ASCO has released a revised edition of the ASCO Self-Evaluation
Program (ASCO-SEP®), designed to help oncologists assess their
knowledge of the field.
The 22 chapters of the comprehensive publication review the
latest evidence covering the complete range of oncology topics.
Updated by experts in each field, the chapters cover all major
cancer types as well as underlying biology, pharmacology, clinical
strategies, and research design. Three new chapters in the second
edition address multiple myeloma, end-of-life care, and statistics
and clinical trials.
Closing the Gap between Cancer Care and Current
Evidence
ASCO launched the first edition of the program
in 2008 to create an evidence-based resource for practice as well
as a tool for oncologists to assess their level of knowledge in
various areas. The initiative responded to a 2005 survey conducted
by the National Cancer Institute, which had shown that oncologists
believe a gap exists between the cancer care patients receive and
the care indicated by current evidence.
Planned regular revisions allow users to stay up-to-date with
the latest scientific evidence regarding care of patients with
cancer. Each updated edition will also provide a current resource
for information on drug therapies, standard lab values, and
survivorship strategies.
The self-assessment questions in ASCO-SEP® are useful for
fellows preparing for initial board certification as well as
practitioners moving through the maintenance-of-certification
process. The questions directly correspond to the exam blueprint
used for both initial certification and maintenance of
certification. All questions explain in detail the rationale for
the correct answer and provide links to relevant references for
further reading.
The print version of ASCO-SEP® contains 165 self-assessment
questions. The online version has a bank of questions incorporating
those in the print publication plus 90 additional ones, for a total
of 255 practice questions. The online version uses a timed approach
for answering the questions, whereas the hard-copy publication is
designed to facilitate self-pacing.
Up to 45.5 category 1 continuing medical education (CME) credits
are available with the print publication, and an additional 10 CME
credits accompany the online question bank.
The print and online versions may be purchased together at more
than a 20% discount over buying them separately. ASCO-SEP® may be
ordered at www.ASCO.org/ascosep. ■
© 2010. American Society of Clinical Oncology. All Rights
Reserved.
