Jill Achille is the chief radiation therapist at the Lifespan Cancer Institute in Rhode Island. She oversees both the main campus in Providence and the satellite locations. She started her career at Yale New Haven Hospital and has expanded her interests over the years to include leadership and computed tomography. She recently acquired her graduate certificate in health care leadership to accompany her master’s degree in health care administration from Salve Regina University. Jill lives in Connecticut with her husband and two college-aged sons.
Treatment of Lung SBRT vs. Gated Lung SBRT
Joe Bender is a lead radiation therapist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in Middletown, New Jersey. He is a lead regional student preceptor, responsible for shepherding radiation therapy students through their studies and helping them complete competencies while at his location. Additionally, Joe is a member of the social butterflies committee, which aims to promote the individual and team success of radiation therapists throughout MSK. He earned certifications in diagnostic radiology in 2016 and in radiation therapy in 2017. He has nearly a decade of experience in health care, and this is his third year presenting at the ASRT Radiation Therapy Conference. Before entering health care, Joe managed a bookstore, did survey design and analytics for a market research company, and owned and operated a poker table in Montana. Joe currently resides in New Jersey with his wife and two children.
Leading Despite Yourself: Leadership Concepts and Techniques for the Timid, Unsure or Reluctant Leader
Courtney Brown is the senior radiation therapy manager at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. She graduated from the University of Vermont radiation therapy program in 2005 and received her master’s in health care administration from Suffolk University in 2010. She has worked in a variety of positions in her career including lead radiation therapist at Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center, and technical operations manager at NYU Langone Health Medical Center.
Courtney has spoken at the New England Society of Radiation Therapists conference, the U.S. SGRT Community annual meeting and the American Society of Radiation Therapy annual conference.
Managing Disruptive and Discriminatory Patient or Visitor Behavior
Samantha Cariello studied health science at Stony Brook University from 2017-2020. She earned a bachelor’s in health science with a concentration in radiation therapy. She obtained a radiation therapy certificate and a New York State radiation therapy license in 2021, after rotating through the Mount Sinai Health System across Manhattan. Samantha joined the team at Mount Sinai West in July of 2021 and has been a staff therapist there now for two and a half years.
Implementing Triggered Imaging With Auto Beam Hold for Prostate Treatment
Amanda Carpenter is the clinical coordinator of the radiation therapy program at the University of Wisconsin La Crosse. She has been at UW-La Crosse for a little more than 11 years and enjoys seeing her students grow into wonderful radiation therapists. Amanda lives in the country with her husband and three young children and enjoys spending time with them. She also enjoys reading and traveling, especially anywhere with a beach!
Guidance for Clinical Instructors in Successfully Educating Radiation Therapy Students
Dr. Timmerie Cohen is certified in radiography, radiation therapy and medical dosimetry. She is the director of clinical education at Virginia Commonwealth University. Dr. Cohen received her doctorate in public policy and administration with a concentration in health policy. Serving her professional community is an important aspect of her commitment to the ASRT.
Addressing Ageism in Radiation Oncology
Capitalize Your Experiences: Taking the First Steps Toward Publication
Dr. Melanie Dempsey is an associate professor at Virginia Commonwealth University and serves as the radiation therapy program director in the College of Health Professions. She worked as a radiation therapist, medical dosimetrist and manager before joining the faculty at Virginia Commonwealth University in 2006. Dr. Dempsey obtained her doctorate in 2015.
Dr. Dempsey has been active with the ASRT, serving on the Editorial Review Board, various curriculum review and Practice Standards committees and the Radiation Oncology Safety Stakeholders Initiative task group.
Ron DiGiaimo is the chairman and CEO of Revenue Cycle Cod¬ing Strategies. He is a frequent speaker and author for nationally recognized professional organizations and publications. Ron directs several oncology-specific and broad health care consult¬ing companies to facilitate clients reaching their desired goals. He also serves as a national government expert witness to the Department of Justice and Office of Inspector General in Wash¬ington, D.C., and various state levels, regarding oncology fraud and abuse of Medicare spending.
