Leadership Pathway Program

The ASTRO Leadership Pathway Program (formerly known as the Pipeline Protégé Program) is a two-year career development program aimed at increasing diversity among ASTRO leadership. Fellows selected to participate in the Leadership Pathway Program will learn about ASTRO’s governance and operational structures, receive placement on an ASTRO Council and engage in committee projects, build mentoring relationships with ASTRO leadership, and expand their networks through opportunities to connect with ASTRO leaders, mentors and peers. ASTRO members with at least three years of practice experience beyond residency and who have an interest in health equity, diversity, and inclusion are encouraged to apply.

Congratulations to the 2023 - 2025 Leadership Pathway Program Awardees

The Leadership Pathway Program is spearheaded by ASTRO’s Council on Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (HEDI), which has a mission to advance the status of minorities and the underserved in oncology through educational and professional opportunities, advocacy and awareness.

Program overview

View the Leadership Pathway Program Overview Infographic

The first step for Leadership Pathway Program (LPP) fellows is placement on a committee within an ASTRO Council. ASTRO’s Council Structure is organized around six key areas: Health Policy Advocacy (CPT code development and valuation), Government Relations Advocacy (lobbying Congress and federal agencies), Clinical Affairs and Quality (guidelines, incident reporting, practice accreditation), Education (Annual Meeting, small meetings, online learning), Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (workforce development, health equity education and advocacy) and Scientific Affairs (research grants, mentorship/career development). Learn more about ASTRO’s leadership structure and committee service.

Year 1

• Dive into ASTRO
  • Learn about ASTRO's structure and start building your network.
  • Attend LPP orientation and begin work with your committee on a project.
  • Attend monthly check-in meetings with Council/Committee leaders and staff liaisons.
  • Attend quarterly virtual LPP meetings.
• Year 1 Deliverables
  • Your completion of or contribution to a project is one measure of success.
  • You will present to other LPP fellows, ASTRO committee and council leadership, and ASTRO staff about your experience.
  • Fellows will receive $1,000 travel awards to the ASTRO Annual Meeting to connect in-person with leaders and mentors and to further your engagement in the ASTRO community.

Year 2

• Dive Deeper
  • Continue working on a committee project.
  • Be part of the selection committee for the next cohort of fellows.
  • Act as a liaison for an assigned Year 1 fellow.
  • Host a quarterly virtual LPP meeting where Year 1 and Year 2 fellows can connect.
  • Submit an educational session to the ASTRO Annual Meeting.
• Year 2 Deliverables
  • You will write an informational report and verbally present on your committee project at the fall ASTRO Board meeting.
  • Fellows will receive $1,000 travel awards to the ASTRO Annual Meeting to connect in-person with leaders and mentors and to further your engagement in the ASTRO community.

Beyond the Leadership Pathway Program: What's next?

Now it's time to pay it forward.

• Remain involved on ASTRO committees and/or task forces as a dedicated volunteer.
• Help others understand more about ASTRO's structure, leadership pipeline and how to get involved at any level.

Eligibility criteria

• Must be an ASTRO member.
• Must be a board-certified radiation oncologist or medical physicist.
• Must have at least three years of practice experience (not including residency). 
• Must have a demonstrated interest in diversity, inclusion, health equity and/or disparities.
• Must have strong interpersonal and presentation skills along with the ability to work collaboratively.
• Must have the ability and support to commit significant time to attend meetings and conference calls.
• This program is not exclusive to underrepresented minorities or women. Anyone with an interest in health equity, diversity and inclusion is eligible to apply.

If you have questions about the Leadership Pathway Program, please email Kirsta Suggs.