Elections

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

Radiation Oncology: A Legacy of Leadership, a Vision for the Future
Historically, therapeutic radiation existed in the shadow of diagnostic radiology — a small subcommittee within a larger field. Over time radiation oncology emerged as an essential pillar of modern cancer care. We are pioneers in data-driven oncology and are defined by precision, compassion, and innovation — committed to improving lives through evidence-based, technologically advanced, equitable care. 

Defining Our Value
Consider this; treating every Medicare patient with radiation therapy for a full year costs less than a single drug used by only 14% of those patients. Yet, our value is often underestimated. Each year, we cure more cancers with fewer complications — delivering safe, effective care. Our value should not be measured in comparison to or confined by outdated metrics. It should reflect the unique combination of outcomes, affordability and humanity we bring to oncology.

Our strategic plan outlines the goal to remain not only an equal partner in oncologic care, but to continue as leaders in innovation, value, equality and comprehensive patient care.

Elevating Our Voice and Visibility
ASTRO’s strategy to elevate the national visibility of Radiation Oncology is timely and essential. As president, I would deepen collaboration with sister societies and expand our presence in the broader oncologic community. We must champion our specialty through tumor boards, joint publications and multidisciplinary conferences. By welcoming contributions from other fields to our journals, podcasts and scientific meetings, we foster collaboration and promote a deeper understanding of our unique value.

We must continue to recruit and support a diverse, talented workforce, fostering mentorship and strong engagement with students and residents.

Innovation Beyond Technology
While we continue to lead in technological advancements, the next frontier lies beyond hardware. ASTRO members are pioneering research into tumor biology and radiation sensitivity — discoveries that could transform our field just as molecular science revolutionized systemic therapies. Innovation must also focus on safety, efficiency and measurable outcomes.

We are also rapidly expanding our understanding of radiation as a safe and effective modality for treating benign conditions that may impact quality of life. Our goal is to responsibly expand the role of radiation across a broader spectrum of diseases.

Policy, Advocacy and the Path Forward
I am deeply committed to health policy. ASTRO must continue to advocate for value-based care models that reward quality, not quantity. We must protect evidence-based guidelines, resist unnecessary administrative burdens, and oppose policies that stifle innovation or create unfair competition. ASTRO’s leadership in these areas will empower our members to thrive in a changing health care landscape.

Patient-centered, Outcome-driven Care
As health care evolves to prioritize outcomes and patient satisfaction, our mission remains clear: improve tumor control while reducing toxicity. We must support research, clinical pathways, and decision-making tools that enhance care quality and equity.

Through continued innovation and advocacy, we can ensure radiation oncology remains a leader in delivering informed, compassionate and life-changing care, and I feel as President I am prepared to lead the society and fulfill our strategic goals.

EDUCATION

• MD, Northwestern University (AOA), Chicago, 1991
• BA, Biology (Summa Cum Laude), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, 1986

POSTGRADUATE EDUCATION

• Health Leadership Academy/AAMC Leadership Academy mini-MBA certificate, San Diego and Washington, DC, 2021-2022
• Health Economics Fellowship, ASTRO
• Resident, Radiation Oncology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, 1998-2001
• Fellowship, Gynecologic Oncology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, 1996-1998
• Resident, Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 1991-1995

ACADEMIC APPOINTMENTS

• Associate Dean, University of San Diego Health (UCSD), San Diego, 2024 – present
• Professor, Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, University of California San Diego, 2015 – present

HOSPITAL APPOINTMENTS

• Chief Medical Officer, UCSD Health, San Diego, 2024 – present
• Department of Radiation Medicine, UCSD, San Diego, 2006 – present

SERVICE TO ASTRO

• Board of Directors, Health Polcy Council Chair and Vice-chair, 2021 – present
• Chair, Health Policy Committee, 2019-2021
• CPT alternate, 2018 – present
• Member, CDVC, 2015 – present
• Member, CUAC Committee, 2017 – present
• Senior Editor, Gynecology
  • International Journal of Radiation Oncology Biology Physics, 2009-2010
  • Advances
  • Practical Radiation Oncology, 2020 – present
• Search Committee
  • Advances
  • Practical Radiation Oncology
  • International Journal of Radiation Oncology Biology Physics, 2020
• Member, Emerging Technology Committee, 2012-2015
• Reviewer ASTRO Annual Meeting abstracts: Breast, Gyn, 2013-2017, 2019, 2021-2025