Ron holds a Master of Business Administration from Oklahoma Christian University in Oklahoma, and a bachelor’s in health ser¬vices administration from Weber State University in Utah. He is a former radiation therapist having trained at Allen Shivers Radiation Ther¬apy School in Austin, Texas, and is an active member of the American College of Radiation Oncology, American Society of Ther¬apeutic Radiation Oncology, Society of Radiation Oncolo¬gy Administrators, American Association of Medical Dosi¬metrists, American Society of Clinical Oncology, Association of Cancer Executives and several other groups whose missions forward the cause of oncology management.
Billing and Coding for Radiation Therapy 2024
Billing and Coding for Radiation Therapy 2024 — Complex Procedures
Dr. Maria Dimopoulos is an assistant professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in the department of radiation oncology, where she leads the Center in Radiation Sciences Education in partnership with Stony Brook University. Dr. Dimopoulos received her doctorate in health professions leadership and education from Pacific University, her Master of Business Administration in health care from Simmons University, her radiation therapy education at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and her bachelor’s from North Carolina State University. She serves on the editorial review board for the Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences and is a member of the ASRT Foundation Research Grants and Advisory Panel. Dr. Dimopoulos’ passion and purpose meet at the intersection of interpersonal skills training, caring for sensitive populations in radiation oncology and establishing the U.S. advanced practice radiation therapy curriculum.
Beyond the Beam: Bridging Patient Care, Training and Research in Radiation Therapy
Sally is all about cancer! She has held many roles in nationally recognized oncology consulting and billing entities during her career. Her dedication to the radiation oncology industry has evolved from being a radiation therapist, an assistant professor, and a billing and coding consultant to a principle of an oncology billing company. Time spent in these clinical and administrative settings has resulted in diverse oncology expertise, which now includes being a certified cancer coach. Her most cherished accomplishment is being a triple negative breast cancer survivor.
Sally is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma, College of Allied Health and a registered radiation therapist. She also holds a master’s in business administration from Oklahoma Christian University.
Cancer Moonshot — Progress and Impact on Our Profession
After graduating from Manhattan College in 2015, Vincent Gazzara started his career as a radiation therapist at Mount Sinai Hospital. With a swift progression from staff therapist to senior therapist in 2019, followed by a promotion to lead therapist in 2023, Vincent has consistently demonstrated expertise and dedication to the field.
At Mount Sinai he has been able to work with many diverse and innovative technologies in radiation therapy. Vincent not only embraces the continual evolution of these technologies but also takes pleasure in sharing this knowledge through teaching and inspiring colleagues and students to use the latest advancements for enhanced patient care.
Safety in Motion: Optimizing Patient Handling and Care With the Ambulatory Safety Check
Jeannetta Greer’s journey in the radiation therapy profession began at Wayne State University, where she completed her undergraduate and graduate studies. She earned a bachelor’s in radiation therapy technology, a master’s in community medicine and a master’s in education, laying the foundation for her multifaceted career.
Jeannetta brings more than three decades of clinical experience as a registered radiation therapist to her role as the program director for WSU's radiation therapy technology program. Her passion for teaching is deeply rooted in radiation therapy, where she finds joy training new radiation therapists and nurturing aspiring professionals. Beyond imparting technical skills, she emphasizes the significance of compassion in patient care, believing it to be the cornerstone of success both in teaching and in personal endeavors.
Jeannetta’s commitment to continuous improvement is unwavering, reflected in her participation in ongoing education and training through esteemed organizations such as the American Society of Radiologic Technologists and the Michigan Society of Radiologic Technologists.
Beyond the confines of the classroom and clinic, her dedication to personal growth and community engagement remains steadfast. Jeannetta finds solace in attending church, derives fulfillment from nurturing her nieces and nephews, and indulges in the simple pleasures of life — immersing herself in good books, enjoying movies and embarking on the occasional shopping spree, which she humorously refers to as her cardio.
In all aspects of her life, Jeannetta strives to embody the values of compassion, dedication and continuous learning so she can have an enduring impact on the radiation therapy profession and the lives she touches.
Alternative Teaching Modalities to Enhance Student Engagement
Regina Hargrove is an experienced health care leader with expertise in all aspects of oncology and imaging operations, from frontline patient care and operational team development to program and technology implementation. She has more than 20 years of oncology experience and began her career as a radiation therapist. Regina’s dedication to patient care and understanding of revenue cycle processes helped her quickly advance to department manager after five years as a staff radiation therapist. She sought out an opportunity for advanced growth in Billings, Montana, which led to further leadership growth. She managed the Gamma Knife program implementation during her time in Montana, while she obtained a bachelor’s in business online. Regina has managed operations for seven clinics, spanning radiation oncology, positron emission tomography–computed tomography, and medical oncology operations with 50 employees. Over the years, she has learned the value of strong revenue cycle processes for sustainable oncology operations. In 2021, she earned her master’s in business administration.
