How would ASTRO’s Strategic Plan inspire you (your leadership) as an ASTRO Board Member?

I have a unique background that I would bring to a second term on the ASTRO Board, and our current Strategic Plan.
 
Over the past 23 years, I have experienced a variety of both geography as well as types of practice settings. From training at Wayne State in Detroit, to an academic practice at the University of Florida, to private practice in Oklahoma and then to my current home at Mayo Clinic, I have seen radiation oncology (RO) practice through multiple lenses. I recognize that excellent clinical care can be provided in any practice setting as well as advances in innovation in how we treat cancer. Sometimes forgotten at the National Academy level, I have learned that even small fluctuations in reimbursements might not only dramatically impact a small private practice, but also affect the employed physician model in many academic centers. As our ASTRO President I will fight for a strong academic and private practice environment, raising the tide to lift all boats. I am aware of the need for this because I have lived it. 
 
I have a 20+ year history of service to ASTRO, mostly in Government Relations and Health Policy. I served on the ASTRO Board from 2014-2018, culminating as Government Relations Chair from 2016-2018. In 2017, we made fighting back against inappropriate policies set by benefit managers and payers our top GR priority. This remains a major issue facing our field and requires our continued vigilance.
 
Overall, I agree with the 2022 Strategic Plan’s seven goals. I was ecstatic to see priority given to “cultivation of fuller engagement with the radiation oncology community.” My first term on the ASTRO Board taught me that we are stronger together. During my practice career, I have served as ASTRO’s AMA delegate and have worked with ACRO on key issues, including the 2013 RUC presentation in which 75% of RO’s code values were evaluated. The joint ASTRO-ACRO effort was successful and helped protect our specialty. I am very good at listening to others and building bridges.
 
Large segments of the RO community feel that ASTRO neither represents them nor hears their interests and concerns. As I speak with young radiation oncologists, I hear their concerns about oversupply, hypofractionation and outdated COI policies, the latter being out of step with other Societies. I hear these concerns and understand that we must explore these issues together.
 
If I was entering the field as a physician, physicist or radiobiologist, I would have genuine concerns about the long-term stability of RO if we do not evolve. A payment reform model will likely need to be part of that evolution. I believe that radiation therapy (RT) has the ability to help many patients with non-malignant conditions. If I were elected President, I would commit to this being the theme of the 2025 Annual Meeting. Radiopharmaceuticals have the potential to help many patients and we, as radiation oncologists, are the best physicians to manage this. We need to be present in this space. To accomplish all of this will require partnership with colleagues in other fields and stakeholders outside of ASTRO, including industry. We need leadership to make this a priority and I understand that need.
 
Lastly, participation flourishes with transparency and accountability. We should implement an annual open meeting with the ASTRO Presidential Track and Senior ASTRO Staff Leadership with regard to the Strategic Plan, inviting input from the membership and being open with our successes and failures.
 
Our membership deserves this and I am ready to give ASTRO my all.

Present Academic Rand and Position

• Assistant Professor of Radiation Oncology, College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona, 2012-present.
• Consultant, Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, 2015-present.
• Senior Associate Consultant, Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona, 2012-2015.

Previous Professional Positions and Major Appointments

• Medical Director, ProCure Proton Therapy Center, Oklahoma City, 2010-2012.
• Radiation Oncologist, Radiation Medicine Associates, Oklahoma City, 2009-2012.
• Consultant, Sameer Keole, LLC, Jacksonville, Florida, 2009.
• Assistant Professor, Shands Cancer Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, 2005-2009.
• Assistant Professor, Florida Proton Therapy Institute, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Florida, Jacksonville, Florida, 2005-2009.
• Per Diem Physician, Academic Radiation Oncologists, Detroit, 2004.

Service to ASTRO

• Member, CPT/RUC Advisors Work Group Team, 2013-present.
• Member, Code Development and Valuation Subcommittee, 2013-present.
• Government Relations Committee
  • Chair, 2016-2018.
  • Vice-chair, 2014-2016.
• Government Relations Committee
  • Chair, 2012-2014.
  • Vice-chair, 2010-2012.
• Member, 2004-present.
• Congressional Relations Subcommittee
  • Vice-chair, 2010-2012.
  • Member, 2006-2010.
• Member, State Captain Initiative, 2009-2014.

Board Certification

• Radiation Oncology, American Board of Radiology, 2005-2015.

