Role of Housestaff During and Following Departmental Disasters in Radiation Oncology.

Abstract

Radiation oncology is highly dependent on complex technological infrastructure and tightly coordinated workflows, making it particularly vulnerable to disruptions from disasters such as pandemics, cyberattacks, natural disasters, and equipment failures. Interruptions in treatment delivery can adversely impact oncologic outcomes, highlighting the need for effective departmental preparedness. Within this context, radiation oncology residents represent a flexible and essential component of the clinical workforce, yet their roles during disasters remain poorly defined. This review examines the contributions of housestaff during and following departmental disruptions, focusing on professional expectations, training and curriculum development, communication, safety considerations, and postdisaster recovery. We highlight gaps in formal guidance and propose a framework for integrating residents into disaster preparedness planning, including longitudinal training and role delineation aligned with level of training. Thoughtful incorporation of residents into disaster response can enhance departmental resilience while maintaining patient and trainee safety as well as preserving the educational mission. As healthcare systems continue to face operational disruptions, structured inclusion of housestaff will be critical to sustaining safe and effective radiation oncology care.