A new wave of leaders: Early evaluation of the interdisciplinary Foundations of Leadership in Radiation Oncology (FLiRO) program

•170 interdisciplinary radiation oncology (RO) professionals from 36 countries have taken part in the Foundations of Leadership in RO (FLiRO) leadership program between 2018 and 2021.•95% of participants indicated that FLiRO learning would be very or extremely useful for application in their workplace environments.•Systematic leadership development for RO professionals is central to ensuring the global gap in radiation therapy access and utilization continues to be addressed. Effective leadership across all areas of radiation oncology (RO) is vital to fully realise the benefits of radiation therapy in cancer care. We report outcomes of a novel interdisciplinary leadership program designed for RO professionals under a global joint society initiative. The Foundations of Leadership in RO (FLiRO) program was designed for aspiring RO leaders. Initially delivered in a blended learning format, it was adapted to fully virtual in 2021. It comprised a webinar tutorial, on-line modules and homework followed by ‘live’ in-person/virtual workshops over an approximately 6-week period. Topics included personal awareness, effective teamwork, quality improvement skills, leading change and conflict management. An immediate post-program online survey was performed using Likert scales to measure self-reported educational value, interaction with others and the likely application of learning to practice. Open comments were invited. 170 participants from 36 countries and 6 continents took part from 2018 to 2021 (99 doctors, 36 physicists, 32 radiation therapists/RTTs and 3 others). 141 (83%) participants responded to the post-program survey. Average weightings for responders’ views on whether pre-determined learning objectives were met ranged from 4.30 to 4.61 on a 5-point scale (1 = ‘not met at all’ and 5 = completely met). For the question addressing potential value of learning for application to their workplace, 124 of 130 (95%) of responders indicated that FLIRO would be ‘very useful’ or ‘extremely useful’. Initial evaluation of the FLiRO program supports its continuation and expansion with ongoing evolution based on emerging evidence around leadership education and participant feedback.