Education

• Chief Resident, Department of Radiation Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, 2002-2003.
• Residency, Department of Radiation Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, 2000-2004.
• Internship, Department of Internal Medicine, MCP Hahnemann School of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, 1999-2000.
• MD, Ross University School of Medicine, Roseau, Dominica, 1994-1999.
• BS, Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 1989-1993.

How would ASTRO’s Strategic Plan inspire you (your leadership) as an ASTRO Board Member?

Radiation oncology is a critical component of cancer care and is essential for the majority of patients to achieve cure. ASTRO’s mission is to “advance the specialty of Radiation Oncology.” This involves promoting education, innovation, research, and to drive for quality. However, we are at a crossroads currently where our value needs to be continuously promoted as reimbursement pressures can deleteriously impact our core goals. This is amplified by developments in other areas that have the potential to crowd out funding for what we do. As a result, the activities of the Health Policy teams are essential to achieve ASTRO’s vision to “improve the lives of people with cancer with radiation therapy.”
 
Why is advocacy important?

• Advocacy drives policy changes that impact patient access, quality of care, and reimbursement.
• Advocacy plays an important role in educating policymakers on the role of radiation oncologists in treating cancer.
• Policymakers face an influx of information today and it is critical that we communicate the nuances of our specialty in a strategic way. 
• Physician advocacy is key to raising awareness of the financial and administrative pressures facing radiation oncology today.
• Advocacy is necessary to shape public policy in a way that positively benefits both physicians and patients. 
• Advocacy has proven equally critical in defeating harmful policies, such as proposals in annual payment rules and misguided CMMI demos.
• The goal of advocacy is to educate key decisionmakers to ensure they truly understand the impact of what they are putting into law.

 Over the last 15 years I have had the opportunity to participate in various Government Relations and Health Policy committees. It has been a great learning experience. I look forward to continuing to serve ASTRO as we work to advance the needs of our specialty, our members, and most importantly the patients we care for.

Education

• MBA, Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 2021.
• MD, Harvard Medical School, Boston, 1988.
• BA, Biochemistry (Summa Cum Laude), Rice University, Houston, 1984.

 Postgraduate Education

• Resident, Radiation Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, 1989-1993, Chief Resident, 1992.
• Transitional Internship, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, 1988-1989.

 Academic Appointments

• Assistant Radiotherapist, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, 1993-1994.

 Hospital Appointments /PRACTICE

• Texas Oncology, Dallas, Texas, and Sugar Land, Texas, 1995-present.
• Sinai Hospital, Baltimore, 1994-1995.
• MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, 1993-1994.

 Service to ASTRO

• Health Policy Committee, 2015-2023.
  • Chair, 2022-2023.
  • Vice-Chair, 2021-2022.
• Payer Relations Committee, 2015-2023.
  • Chair, 2019-2021.
  • Vice-Chair, 2017-2019.
• Payment Reform Task Force, 2014-2020.
• RO-ILS Steering Workgroup, 2013.
• Payment Systems Committee, 2007-2013.
• Regulatory Subcommittee, 2007-2012.

How would ASTRO’s Strategic Plan inspire you (your leadership) as an ASTRO Board Member?

I am sincerely honored to be considered for a position on the board of ASTRO. I have had the privilege of serving our radiation oncology community in many roles over the last 20 years. I have co-led translational science efforts related to breast cancer in RTOG, now NRG Oncology, developed national and local clinical trials, run a successful NIH funded translational laboratory, coordinated symposia and scientific content, mentored many trainees in lab and clinical roles, and learned and provided leadership through multiple operational and academic leadership roles with over 250 hours of formal leadership training. I can believe unequivocally that ASTRO's strategic goal to advance the specialty through the promotion of equitable, high-quality care for people with cancer, cultivating and educating a diverse workforce, fostering research and innovation, and leading policy development and advocacy is not only inspiring but crucial to growing the impact of our field for our workforce and patients.
 
In the role of Science Council Vice-chair, I would specifically endeavor to continue ASTRO’s work to enhance research and innovation to further this mission. In my current role as Science Council Steering Committee Chair, I have been engaged in the wonderful progress ASTRO has made to expand grant collaborations, partner with our equity diversity and inclusion leaders to promote the advancement of under-represented scientists, develop new recognition and programs to enhance resources for our clinical and basic scientists. I am deeply committed to being an ally to our entire workforce and always endeavor to amplify and elevate under-represented voices among us.  It would be an honor to contribute to the realization of ASTRO’s inspiring strategy as a member of the board.
 
