Policy Statement
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.
Biographical Statement
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.