2025 ASTRO Member Survey Results
Members provide feedback on membership satisfaction and functions, current challenges, future opportunities, radiopharmaceutical therapy
The ASTRO Annual Member Survey provides a snapshot of our membership in addition to valuable feedback about member satisfaction, areas of concern and opportunities for improvement. The 2025 Member Survey was fielded for nine weeks from April 28, 2025, through June 27, 2025, and was emailed to 8,569 members. The survey had a 10% response rate with two-thirds of respondents identifying as radiation oncologists (ROs). The results of the survey follow:
PROFESSION
Out of the 875 respondents, 67% are ROs, 16% medical physicists, 10% residents and 7% other. Seventy-seven percent of respondents are U.S.-based. Taking a closer look at participating radiation oncologists based on years out of residency, those who are more than 20 years out of residency and those less than or equal to eight years out of residency were the most highly engaged in completing this survey. Thirty-seven percent of the 433 U.S. ROs reported that they are the medical director at their primary work setting.
PRACTICE SETTING
When ROs were asked, “In what practice setting do you provide the majority of your radiation therapy services,” Academic Medical Center and Community Hospital topped the list for both U.S. and International respondents. However, a noticeable increase in U.S. RO respondents reported practicing in Academic Medical Centers in 2025 vs. 2024 (47% and 38% respectively). International RO respondents practice setting responses were consistent year over year.
PRIMARY EMPLOYER
More than half (53%) of U.S. ROs reported their Primary Employer is Academic/University-based system and 42% reported Private Practice/Community-based system. ASTRO U.S. physician membership is 46% Academic/University-based, 49% Private Practice/Community-based, 2% Government and 3% Other.
MEMBERSHIP AND SATISFACTION
In response to the question, “What are your top three reasons for being a member of ASTRO,” both U.S. and international respondents rank Access to ASTRO Journals and Premier Society for Radiation Oncology as the top two reasons. U.S. respondents rank Networking Opportunities as number three, while International respondents rank Quality and Safety Recommendations, e.g., guidelines and whitepapers third. Publishing Scientific and Practice Journals and Advocating on Behalf of Members for Appropriate Reimbursement and Coverage rank as top functions ASTRO performs by U.S. ROs (89% and 86% respectively). Top ASTRO functions from the International ROs perspective are Publishing Scientific and Practice Journals and Hosting the Annual Meeting (79% and 72% respectively).
| U.S. | 2025 (n=424) |
|---|---|
| Publish scientific and practice journals (Red Journal, PRO and Advances) | 89% |
| Advocate on behalf of members for appropriate reimbursement and coverage (e.g., insurers, CMS) | 86% |
| Educate and lobby Congress and policymakers about radiation oncology | 86% |
| Host the Annual Meeting and specialty meetings | 83% |
| Support the delivery of safe and effective patient care (e.g., publish clinical practice guidelines and consensus documents) | 82% |
| International | 2025 (n=147) |
|---|---|
| Publish scientific and practice journals (Red Journal, PRO and Advances) | 79% |
| Educate and lobby Congress and policymakers about radiation oncology | 72% |
| Host the Annual Meeting and specialty meetings | 63% |
| Support the delivery of safe and effective patient care (e.g., publish clinical practice guidelines and consensus documents) | 52% |
Overall satisfaction among respondents increased in 2025. Looking at U.S. and International satisfaction separately also indicates an increase in satisfaction. The greatest jump in satisfaction is noted by U.S. Early Career respondents whose satisfaction increased from 48% in 2024 to 67% in 2025. U.S. Resident satisfaction also indicates a slight increase in 2025. Both ARRO and Early Career now have ex-officio seats on the ASTRO Board of Directors, which may account for the increase in satisfaction.
FUTURE OF THE FIELD
U.S. and International ROs, RO residents, and medical physicists shared what they are most excited and concerned about with regard to the future of the field.
| Radiation Oncologists | ||
|---|---|---|
| U.S. | Excited | Concerned |
| Technological Innovation and Precision Medicine | Reimbursement and Payment Models | |
| Expansion of Radiation Therapy Applications | Workforce and Training | |
| Combination Therapies and Integration with Systemic Treatments | Technological Relevance and Advocacy | |
| International | Integration of AI and Personalization | Workforce Shortages and Training Gaps |
| Advanced Techniques and Technologies | Financial and Accessibility Challenges | |
| Combination with Systemic Therapies | Impact of AI and Technological Advancements | |
| Radiation Oncology Resident | ||
|---|---|---|
| U.S. | Excited | Concerned |
| Technological Advancements and Innovation | Decreasing Reimbursement and Financial Pressures | |
| Expanding Indications and Applications | Workforce and Job Market Challenges | |
| Patient-Centered Care and Improving Outcomes | Loss of Influence and Role in Cancer Care | |
| International | Technological Innovation in Radiation Therapy | Global Disparities in Access to Advanced RT |
| Equity and Accessibility in Healthcare | Job Opportunities and Career Pathways | |
| Collaboration Across Disciplines | Toxicity and Side Effects of Radiation | |
| U.S. Medical Physicist | ||
|---|---|---|
| U.S. | Excited | Concerned |
| AI-Driven Precision and Adaptive Radiotherapy | Financial Pressures, Reimbursement, and Cost Sustainability | |
| Integration of Multi-Modal Treatments and Collaboration | Workforce Issues: Staffing Shortages, Burnout, and Training | |
| Technological Advancements for Improved Access and Efficiency | Technological and Clinical Advancements: AI, Safety, and Innovation Stagnation | |
Read more results of the 2025 Member Survey online, including members' responses on current challenges by specific cohorts, social media preferences and radiopharmaceutical therapy. The Annual Member Survey provides valuable information for ASTRO’s continued service and future initiatives. Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2025 survey. The survey is sent out every spring, so please help us continue to serve the needs of the radiation oncology community by completing the 2026 survey.
