ASTRO Chair attends Cancer Moonshot discussion, Medicare reimbursement, Bylaws vote
October 30, 2024
ASTRO Chair joins White House event on global cancer On October 25, ASTRO Chair Howard Sandler, MD, MS, FASTRO, was invited to participate in a White House roundtable discussion. The Biden Cancer Moonshot asked stakeholders to discuss how a global cancer fund could help expand access to life-saving cancer services in low- and middle-income countries. “It was fantastic! ASTRO, along with other U.S. and international cancer organizations, were invited to an important White House Biden Cancer Moonshot meeting that focused on developing a Global Cancer Fund,” said Dr. Sandler. For more, read What’s Happening in Washington. |
New bill aims to fix Medicare reimbursements for 2025 |
This week, congressional leaders on Medicare payment reform introduced an ASTRO-supported bill that would take steps to repair the broken Medicare reimbursement system. Legislation sponsors Greg Murphy, MD (R-NC), and ASTRO champion Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), were joined by six physician members of Congress on a bill that would eliminate the 2.8% conversion factor cut and provide a partial inflationary-adjusted update for 2025. To learn more, visit What’s Happening in Washington. |
ASTRO submits comments to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) on draft T&E guidance |
ASTRO submitted comments to the NRC on its Draft Interim Staff Guidance: Guidance for the Implementation of Training and Experience Requirements. In general, ASTRO believes that the draft offers clarity to regulations that at times can feel ambiguous. For more information, see What’s Happening in Washington. |
Register for a complimentary ROCKS session on team science |
Register today for a complimentary ASTRO ROCKS web session, focused on team science in academic radiation oncology, held on November 7 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern time. Four accomplished researchers will share their insights on building interdisciplinary teams to successfully secure large federal grants. Start November off strong and attend this free webinar! |
New learning opportunity! eContouring for Celiac Plexus Radiosurgery webinar |
Registration is open for the eContouring for Celiac Plexus Radiosurgery webinar. This webinar will take place on December 4, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern time and will be led by Yaacov Lawrence, MD, MBBS, MRCP, FASTRO. This ASTRO Academy webinar will review contouring for this new technique for pain control in pancreatic cancer. Registration includes access to hands-on contouring practice on real cases in addition to a live webinar with time for Q&A. ASTRO members receive a discount. |
Reminder! Apply to join pancreatic guideline task force |
ASTRO is initiating a task force to develop a guideline replacement on Radiation Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer. Members may apply for consideration to join the task force by the deadline on Tuesday, November 12. Please apply or forward this information if you know of any colleagues that may be interested. |
Thank you, Laura, for 22 years of leadership! |
Tomorrow, October 31, marks Laura Thevenot’s last day as ASTRO CEO. Laura served as CEO for 22 years, helping to shape the Society into the strong organization it is today. She was recently awarded the ASTRO Honorary Member Award as recognition of her many years of service to the field of radiation oncology. Watch the tribute, delivered by Anthony Zietman, MD, FASTRO, and Laura’s address from the 2024 Awards Ceremony. On behalf of ASTRO staff and members, we wish Laura a joyful, adventure-filled and restful retirement. |
Reminder to vote on the Bylaws changes |
Voting is open until November 22 on changes to the existing ASTRO bylaws, as presented at ASTRO’s Annual Business Meeting, October 1, 2024, in Washington, DC. Changes include revising the Affiliate Member Category description; limiting the number of Board members from one institution serving on the Board at the same time; and increasing the number of supporting signatures needed for member nominations to be included on the ballot for elections to make it proportional with the number of members.
View the revised bylaws and access the ballot at www.astro.org/vote. The ballot and instructions will appear once you log in with your email address and password. If you need assistance with your login information, please email Membership. |