic/Latina, female/woman, and completing or have completed medical school, residency, or fellowship in the continental U.S. in the past 10 years. Recruitment was done via the Twitter account @LatinasInMed and outreach to Latino Medical Student Association chapters. Descriptive statistics summarized the self-reported experiences. RESULTS: The survey included 230 Hispanic/Latinx women, mostly medical students (46.9%). A majority (54.5%) reported negative ethnicity-based interactions from patients and/or patients' families; 71.8%, from others in the medical field. High rates of depression (76.2%) and anxiety (92.6%) during training were reported by Latinas, especially medical students. Feelings of imposter syndrome and burnout were high at 90.7% and 87.4%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study evaluating the unique experiences of Latinas in medicine, who reported discrimination and mental health struggles, specifically during medical school, at alarmingly high rates. Our findings could aid in creating the needed interventions to support Latinas in medical training to reduce the existing exodus of Latinas from medicine.

Lung Cancer in Women: The Past, Present, and Future.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for women in multiple countries including the United States. Women are exposed to unique risk factors that remain largely understudied such as indoor pollution, second-hand tobacco exposure, biological differences, gender differences in tolerability and response to therapy in lung cancer, and societal gender roles, that create distinct survivorship needs. Women continue to lack representation in lung cancer clinical trials and are typically treated with data generated from majority male patient study populations, which may be inappropriate to extrapolate and generalize to females. Current lung cancer treatment and screening guidelines do not incorporate sex-specific differences and physicians also often do not account for gender differences when choosing treatments or discussing survivorship needs. To best provide targeted treatment approaches, greater representation of women in lung cancer clinical trials and further research is necessary. Clinicians should understand the unique factors and consequences associated with lung cancer in women; thus, a holistic approach that acknowledges environmental and societal factors is necessary.

Sexual Health Assessment in Women with Lung Cancer study: Sexual health assessment in women with lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: Sexual health is understudied and underreported in patients with lung cancer, and most data precede the approval of widely used targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors. The authors sought to evaluate the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in women with lung cancer in our current clinical environment. METHODS: This cross-sectional survey study was administered online to 249 women via the GO2 for Lung Cancer (GO2) Registry, using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Sexual Function and Satisfaction Measures questionnaire. Participants were recruited between June 2020 to June 2021. Eligibility criteria included age >18 years, self-identifying as a woman, fluency in English, and a lung cancer diagnosis within 10 years. RESULTS: Most (67%) had stage IV lung cancer and 47% were receiving targeted therapy; 66% were undergoing active treatment. Despite 54% of participants reporting "recent" sexual activity, most (77%) indicated having little to no interest in sexual activity and 48% reported recent minimal satisfaction with their sex life. The most common reasons negatively affecting participants' satisfaction with their sex life included fatigue (40%) and feeling sad/unhappy (28%). Common reasons for lack of recent sexual activity included lack of interest (68%) and vaginal dryness or pain (30%). Compared to pre-diagnosis, women were significantly less likely to have recent interest in sexual activity. In multivariable logistic-regression, vaginal dryness showed a significant negative association with recent interest in sexual activity. CONCLUSIONS: Sexual dysfunction is prevalent in women with lung cancer. Sexual health should be integrated into routine care for patients with lung cancer.

Parent Penalty: Parental Leave Experiences of Trainees and Early-Career Faculty in Oncology Subspecialties.

PURPOSE: Prime childbearing years occur during medical training and early career, leaving physicians with tough choices between family planning and career growth. Restrictive workplace parental leave (PL) policies may negatively affect physician well-being. We evaluate existing PL and lactation policies, as well as return-to-work experiences, among oncology trainees and early-career faculty. METHODS: An anonymous 43-question cross-sectional survey was distributed via e-mail and social media channels between May and June 2021 to oncology trainees and physicians within 5 years of terminal training in the United States. The survey was administered through SurveyMonkey. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data. Two hundred seventy-five participants were recruited via social media and outreach to program directors and coordinators in adult hematology/oncology and radiation oncology program directors. RESULTS: The average duration of PL was <6 weeks for most participants. Among those who used PL, 50% felt pressured to work while on PL, 60% felt guilty asking coworkers for help, and 79% were overwhelmed with demands of work and home, whereas only 27% had resources available at workplace to assist with transition back to work. Among those who breastfed at return to work, 31% did not have access to a lactation room, 56% did not have adequate pumping breaks, and 66% did not have pumping breaks mandated in contract. CONCLUSION: Our findings underline the immense magnitude of problems surrounding inadequate PL and support for lactating mothers among trainees and early-career physicians in oncology subspecialities. Policies and practices around PL and lactation should be restructured to meet the needs of the evolving oncology workforce.

Disparities in cancer care-A call to action.

Disparities in cancer care disproportionately impact minority groups, members of which face challenges in accessing high-quality cancer care, remain underrepresented in clinical trials, and experience significant financial toxicity and discrimination during their cancer journey. Diversifying our workforce, improving access to trials, and allocating research funding for equitable initiatives should be prioritized.

Mindful Eating Healthy Nutrition Group Visit for Adult Metabolic Syndrome, Feasibility Acceptability for Patients.