In conclusion, ASTRO's strategic goals for science, to enhance research and innovation in radiation oncology, resonate deeply with me. By actively participating in the board's efforts to promote research innovations, develop partnerships, foster diverse researchers, support health services research, and strengthen the innovation ecosystem, I am confident that we can drive meaningful progress in the field. Through collaboration, advocacy, and dedication, I will strive to inspire others and contribute to the advancement of radiation oncology across the full spectrum of ASTRO initiatives and continue to offer this community my service and dedication.

Education

• Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, PA, MD, 2000, Medicine.
• Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, PHD, 2000, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
• Mount Holyoke College, S. Hadley, MA, BA, Cum Laude, High Honors, 1993, Chemistry .

 Postgraduate Education

• Executive Healthcare Administration Certificate, Rice University, Houston, September 2014-March 2015.
• Clinical Safety and Effectiveness Program, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, February 2013-August 2013.
• Faculty Leadership Academy, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, September 2012-May 2013.
• Research Fellowship, Mammary Gland Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Jeff M. Rosen, PhD, September 2003-September 2004. 
• Clinical Residency, Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Thomas A. Buchholz, MD, July 2001-June 2005. 
• Internal Medicine, Albert Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia, Glenn Eiger, MD, July 2000-July 2001. 

 Academic Appointments

• Professor, Breast Radiation Oncology, Division of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, September 2022-present.
• Professor, Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, Division of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, September 2017-present.

 Hospital Appointments

• Chair ad interim, Department of Breast Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, December 2022-present.
• Executive Chair/Section Chief, Division of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, September 2022-present.
• Division Wellness Lead, Division of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, September 2020-present.
• Executive Director, Morgan Welch IBC Clinic and Research Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, December 2022-present.

 Service to ASTRO

• Chair, Science Council Steering Committee, 2021-2022.
• Chair, Science Council Steering Committee, 2020-2021.
• Member, Annual Meeting Track – Biology, 2019-2020.
• Vice-chair, Science Workshops Task Force, 2018-2019.
• Member, ASTRO-ESTRO Oligometastasis Definition Writing Panel, 2018-2019.
• Science workshop Vice-chair, Chair, 2017-2018.
• Research Funding Advocacy Committee, Vice-Chair, 2013-2017.
• ASTRO Track Committees (Biology, Breast), 2013-2018.
• Science Review Committee, 2005-2010.

 Service to Other Oncology or Radiology Organizations

• American Association for Cancer Research
  • Scientific Review Committee, December 2022-present.
• National Cancer Institute Breast Oncology Local Disease (BOLD) Task Force
  • NRG Representative, January 2021-present.
• National Cancer Institute Breast Cancer Steering Committee Working Group
  • Committee Member, August 2021-present.
• American Radium Society
  • Member, January 2002-present.
  • Member, Resident and Attending Educational Committee, May 2007-May 2009.
  • Chair, Resident and Attending Educational Committee, May 2008-May 2009.
• American Association for Women Radiologists, Houston
  • Chairwoman, Member-in-Training Committee, January 2004.
  • Co-Chair Radiation Oncology Committee, January 2004.
  • Member-in-Training-at-Large, Executive Committee Member, January 2004.
  • Member, January 2004-present.

Biographical Sketch

Dr. Woodward is a Professor and the Chair, ad interim of the newly formed department of Breast Radiation Oncology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC). Dr. Woodward treats all types of breast cancer and is particularly interested in complex, locally advanced breast cancers, including Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC). She is the Executive Director of the MDACC Inflammatory Breast Cancer Clinic and Research Program. This program is dedicated to advancing the radiation treatment and biologic understanding of inflammatory breast cancer through laboratory, translational, and clinical research. She leads a federally funded research lab, is co-lead of the Breast CCSG Program at MDACC, co-lead of translational science for breast cancer in NRG Oncology, has won numerous mentoring awards for pre-clinical and clinical research mentoring, and is a Fellow of ASTRO.

How would ASTRO’s Strategic Plan inspire you/your leadership, as a member of the ASTRO Nominating Committee, and your vision of characteristics of future ASTRO leaders?