SERVICE TO OTHER ONCOLOGY OR RADIOLOGY ORGANIZATIONS

• NCCN
  • Vice Chair, Cervical Uterine Panel, 2018 – present
  • Panel member, 2013 – present
• American Board of Radiology
  • Trustee, 2020 – present
  • Oral Boards Chair, Gynecology, 2019-2020
  • Oral and written boards committee member, 2004-2019
• American Radium Society
  • Appropriateness Criteria, Gynecology, 2017 – present
• American Brachytherapy Society
  • Chairwoman of the Board, 2018-2019
  • President, 2017-2018
  • Vice President, 2016-2017
  • Secretary, 2014-2016
• ASCO
  • Guideline Advisory Group
  • Committee on Economics
  • Committee on Coding and Nomenclature
• Kukuna O Ka La
  • President
  • Chairwoman
• ACRO
  • Board Member
• American College of Radiology
  • Appropriateness Criteria, Gynecology, 2009-2017
  • Panel on Radiation Oncology/Gynecology, 2011-2017

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

As a long-time ASTRO member and current Chair of the Health Policy Committee, I recognize that ASTRO’s Strategic Plan aligns with several important aspects of my professional values and leadership interests. Its focus on advocacy, quality care, education and continuous innovation addresses significant and evolving needs within radiation oncology and provides a structured framework to guide the specialty’s ongoing development.

Throughout my more than a decade of involvement in ASTRO’s health policy structure — including leadership roles as Vice-chair of the Health Policy and Code Development and Valuation Subcommittees — I have observed the critical role that thoughtful and strategic advocacy plays in shaping access, reimbursement and equity in cancer care. These experiences have underscored the challenges radiation oncologists face in navigating complex payer systems and regulatory environments. If elected as a Board Member, I would prioritize supporting initiatives that empower radiation oncologists to make clinical decisions grounded in evidence, while advocating for reimbursement models that are both fair and sustainable for various practice settings, including independent clinics and academic institutions.

ASTRO’s strategic plan’s emphasis on promoting high-quality, equitable care is consistent with my professional focus, particularly through my work in pediatric oncology, proton therapy, and leadership in national guideline development. Over the years, I have aimed to prioritize outcomes-focused care and to address access to care that can affect patient populations. I believe that these experiences equip me to contribute meaningfully to ASTRO’s quality initiatives and the development of clinical guidance that improves patient outcomes across the board.

In addition, ASTRO’s commitment to education, mentorship and research aligns closely with my ongoing efforts as an ABR examiner, educator and clinical investigator. I am dedicated to supporting lifelong learning opportunities and fostering research that advances the evidence base and demonstrates the value of radiation oncology in modern cancer treatment.

ASTRO’s Strategic Plan provides a thoughtful direction for the future of radiation oncology. I would view it as an important responsibility to bring my experience, insights and measured judgment to the Board, contributing to the successful implementation of the plan’s objectives in a way that benefits both the specialty and the patients we serve.

EDUCATION

• MD, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, 1992
• BSc, Biochemistry (Hons), University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada, 1988

POSTGRADUATE EDUCATION

• Fellowship, Proton Therapy, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, 1996-1997
• Resident, Radiation Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, 1993-1996
• Internship, Internal Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, 1992-1993

ACADEMIC APPOINTMENTS

• Professor, Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, Minnesota, 2017 – present
• Professor, Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, 2010-2017
• Associate Professor, Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, 2005-2010
• Assistant Professor, Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, 2002-2005
• Assistant Professor, Radiation Oncology, New England Medical Center, Tufts University, Boston, 1998-2002
• Instructor, Radiation Oncology, New England Medical Center, Tufts University, Boston, 1997-1998

HOSPITAL APPOINTMENTS 

• Consultant (Joint Appointment) - Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, 2024 – present
• Consultant - Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, 2018 –present
• Medical Director of Particle Therapy, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, 2018 – present
• Senior Associate Consultant, Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, 2017-2018
• Department of Radiation Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, 2002-2017
• Department or Radiation Oncology, New England Medical Center, Boston, 1997-2002

SERVICE TO ASTRO

• Chair, Health Policy Committee, 2024 – present
• Vice-chair, Health Policy Committee, 2023-2024
• Vice-chair, Code Development and Valuation Subcommittee, 2021 – present
• Member, Payer Relations Subcommittee, 2021 – present
• Member, Code Development and Valuation Subcommittee, 2020-2021
• Member, Health Policy Committee, 2020-2023
• Vice-chair, Payer Relations Subcommittee, 2019-2021
• Member, Payer Relations Subcommittee, 2013-2019
• Member, Annual Meeting Track Pediatrics, 2013-2015, 2017-2020
• Member, Annual Meeting Scientific Committee, 2012-2015