Context: Metabolic syndrome, includes elevated fasting glucose, high triglycerides, hypertension, low HDL & abdominal obesity, affects 35% of adults in the United States. People with metabolic syndrome are at high risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease and have higher all-cause mortality. Usual treatment for metabolic syndrome is weight loss through diet and exercise. Evidence supports the use of mindfulness as a strategy for effective weight management. Objective: Are group visits for mindful eating and healthy nutrition education feasible and acceptable across different primary care settings for patients, staff and clinicians? Study design: Pilot/feasibility study. Setting: Needham Wellesley Family Medicine PC, a physician-owned family medicine practice in Wellesley, MA. Population Studied: 15 patients 18+ years with obesity/overweight and metabolic syndrome or diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension. actively enrolled at site, able to consent, understand procedures, Exclusions: lack cognitive capacity, unable/unwilling to consent or complete study. Intervention: Group visits with mindfulness, mindful eating, healthy nutrition for adults with metabolic syndrome and related conditions. Curriculum: evidence-based principles of mindfulness, mindful eating, healthy nutrition, and activity to improve patient management of metabolic syndrome and related conditions. The curriculum seeks to foster sustainable lifestyle change related to eating behaviors, nutrition choices, activity, self-efficacy, stress-management, and goal setting. Physician, mindfulness teacher and patients meet for 13 weekly group visits during 3 months. Outcome measures: patient surveys at T0, weeks 5 and 10. measure mindfulness, mindful eating, nutrition practices. Survey questions and semi-structured interviews after the sessions ended. We collected feasibility data for scheduling, staffing, recruiting patients, and for patients acquiring skills and knowledge; and acceptability to patients; Results: Patients report: increased fruits, vegetables, salads, fish; decreased simple carbohydrates; and (5=better) eating healthier 4.5/5, achieve goals for lifestyle change 4.2/5; mindful eating was helpful 4.7/5; positive reinforcement from shared experiences, request more direct teaching, and more time to share with others. Conclusions: Mindful eating healthy nutrition group visits are feasible. Patients report acceptability for group visits, healthier eating & lifestyle change.

Microaggressions, Bias, and Equity in the Workplace: Why Does It Matter, and What Can Oncologists Do?

Despite efforts to embrace diversity, women and members of racial, ethnic, and gender minority groups continue to experience bias, inequities, microaggressions, and unwelcoming atmospheres in the workplace. Specifically, women in oncology have lower promotion rates and less financial support and mentorship, and they are less likely to hold leadership positions. These experiences are exceedingly likely at the intersection of identities, leading to decreased satisfaction, increased burnout, and a higher probability of leaving the workforce. Microaggressions have also been associated with depression, suicidal thoughts, and other health and safety issues. Greater workplace diversity and equity are associated with improved financial performance; greater productivity, satisfaction, and retention; improved health care delivery; and higher-quality research. In this article, we provide tools and steps to promote equity in the oncology workplace and achieve cultural change. We propose the use of tailored approaches and tools, such as active listening, for individuals to become microaggression upstanders; we also propose the implementation of education, evaluation, and transparent policies to promote a culture of equity and diversity in the oncology workplace.

Dónde Están? Latinx/Hispanic Representation in the Oncology Workforce: Present and Future.

This manuscript reviews the status of Hispanic/Latinx physicians in oncology, the benefits and challenges to achieving equitable representation, and potential solutions and actions to increase diversity in the oncology workforce. Persons of Hispanic/Latinx origin comprise 18.7% of the population and 16.8% of the adult population in the United States but are only 4.7% of practicing oncologists. The reasons for the lack of representation of Hispanic/Latinx individuals in medicine are multifaceted and include discrimination and biases, exclusionary practices, financial barriers, and lack of role modeling. As a result, patients are deprived the benefits of a representative workforce, such as improved access, enhanced culturally and linguistically competent care, and minimization of health disparities. Solutions included in the manuscript include a description of efforts by ASCO to improve the representativeness of the oncology workforce through its awards programs and educational efforts, especially for Hispanic/Latinx clinicians. The manuscript also outlines individual actions that attending physicians, senior oncologists, oncology leaders, and hospital/cancer center leadership can take to improve the diversity of the oncology workforce and support our Latinx/Hispanic trainees and colleagues. Improving the representativeness of the oncology workforce will require collective action by institutions, medical societies, and individuals. Nevertheless, widespread commitment to creating an inclusive and supported workforce is necessary to ensure the quality of care for minority patients, reduce existing cancer care disparities, and advance innovation in oncology.

Evaluating Internal Medicine Residents' Awareness on Cancer Survivorship Care Plan: A Pilot Survey.

Introduction: Survivorship care plan (SCP) is a tool to improve communication between oncologists and primary care physicians. Internal medicine residency curricula are lacking training for cancer survivorship and SCPs. Here, we aimed to assess the awareness and utilization of SCPs in medicine trainees. Methods: A pilot survey investigating awareness and experience with SCPs was distributed among internal medicine trainees in an outpatient setting. Participants were stratified by program type (transitional and categorical) and year of training. Differences in proportions were tested with parametric and non-parametric tests. Results: All thirty-seven participants who were administered a survey responded; 32.4% and 67.6% were transitional and categorical trainees, respectively; 54% were PGY-1, 21.6% PGY-2, and 24.3% PGY-3. None of the trainees reported following a SCP for cancer-free patients nor plans to use SCP as a source to obtain information. Up to 78.3% and 92.6% of participants reported that they were not taught about SCPs during their residency or medical school, respectively. The most frequent barriers to discuss cancer history and SCP with their patients were: insufficient or lack of information about SCPs (83.8%), patients' information as a source deemed "unreliable" (81.1%), and uncertainty if the patient has SCP (81.1%). Conclusions: Awareness and use of cancer SCPs among internal medicine trainees is limited, furthermore, a sizeable proportion reported not having accessed or received any training for SCPs. Efforts intended to facilitate SCP use and educate trainees about cancer survivorship may prove to be an effective strategy to increase the quality of care to cancer survivors.