ASTRO’s strategic plan provides a blueprint to anticipate and confront both the obstacles and opportunities that lie before us in the field of radiation oncology. As a practicing academic physician, it is inspiring to consider how we move forward as a field to cultivate an inclusive workforce and enable equitable access to innovative and high-quality care. The goals of the strategic plan are motivating in that they rely on amplification of often, marginalized voices to achieve its aims. Future ASTRO leaders should embody the characteristics to authentically grow this community in an effort to achieve these goals.
 
The plan calls upon strong leadership to drive policy development and advocacy. At a time when health care systems are systemically challenged, ASTRO must serve as an organization that can influence the federal government on the critical support needed for radiation oncology both in the community and academic settings. In addition to demonstrating effectiveness in promoting policies to expand access, support incentives for clinical care, and advocate for treatment decisions to be made by the clinical care team (rather than payers or benefit managers), ASTRO leaders must also support and enable the treatments that allow us to remain relevant to our multi-disciplinary team members. The plan inspires a continual effort to push the advancement of radiation oncology through technology, innovation, and research. It is inspiring to consider the avenues we could explore to improve funding for research which is greatly needed to support the academic mission and maintain the vitality of our academic departments. Transforming innovation into standard treatments that can be offered throughout the community will allow us to achieve that equitable care for our patients at the highest level of safety and quality as described in our goals.
 
An inclusive, empathic, collaborative and accomplished leader, that can listen, anticipate, and grow with the evolution of health care system challenges, is critical for the future of our field. Growth of our radiation oncology pipeline is also crucial to the field particularly given our recent challenges in recruitment and retention into the radiation oncology specialty. A leader that is authentic and can relate across the generations to understand the needs and concerns of both our newer members and the radiation oncologists that have developed our field over a multitude of years, is vital at this time. Inclusive and diverse leaders that understand a broad range of perspective will best reflect our membership and the evolving needs of our field. Ultimately, growth of our specialty to recruit future leaders of the organization will be our legacy and will help assure that we reach our potential as outlined in the ASTRO strategic plan.  

Education

• MD, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, 2004.
• BS, Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, 1999.

POSTGRADUATE EDUCATION

• Chief Resident, Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, 2009.
• Resident, Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, 2005-2009.
• Internship, Transitional Year, St. Vincent’s Hospital, New York, New York, 2004-2005.

Academic Appointments

• Department Chair, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, 2020-present.
• Professor and Vice Chair of Research, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, 2019-present.
• Associate Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, 2014-2019.
• Residency Program Director, Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, 2010-2017.
• Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, 2010-2014.
• Instructor, Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, 2009-2010.

Hospital Appointments

• Service Line Director of Radiation Oncology, M Health Fairview Health System, Minneapolis, 2020-present.
• Director of Clinical Operations, Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences, East Baltimore Campus, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, 2017-2019.      

Service to ASTRO

• Co-Chair, SGM Task Force, Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Steering Committee, 2021-present.
• Chair, Pediatrics Scientific Track, ASTRO Scientific Committee, 2017-2020.
• Course Director, ASTRO E-contouring Program, 2016-2019.
• Member, ASTRO Scientific Committee, 2015-2019.
• Member, ASTRO Education Committee, 2015-2019.

Service to Other Oncology or Radiology Organizations

• American Radium Society (ARS)
  • Secretary, Executive Committee, 2022-present.
  • Member, Scientific Program Committee, 2020-2022.
  • Member, Education and Website Resources Committee, 2020-2022.
  • Member, American College of Radiology Appropriateness Committee Expert Panel on Lymphoma, 2011-2017.
• Society of Chairs of Academic Radiation Oncology Programs (SCAROP)
  • Member-at-large, Executive Committee, 2020-2022.
• Children’s Oncology Group (COG)
  • Member, Nominating Committee, 2020-2022.
  • Member, Soft Tissue Sarcoma, Steering Committee, 2017-present.
• American Board of Radiology (ABR)
  • Member, Lymphoma and Leukemia Committee, Written and Oral Boards examiner, 2013-2021.
• Radiological Society of North America
  • Chair, Radiation Oncology Refresher Course Committee, 2013-2017.
  • Member, Oncologic Imaging and Therapies Task Force, 2007-2017.
• International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, and Physics
  • Member, SA-CME Task Force, 2015-2020.
  • Senior Editor, Pediatrics, Lymphoma, Sarcoma, 2014-2017.
  • Associate Senior Editor, Pediatrics, Lymphoma, Sarcoma, 2012-2014.
• International Lymphoma Radiation Oncology Group (ILROG)
  • Member, Steering Committee, 2011-present.
• American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM)
  • Member, Working Group on Prevention of Errors, 2010-2015.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH

I am a board-certified radiation oncologist specializing in pediatrics, hematologic and musculoskeletal cancers. I currently serve as a Professor and Department Chair at the University of Minnesota in the Department of Radiation Oncology. I earned my MD at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in 2004 and went on to complete my residency at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in 2009. Following residency, I began my academic career at Johns Hopkins and served as Residency Program Director from 2010-2017. I transitioned from Residency Director to Clinical Director of the East Baltimore Campus at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in 2017. I accepted a position at the University of Minnesota in 2019 as Vice Chair of Research and in November 2020, became Chair of the Department. My research program has been dedicated to the development of innovative radiation approaches and novel combined modality therapies to improve the therapeutic ratio for pediatric and young adolescent cancer patients. In particular, my research has been focused on the translation of stereotactic body radiotherapy to treat children with the goal of improving outcomes in the oligometastatic setting both through investigator-initiated clinical trials and through national trials within the Children’s Oncology Group (COG). Throughout my career, I have sought out opportunities to support and advance the tripartite mission and I believe in the interdependency of the clinical, education, and research missions. Ultimately, I am fully committed to service to enhance innovation and foster an environment of inclusion for our specialty such that all members of our community can thrive.
 

How would ASTRO’s Strategic Plan inspire you/your leadership, as a member of the ASTRO Nominating Committee, and your vision of characteristics of future ASTRO leaders?

ASTRO’s mission statement reminded me of what initially drew me to the field of radiation oncology: Innovation. Radiation oncology is a discipline that draws from the basic sciences of not just biology but also physics. And given the multidisciplinary nature of oncology, we are trained to partner with other medical specialties. What I find especially exciting in our field is the collaboration outside these basic sciences and medical fields. Through ASTRO's funding and organizational structure, the field can expand research opportunities with mechanical engineering to software engineering.  We could also pursue creative work within psychology by examining therapy through the patient’s perspective or within economics by developing data examining the cost benefit of radiation therapy for specific diseases compared to other therapies.

Even though the field is exciting because of these advances in technology and integration of sciences, the clinical aspect is what makes for a fulfilling career. The majority of ASTRO’s mission statement focuses on improving patient care. Whether that’s in improving access to care by promoting equitable distribution of our services or in the quality of care through guidelines and mentorship programs. Unfortunately in recent years, advocating for improved patient care has also meant that we must promote our services. This includes educating policy makers of the value of radiation within oncology payment models as well as reaching out to the public directly to counter misconceptions of our treatments.

Ultimately none of these goals can be realized without strong membership. That strength begins with representing a diverse workforce from early career to seasoned clinicians, from medical physicists to oncology nurses, from physician scientists to rural practitioners. And in turn, ASTROs work is strengthened by the active engagement of each member. This does not stop with paying dues but also playing an active role in the society.  Participating in committees has been educational for me beyond what can be found in the medical literature.  This has allowed me to communicate to patients, referring physicians and administrators of the trajectory of our field and ultimately has improved my practice.  I am grateful to this field that has offered me an exciting and fulfilling career and I hope to encourage other community clinicians to actively engage with ASTRO so that patients continue to benefit from our discipline. 

EDducation

• MD, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, 2009.
• BS, Biological Sciences (Minor: Chemistry), Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 2005.

Postgraduate Education

• Resident, Radiation Oncology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, 2010-2014.
• Internship, General Surgery, Iowa Methodist Medical Center, Des Moines, Iowa, 2009-2010.

Academic Appointments

• Adjunct Faculty, Radiation Oncology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, 2019-present.

Hospital Appointments

• Physician, Radiation Oncology, Nassif Cancer Center, UnityPoint Health, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 2020-present.
• Physician, Radiation Oncology, John Stoddard Cancer Center, UnityPoint Health, Des Moines, Iowa, 2014-present.

Service to ASTRO

• Member, ASTROnews editorial board, 2022-present.
• Member, Annual Meeting Education Committee (PRO), 2021-present.
• Member, Education Committee, 2018-2019.
• Abstract Reviewer, Annual Meeting Scientific Committee, 2015-2017.

Service to Other Oncology or Radiology Organizations

• National Cancer Institute
  • Member, Rectal Anal Task Force, 2020-present.
• Alliance for Clinical Trial
  • Community Oncology Committee, 2017-present.
  • Symptom Intervention Committee, 2017-present.
  • Publications Committee, 2017-2018.