SERVICE TO OTHER ONCOLOGY OR RADIOLOGY ORGANIZATIONS 

• International Commission for Radiation Unites and Measurements
  • Co-chair for ICRU Committee Report Prescribing, Recording, and Reporting Proton-Beam Therapy, 2021 – present
• NCI Brain Malignancies Steering Committee
  • Co-chair, 2024 – present
  • Member, 2020-2024
• National Comprehensive Cancer Network
  • Vice-chair, Pediatric Brain Tumors, 2022 – present
• Particle Therapy Cooperative Oncology Group
  • Vice-chair, 2022 – present
  • Scientific Program Committee Co-chair 
• Particle Therapy Cooperative Group - North America 
  • President 2020-2024
  • Secretary 2014-2019
• American Board of Radiology
  • Examiner 2022 – present
  • Content writer 2018 – present
• Pediatric Radiation Oncology Society
  • Executive committee member: 2015 – present
• American College of Radiology 
  • Site Surveyor 2014-2017
• Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Education Programs
  • Site Reviewer, 2013-2017

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

As an active and long-standing member of ASTRO with an extensive history of service to Science Council, I am committed to advancing our field of radiation oncology. My experience in various leadership roles within ASTRO has equipped me with an understanding of the values and goals of our organization and its membership. As Vice-chair of Science Council and a Board Member of ASTRO, I would strongly advocate for the prioritization of clinical, translational and basic science within our society while maintaining focus on patient-centered clinical care.

Leadership Inspired by Strategic Goals

ASTRO’s mission to advance high-quality patient care, support research and drive policy advocacy resonates with my vision for the future of ASTRO. The strategic plan’s emphasis on inclusivity aligns with my belief that a diverse leadership team enhances innovation and decision making. Leaders who promote a welcoming culture are essential to growing an engaged membership and advancing our mission.

Key Characteristics of a Science Council Vice-chair and ASTRO Board Member:

1.    Engagement and Collaboration: Engaging early career clinicians and scientists and fostering collaboration within our community are essential for the growth and continued relevancy of ASTRO as the largest radiation oncology community in the world. Collaborative and consensus-building leaders will enhance partnerships that advance the field and improve outcomes for our patients. As Vice-chair, I will ensure that voices from all corners of the society – including clinicians, researchers, medical physicists and biologists – are heard and empowered. Efforts to explicitly include early career members are particularly important for the health and longevity of our society.
2.    Clinical Innovation and Research Advocacy: Promoting innovation and expanding funding opportunities are critical for our future. Having served Science Council for over a decade, I have developed an appreciation for leaders who are committed to fostering a vibrant research community that will ensure radiation therapy continues to evolve and progress. Whether disruptive research that creates new opportunities for the use of radiation to treat human disease or technological advances focused on improving existing approaches, the health of our society is linked to our ability to innovate as a field for the benefit of our patients.
3.    Patient-centered Care and Policy Advocacy: Effective leaders must advocate for policy that supports the role of radiation oncology in the health care system. They must be credible expert clinicians who can educate policymakers on the benefits and value of radiation therapy. Leaders who can influence policy to expand access and ensure treatment decisions are based on clinical evidence will be pivotal in advancing high-quality patient-centered care and promoting quality and safety in all environments.
4.    Educational Excellence: Ensuring access to innovative education is essential for maintaining high standards of care in radiation oncology. Leaders who actively promote adapting educational content to evolving trends and practice needs will support the professional development of clinicians throughout their careers.

My vision as Vice-chair of Science Council is to promote and lead a scientific agenda that is as dynamic and diverse as our membership and the communities we serve. Through strategic advocacy, inclusive engagement and a relentless focus on impact, I am committed to helping ASTRO shape a future where scientific research drives innovation and excellence in clinical care to ultimately improve patient outcomes.

EDUCATION

• PhD, Medical Physics, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, 2006
• BA, Physics, Middlebury College, Middlebury, Vermont, 2002

POSTGRADUATE EDUCATION

• Resident, Radiation Oncology Physics, Stanford University, Stanford, California, 2006-2008
• Internship, Radiation Oncology Physics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, 2004

ACADEMIC APPOINTMENTS

• Professor and Vice Chair, Therapeutic Radiology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, 2022 – present
• Associate Professor, Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 2019-2022
• Associate Professor, Therapeutic Radiology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, 2014-2019
• Assistant Professor, Therapeutic Radiology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, 2008-2014

