Initiatives
Aspiring Scientists and Physician
The Aspiring Scientists and Physicians Program offers undergraduate and medical students who are underrepresented in medicine the opportunity to learn about the radiation oncology field. This event is comprised of interactive panel discussions in which students meet radiation oncology faculty, residency program directors, medical physicists, residents and medical students who are on a similar journey, providing many opportunities for mentorship.
Medical Student Fellowships
The ASTRO Medical Student Fellowship Award introduces medical students from backgrounds that are underrepresented in medicine to the discipline of radiation oncology early in their medical education. Medical students in all years are encouraged to apply; preference will be given to first- and second-year students. In an effort to promote radiation oncology as a career choice, the fellowship will provide medical students with an experience designed to expose students to clinical, basic and translational research questions in radiation oncology.
Radiation Oncology Visiting Away Rotations for Medial Students
The ASTRO-BCRF Radiation Oncology Visiting Away Rotations support hands-on clinical and research skills development for medical students interested in pursuing careers in radiation oncology. Medical students from populations underrepresented in medicine are encouraged to apply. Preference is given to third and fourth year medical students.
Trainee Travel Awards to Foster Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
The ASTRO-BCRF Annual Meeting Trainee Travel Awards encourage the participation of medical students, graduate students, residents and post-doctoral fellows in educational and professional development opportunities at ASTRO's Annual Meeting.
Leadership Pathway Program
The ASTRO Leadership Pathway Program (formerly known as the Pipeline Protégé Program) is a career development program aimed at increasing diversity among ASTRO leadership, which supports ASTRO's core value of diversity and inclusion. The two-year program is designed to develop the next generation of ASTRO leaders and is spearheaded by ASTRO’s Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (HEDI) Council, which has a mission to advance the status of minorities and the underserved in oncology through educational and professional opportunities, advocacy and awareness.
DEI in RO Social Series
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Radiation Oncology (DEIinRO) is a social education series targeting and discussing key issues on health equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging within the field of radiation oncology. This series of one-hour webinars features panelists who offer their expertise through education sessions and Q&A discussions.
Gender Equity Community on ROhub
In 2020, a group of members reached out to ASTRO looking for an opportunity to talk with one another about issues related to gender equity. As a result, the Gender Equity in Radiation Oncology community was launched on the ROhub, ASTRO's private member platform. Members of this community network with each other, share concerns and successes and contribute to a monthly blog on ASTRO Blog. This community is open to all ASTRO members.