Amy Heath is the radiation therapy education program manager at UW Health and serves as adjunct faculty for the radiation therapy program at University of Wisconsin, LaCrosse. She received her master’s in clinical management and leadership from George Washington University. In addition to working with radiation therapy students, Amy also enjoys writing and mentoring aspiring authors and radiation therapy professionals. Amy has served as the chairman of the Radiation Therapist Editorial Review Board and currently serves as a mentor for the ASRT Foundation Research Mentor Advisory Group. Amy also currently serves on the American Society of Radiation Oncology’s APEx practice accreditation subcommittee and is an APEx surveyor.
An Overview of APEx Accreditation for Radiation Therapists and Medical Dosimetrists
Patti Hensel considers her background as an imaging technologist as her superpower in her current practice administrator role at New York Oncology Hematology. Patti often relies on her past patient-facing experience to offer a well-rounded perspective on patient and staff needs. She is a proud member of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists and the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging. In 2020, Patti earned her master’s in health systems administration from Rochester Institute of Technology. Patti lives in upstate New York with her husband and three children. They are an adventure-seeking bunch and love to take trips to their happy places: the Adirondacks, Colorado, Cape Cod and Maine.
Ready, Set, Manage: Creating a Personal Roadmap to Management
Laura Hesse is a graduate of Crozer Chester Medical Center's School of Radiologic Technology and Cooper Medical Center's School of Radiation Therapy. Her bachelor's degree is in allied health with a minor in supervision from Widener University and her master's degree is in health science from Saint Francis University. Currently, she is pursuing her doctorate in public administration at Liberty University. She has experience in proton and photon radiation therapy, simulation, pediatric radiation therapy, spirometric motion systems and high dose rate brachytherapy.
The Evolution of Brachytherapy at Penn Medicine
Stephanie Hoff is a 2019 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, where she earned a bachelor’s in radiation therapy. Upon graduation, Stephanie began her career as a radiation therapist with Mercyhealth and SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital-Janesville. In 2021, Stephanie became the lead radiation therapist at SMHJ. As well as being the lead radiation therapist, Stephanie is a clinical preceptor for radiation therapy students who complete their internships at SMHJ. Stephanie provides excellent leadership and promotes the importance of relationship-based care with her presence on the relationship-based care committee at SMHJ. Stephanie had an integral role in the radiation oncology department’s journey to becoming tattoo-free.
When Stephanie is not working, she enjoys spending time with her boyfriend and their three dogs. Stephanie is an avid runner and is currently training for her second marathon. Stephanie also enjoys bowling, something she’s done since she was young.
Road to Becoming a Tattoo-free Department and Benefits of SGRT
Francis Holgado is a credentialed adaptive radiation therapist at UT Southwestern Medical Center. He is one of the original radiation therapists that initiated the Ethos treatment modality during the opening of UTSW’s adaptive center in the summer of 2021. Francis graduated from Argosy University in St. Paul, Minnesota, in 2015, and has worked with UTSW since 2017. The recent technological and treatment expansions at his institution have allowed Francis to rapidly improve his skillset and knowledge in the practice area. Francis also loves to cook, travel and hike.
Responsibilities and Impact of an Adaptive Therapist
James E. Hugh III serves as senior vice president of American Medical Accounting & Consulting. AMAC handles all issues regarding documentation, electronic health records, compliance, coding and reimbursement, and it provides full-service billing and claims processing services, practice management, training for clinical, administrative and coding staff, reporting for reimbursement projections to standard RoadMaps, and auditing and consulting in radiation oncology and medical oncology. This year, AMAC is celebrating its 42nd year in business.