Hospital Appointments

• Director of Medical Physics, Radiation Oncology, Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Connecticut, 2022 – present
• Chair, Radiation Safety Committee, Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Connecticut, 2022 –present
• Director of Clinical Operations, Physics Division, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 2019-2022
• Medical Physicist, Radiation Oncology, Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Connecticut, 2008-2019

SERVICE TO ASTRO

• Past Chair, Science Education and Program Development Committee, 2022-2024
• Member, Scientific Review Panel, 2023 – present
• Member, Annual Meeting Track – Physics, 2013-2014, 2017-2019, 2023 – present
• Member, ASTRO Career Mentor Program, 2022 – present
• Chair, Science Education and Program Development Committee, 2020-2022
• Vice-chair, Science Education and Program Development Committee, 2018-2020
• Member, Science Education and Program Development Committee, 2013-2024
• Member, Annual Meeting Steering Committee, 2020-2023
• Member, Science Council Steering Committee, 2018-2023
• Member, Annual Meeting Education Committee, 2018-2023
• Member, Promoting Science through Research and Training Committee, 2017-2022
• Member, Clinical, Translational, and Basic Science Advisory Subcommittee, 2016-2017
• Member, Radiation and Cancer Biology Committee, 2013-2014

SERVICE TO OTHER ONCOLOGY OR RADIOLOGY ORGANIZATIONS

• International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, and Physics
  • Deputy Editor and Section, Physics, 2024 – present
  • Executive Editor and Section Editor, Physics, 2021-2024
  • Senior Editor, Physics, 2019-2021
  • Associate Senior Editor, Physics, 2016-2019
• American Board of Radiology
  • Chair, Medical Physics Clinical Exam Committee, 2024 – present
  • Associate Chair, Medical Physics Clinical Exam Committee, 2023
  • Member, Medical Physics Test Assembly, 2023 – present
  • Member, Medical Physics Clinical Exam Committee, 2018 – present
• American Association of Physicists in Medicine
  • Member, Particle Therapy Subcommittee, 2024 – present
  • Member, Work Group on Particle Beams, 2021-2024
  • Member, Molecular Imaging in Radiation Oncology Work Group, 2018-2024
  • Program Director, Therapy Education for the Annual Meeting of the AAPM, 2020
  • Program Co-Director, Therapy Education for the Annual Meeting of the AAPM, 2019
  • Member, Annual Meeting Education Program Working Group, 2018-2020
  • Member, Audit Committee, 2018-2019
  • Member, Board of Directors, 2015-2017
  • Member, Regional Organization Committee, 2015-2017
  • Member, Task Group No. 256 on Proton Relative Biological Effectiveness, 2013-2016
  • Member, Professional Development Needs Assessment Subcommittee, 2012-2014
  • Member, International Educational Activities Committee, 2012-2014
  • Member, International Affairs Committee, Member, 2011-2014
  • Vice-Chair/Member, African Affairs Subcommittee, 2007-2016
  • Chapter Representative/Past-President/President/President-Elect, Connecticut Area Medical Physics Society chapter of AAPM, President-Elect 2011-2017
  • Past-President/President/President-Elect, N. California Chapter of AAPM, 2007-2009

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH

Dr. David J. Carlson has been an active member of ASTRO since graduate school. He currently serves as Professor, Vice Chair, and Director of Medical Physics in the Department of Radiation Oncology at the Yale University School of Medicine and Yale-New Haven Health. Dr. Carlson received his Bachelor’s degree in Physics from Middlebury College and his PhD in Medical Physics from Purdue University. He completed his residency in Radiation Oncology Physics at Stanford University. After residency, he was a member of the Medical Physics faculty at Yale for over a decade before joining the faculty at the University of Pennsylvania where he served as an Associate Professor and the Director of Physics Operations in the Department of Radiation Oncology. Dr. Carlson’s clinical and research interests include the clinical implementation of novel technology and translational multi-disciplinary collaborations with physicians and biologists. The goals of his research are to improve treatment outcomes for cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy by developing accurate models of treatment response and advancing our understanding of the underlying biophysical mechanisms that govern radiation response. Dr. Carlson currently serves as Executive Editor and Section Editor for Physics for the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, and Physics, is a Fellow and past Member of the Board of Directors of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM), and is Past Chair of the Science Education and Program Development committee of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO). He was elected as a Fellow of ASTRO in 2023.

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

I am running for the position of Secretary/Treasurer of ASTRO. In this position, I would be committed to supporting the missions of ASTRO, namely, advancing innovative research, educating our membership, contributing to the improvement of clinical cancer care, and advocating for our specialty and our patients on Capitol Hill.