How would ASTRO’s Strategic Plan inspire you/your leadership, as a member of the ASTRO Nominating Committee, and your vision of characteristics of future ASTRO leaders? 

The ASTRO Strategic Plan highlights key goals and objectives, with a prominent focus on engagement of the radiation oncology community, innovation in education and research, and promoting diversity and equity at many levels. Members of the nominating committee have a unique and critical role in identifying potential candidates that actively support and strive to meet these goals and objectives.
 
Within the strategic plan, a key goal is to cultivate fuller engagement with the radiation oncology community and to foster a diverse workforce. These goals are clearly linked in that the leadership of the society can and should represent the body of the society in regard to demographics, practice setting, and focus area. In addition, nomination of individuals from underrepresented groups provides a powerful opportunity to increase diversity of thought and experience all levels of leadership. Simultaneously, engagement of the next generation of radiation oncologists, biologists, physicists, and other care providers in the governance of ASTRO can potentially enrich the benefits of membership for all. Future leaders of ASTRO must include not only diverse backgrounds and expertise, but also requires leadership and innovation in their practice and/or research environments. Including a diverse slate of nominees with complementary expertise in one or more focus areas of the strategic plan will ensure forward progress in each goal and objective.
 
It would be a tremendous honor to serve on the nominating committee and to help shape the future of ASTRO.

Education

• MD, Duke University School of Medicine, 2000.
• BS, Biology (Summa Cum Laude), North Carolina State University, 1996.

 Postgraduate Education

• Resident, Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Institute/National Capital Consortium, Bethesda, Maryland, 2001-2005.
• Internship, Internal Medicine, Washington Hospital Center, Washington, D.C., 2000 - 2001. 

Academic Appointments

• Senior (Tenured) Investigator, Radiation Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, 2015-present.
• Deputy Director, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, 2016-present.
• Investigator (Tenure Track), Radiation Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, 2007-2015.
• Associate Clinical Investigator, Radiation Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, 2005-2007.   

 Hospital Appointments

• Radiation Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, 2001-present.

 Service to ASTRO

• ASTRO Science Education and Program Development Committee, 2020-present.
• ASTRO Best of ASTRO Program Committee, 2016-2019.
• ASTRO Press Program Planning Committee, 2016-2019.
• ASTRO Biology Track Committee Chair, 2016-2019.
• ASTRO Radiation/Cancer Biology Practice Examination and Study Guide Committee, 2013-present.
• ASTRO Biology Track Committee Co-Chair, 2013-2016.
• ASTRO Biology Abstracts Reviewer, 2013-2020.
• ASTRO Scientific Workshop Committee , 2013-2015.

SERVICE TO OTHER ONCOLOGY OR RADIOLOGY ORGANIZATIONS

• American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
  • ASCO Conquer Cancer Grants Selection Committee (YIA, CDA), 2018-2021.
• American Associate for Cancer Research (AACR)
  • AACR-NCI-EORTC Molecular Targets Meeting Scientific Committee, 2022.
  • AACR Radiation Science and Medicine Working Group Steering Committee,           2022-present.
  • AACR Radiation Science and Medicine Working Group, 2018-present.
  • AACR Radiation Medicine Think Tank Co-Organizer, 2018.

Biographical Sketch

I was lucky to be introduced to the field of Radiation Oncology as a medical student.  I was completely won over by a field that combined my love of biology, physics and medicine. Research in the field of Radiation Biology had provided a unique opportunity to study problems I have observed in the clinic, and to develop clinical trials based on my laboratory work.   
 
I started my clinical practice in 2005, and shortly thereafter my laboratory in 2007. My career as a Physician Scientist with a laboratory and clinical focus on Normal Tissue Radiobiology and Genitourinary Malignancies has been both productive and fulfilling. I currently serve as a Senior (Tenured) Investigator in the Intramural Research Program of the National Cancer Institute. 
 
I have a long track record of participation in ASTRO and service to the organization. My participation in ASTRO began as an abstract reviewer for the Biology Track in 2013 and later progressed to co-chair and chair of the Biology Track Committee. I have participated in numerous other Committees since that time, including the Cancer Biology Practice Exam Committee, the Scientific Workshops Committee, and the Science Education and Program Development Committee. It would be a tremendous honor to serve as a member of the Nominating Committee.