A resource for medical groups, vendors, investment bankers, facilities, universities, clinics, hospitals, freestanding centers and third-party payors, James and AMAC now represent a client base of more than 1,000 health care organizations nationwide. James has cultivated relationships with medical directors, federal executives, regulators and administrators for a variety of local and national managed care organizations. He is highly regarded as a leading industry authority on reimbursement issues for radiation therapy. He has been professionally involved with billing and coding for radiation oncology for more than 35 years. James has published numerous articles and books on billing and coding. In addition to his publications, he has given hundreds of talks.
The Therapist's Documentation, Capture and Reimbursement Tool
Dale James graduated from Loma Linda University in 1994 and became a radiographer, and in 1995, he graduated from Loma Linda’s radiation therapy program. He has worked for 27 years in proton and photon centers that treat pediatric and adult patients. Since 2016, Dale has been a proton therapy supervisor at Cincinnati Children’s Proton Center. Treating patients, in general, has been the most rewarding job he has ever known. Since the beginning of his career as a radiation therapist, his heart has been pulled toward treating pediatric patients. This has given him an opportunity to learn different techniques to help ease their anxiety during the treatment process.
One of the first things that Dale tried was decorating patients’ masks. At the time of their simulation, he would ask if the child liked Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse or Spiderman. Back then, those images were the only ones he could make. Over the last 29 years, he’s made more than 640 masks, from football players and unicorns to minions and most of the superheroes. Dale tries to have the mask transformed prior to the patient’s first treatment so he can present it when the patient goes into the vault, which seems to ease the child’s anxiety.
Dale has also learned other techniques from his colleagues and from the child life specialists he’s worked with. He would like to pass on that knowledge to therapists who work at centers that don’t have child life specialists.
Methods to Ease Pediatric Patients’ Anxiety to Increase Tolerance of Radiation Therapy CT Simulations and Treatments Without Sedation
Alisa Kagen, a distinguished alumna of Wayne State University's radiation therapy technology program, boasts over three decades of experience as a dedicated radiation therapist. Throughout her illustrious career, she has remained deeply committed to assisting individuals during their most challenging times, fostering profound patient-therapist connections unique to the radiation therapy realm. Witnessing the dynamic evolution within cancer treatment has been a source of continual inspiration for Alisa.
Passionate about the essence of customer service, Alisa firmly believes in imparting the values of patient-centered care to her students. She emphasizes the paramount importance of prioritizing patients through effective communication, empathy and compassion. Alisa's philosophy underscores that patients entrust their well-being to healthcare professionals, thereby underscoring the imperative for students to graduate as competent and compassionate therapists.
Transitioning to academia amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Alisa has adeptly implemented innovative learning strategies to engage students, fostering an environment where learning is enjoyable and conducive to discussion and collaboration. With a penchant for creativity and diverse pedagogical approaches, Alisa endeavors to facilitate students' comprehension of complex material through various learning modalities..
Alisa epitomizes unwavering dedication to both the art and science of radiation therapy, and she shapes the next generation of health care professionals with her expertise, compassion and commitment to excellence
Dr. Sireesha Kavipurapu, or Dr. Kavi, has a doctorate from University of La Verne in health care organizational leadership and education, a master’s in health science from Western University of Health Sciences and a bachelor’s from the University of Southern California. Dr. Kavi studied radiation therapy at Loma Linda University and radiology at Los Angeles City College, and she has leadership experience in radiation oncology and radiology. She formerly served as interim program director for the radiology program at Los Angeles City College and taught classes as adjunct faculty for the radiology programs at Brightwood College, Everest College and Kaplan College. Currently, Dr. Kavi works as a radiation oncology administrator at Eisenhower Medical Center, which is affiliated with the University of San Diego in California. Dr. Kavi also currently serves as adjunct faculty for the radiation therapy program at John Patrick University. She is a great patient advocate and provides compassionate care. She has a wealth of knowledge from educational and administrator roles, including team building, management, professional development, departmental protocol standardization, and strategic planning and implementation.
Prone Breast Setup and Treatment in Radiation Therapy
Kathy Kienstra is associate professor and radiation therapy program director at Doisy College of Health Sciences, Saint Louis University in St. Louis. Missouri. She has been the program director for the radiation therapy program since it moved to Saint Louis University in 2007. Kathy is a proud graduate of the University of Missouri, Washington University and Webster University. She is registered in radiography and radiation therapy.