My foremost responsibility in the role of Treasurer would be to ensure ASTRO’s financial strength and stability through thoughtful oversight of its endowment and judicious use of its resources. We have all experienced the vicissitudes of the market in recent days; prudent stewardship of our financial resources is more important than ever.

With a solid financial base, the ASTRO Board would be in a better position to execute its most vital responsibilities. To start with, the landscape of cancer care is changing more rapidly, and perhaps more profoundly, than ever in our history. The advent of immunotherapy and expansive catalogue of novel targeted agents and antibody-drug conjugates have transformed systemic therapy, both supplementing and replacing conventional chemotherapy. These advances have also changed how radiotherapy is used and added uncertainty as to the interaction of our treatment with new agents. ASTRO must be on the forefront of supporting our new understanding of how radiotherapy will complement new systemic therapies. As a community, we need a proactive stance on incorporating our treatment in evolving paradigms of cancer care.

The pace of research in cancer has been accelerating, adding new data at an extraordinary rate. The complexity of our work environment is increasing the demands of lifelong learning. ASTRO must rise to this challenge by redoubling its efforts to provide continuing education from site specific experts to the community of radiation oncologists at the speed of innovation.

A host of changes in radiotherapy, most notably the rise in moderate and ultra-hypofractionation, have yielded improvements in the therapeutic ratio, reduction in costs, and alleviation of the burden of care on our patients. This isn’t your grandfather’s radiotherapy! However, our current financial models discourage implementation of these advancements, disincentivizing the adoption of newer practicing and punishing the most forward thinking physicians. If we are to serve our patients as well as possible, ASTRO must lead the effort to update the structure of reimbursement and protect competitive RVU allocations. At the same time, we are seeing the employment landscape consolidate rapidly, with fewer (but larger) hospital systems absorbing independent practices and hospitals. Once formed, these systems are using their growing monopsony power to limit physician autonomy. ASTRO, working together with partner organizations such as the ACR and AMA, must help its members navigate this complex terrain and preserve our professional independence that is so vital to fulfilling our professional duties.

EDUCATION

• MD, University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine; Chicago, 2004
• MBA, University of Chicago, Booth School of Business; Chicago, 2004
  • Concentrations in Economics and Entrepreneurship
  • Certificate in Health Administration and Policy
• BS, Psychology (Magna Cum Laude and with Honors), Brown University; Providence, Rhode Island, 1998

POSTGRADUATE EDUCATION

• Resident, Radiation Oncology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, 2005-2009
• Transitional Internship, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, 2004-2005

ACADEMIC APPOINTMENTS

• Professor, Radiation Oncology and Medical Education, Northwestern University, 2024 – present
• Vice-Chair of Education, Radiation Oncology, Northwestern University, Chicago, 2019 – present
• Associate Professor, Medical Education, Northwestern University, Chicago, 2019-2024
• Associate Professor, Radiation Oncology, Northwestern University, Chicago, 2017-2024
• Program Director, Radiation Oncology, Northwestern University, Chicago, 2013-2020
• Assistant Professor, Radiation Oncology, Northwestern University, Chicago, 2009-2017

HOSPITAL APPOINTMENTS

• Radiation Oncology, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, 2009 – present

SERVICE TO ASTRO

• Radiation Oncology Institute (ROI) Research Committee, 2018-2022
• Finance/Audit Committee of ASTRO, 2011-2016
• Payment Systems Committee of ASTRO, 2007-2011
• Chair, ARRO Executive Board, 2008-2009
• Events Officer, ARRO Executive Board, 2007-2008
• Representative to ACR, ARRO Executive Board, 2007-2009

SERVICE TO OTHER ONCOLOGY OR RADIOLOGY ORGANIZATIONS

• American College of Radiology (ACR)
  • Section Chair of Breast Cancer, In-Service Examination (TXIT), 2019 – Present
  • Test Writer, Breast Cancer Section, In-Service Examination (TXIT), 2017-2019
• Chicago Radiological Society (CRS)
  • President, 2016-2017
  • Secretary/Treasurer/President-Elect, 2015-2016
  • Secretary/Treasurer/Vice-President, 2014-2015
  • Trustee and Program Director, 2009-2014

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH

I am a radiation oncologist who treats breast and gynecologic cancers at Northwestern in Chicago. I have been involved in ASTRO, the ACR, and my local chapter – the Chicago Radiological Society – for almost 20 years. Most relevantly, because my background includes an MBA, I served on ASTRO’s Finance/Audit Committee and Payment Systems Committee.