In addition to the radiation therapy program, Kathy was involved in the development and implementation of the interprofessional education program at Saint Louis University, including the development of an interprofessional education course called “Applied Decision Making in Health Care,” which she currently teaches. Kathy is interested in the topic of ethical practice and patient-centered care and believes that all imaging and radiation therapy professionals should be well educated on this topic.
Kathy has served on editorial review boards for the ASRT, Association of Educators in Imaging and Radiologic Sciences and Journal of Interprofessional Care. Kathy has served in many different capacities, mostly related to shared governance, with Saint Louis University and Doisy College of Health Sciences. She is also active in her community with her local school district, including having served as president of the board of education.
Teaching Clinical Ethics Using Applied Decision-Making
John Klade began his career as a radiation therapist in 2009 when he graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a bachelor’s in radiation therapy. Since then, he has worked in many areas of radiation therapy, including traditional radiation therapy, proton therapy, applications training and superficial radiation therapy. John is currently one of the regional directors of practice operations for SkinCure Oncology. His favorite part of being a radiation therapist is seeing the advancements in the field and developing relationships with his peers.
John, who resides in Fort Worth, Texas, with his wife and two kids, enjoys woodworking, playing outside with his son and daughter, traveling and helping on the family farm in Oklahoma.
The Use of Ultrasound Imaging in Radiation Therapy
Jaesang Lee was born in South Korea and fulfilled military service before making the significant move to the U.S. Graduating from the University of Texas at MD Anderson Cancer Center, Jaesang specialized in radiation therapy and diagnostic imaging, particularly focusing on magnetic resonance imaging. With a robust background in both photon and proton therapy, Jaesang served as a leading therapist in the computed tomography and MR simulation team for more than two years, contributing significantly to staff training and development of educational materials.
Dedicated to ensuring patient safety, Jaesang actively engages in workflow improvement initiatives to enhance clinical efficiency. Currently involved in the preparation of MD Anderson Cancer Center's new Proton Therapy Center, Jaesang brings valuable experience and commitment to the team.
Outside of the professional sphere, Jaesang is happily married with two children, finding joy in family nature outings and pursuing photography as a cherished hobby.
Process of Opening Proton Therapy Center 2
Laura Lock is a dedicated radiation therapist based in Houston, Texas, with a rich background that extends from the heart of small-town rural central Illinois. Graduating with a bachelor’s in radiologic sciences from Southern Illinois University in 2009, Laura embarked on her professional journey, driven by a passion for health care and a commitment to excellence.
Relocating to Houston, Texas, to pursue her career and be closer to her now-spouse, Josh, Laura immersed herself in the dynamic health care landscape. Over the course of her career from 2009 to 2016, she held roles in diagnostic imaging and radiation therapy at institutions such as Memorial Hermann and Precision Cancer Center. Her journey led her to the University of Texas MD Anderson, where she began her career at the Proton Therapy Center.
Laura's professional pursuits, however, are complemented by her role as a dedicated wife and mother. Balancing a thriving career with her commitment to family, she cherishes quality moments with her two sweet and rambunctious boys and her husband. Laura, a family-oriented individual, and her loved ones find joy in activities such as camping, crafting, swimming and embarking on memorable road trips!
Danielle McDonagh is the clinical coordinator for radiation therapy education and research for the Center of Radiation Sciences radiation therapy program at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. Danielle earned her bachelor’s in radiologic technology from the Manhattan College and is working toward completing her doctorate in health science clinical education at the University of Bridgeport. Danielle has worked in the profession for more than 15 years and has worked in various roles at Mount Sinai since 2017. As a clinical coordinator, she correlates clinical and didactic education for radiation therapy students, evaluates student clinical performance, participates in didactic and clinical instruction, and supports the program director to help assure effective program operation. At Mount Sinai, Danielle also is working on two grant-funded research projects to explore the impact of the advanced practice radiation therapist role in the U.S., and she has co-authored and authored several publications dedicated to this work. Danielle is involved in both the national APRT working group as well as the international community of practice.
Success With Advanced Practice Radiation Therapy Novel Outcomes and Initiatives for Modern Radiation Oncology Practice
James Michael Murray graduated from Gwynedd Mercy University in May 2018 with a bachelor's in radiation therapy. After graduation, he was hired as a radiation therapist for the Penn Medicine health system. James worked at Penn Medicine’s main location, the Perelman Center, for two years, and gained experience in many facets of radiation therapy. In April 2020, he transferred to the Chester County Hospital location and further enhanced his knowledge and skill set. James was the lead therapist assigned to Penn Medicine’s new Ethos machine and has had the opportunity to help implement the organization’s approach the new technology, which includes adaptive capabilities. When not at work, James enjoys spending time with his wife and their two young daughters.
Implementation of Adaptive Radiation Therapy From a Radiation Therapist Perspective
Francesca Noll has spent much of her career as a lead radiation therapist, focusing on innovative treatments and technologies as well as contrast media trainings. Over the years, Francesca’s interest in process improvement, quality and safety, and network development led her to her current role as clinical quality manager of cancer services at Cape Cod Healthcare. Her wide range of expertise has helped support the everyday treatments and workflows within radiation oncology as well as the broader scope of quality patient care and safety throughout an enterprise. When she’s not in the clinic, Francesca is in her garden with her two young boys!
Contrast Crisis Management in Radiation Oncology: From Training to Implementation
Chinasa Okoro, a licensed radiation therapist at UT Southwestern Medical Center, holds a bachelor’s in allied health with a concentration in radiation therapy from Thomas Jefferson University. With more than eight years of experience in radiation oncology, Chinasa now serves as a credential Ethos therapist. In addition to her patient care role, Chinasa plays a part in onboarding her peers in the department’s adaptive workflow.
Angela Oliveira serves as the chair of radiological health professions and the program director of the radiation therapy technology program at Manhattan College. With 14 years of clinical experience and several years of teaching in higher education, Angela brings a wealth of firsthand knowledge to her role.
Her contributions extend beyond the classroom; she is the author of the "Radiation Therapy Pocket Guide" and has published numerous articles in scholarly journals dedicated to radiation therapy. Actively involved in various committees such as the mentor program advisory board and the curriculum committee, Angela demonstrates her commitment to shaping the future of health care education.
Currently pursuing a doctorate in education in health care, Angela remains steadfast in her mission to empower aspiring health care professionals. Her passion for mentorship and advancement serves as a guiding light, inspiring those around her to strive for excellence.
From Classroom to Clinic: Bridging the Gap for Enhanced Education in Radiation Therapy
Dr. Manisha Palta is an associate professor of radiation oncology at Duke University. She is the vice chair of clinical research and vice chair of faculty in the department of radiation oncology at Duke University. She specializes in the treatment of gastrointestinal malignancies and is an active clinical scientist. Dr. Palta is the principal investigator in a clinical trial integrating immunotherapy into chemoradiation for esophago-gastric cancers and a quality-of-life comparison study of ablative radiation vs. other liver-directed therapies in hepatocellular carcinoma.
Dr. Palta lives in a female-dominated household with three daughters (ages 11, 9 and 3), a dog named Zoe and her husband. Her favorite pastime is consumption of food and beverage.
Revolutionizing Radiation Oncology: Unveiling the Power of AI in Cancer Care
Georgia Paparoidamis is a lead radiation therapist at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, in the department of radiation oncology and molecular radiation sciences. Her main focuses include brachytherapy and the development of a clinically robust brachytherapy program in a large academic hospital setting. In her lead therapist role, Georgia is responsible for working in a multidisciplinary group of radiation oncologists, medical physicists and dosimetrists to advance procedures in brachytherapy. She works with departmental leadership to improve the efficiency of clinical workflows and is also the primary resource for development of training policies for radiation therapists providing service in brachytherapy. Georgia is passionate about the advancement of the brachytherapy program through various clinical site groups and has worked to establish several new procedural workflows within the hospital system.
Developing the Role of Radiation Therapists for Intraoperative Radiation Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer Brachytherapy
Henna Parmar is the inaugural palliative clinical specialist radiation therapist within the Windsor Regional Cancer Centre. She completed her bachelor’s degree and advanced diploma in medical radiation sciences through the joint Michener Institute of Education at UHN and the University of Toronto in 2017. In 2023, she received her Master of Science and advanced certificates in palliative care from the University of Maryland, Baltimore. Prior to joining the Windsor Regional Cancer Centre, Henna worked as a radiation therapist across the greater Toronto area and British Columbia, and as a laboratory instructor at the Michener Institute of Education at UHN’s Medical Radiation Sciences Radiation Therapy Patient Care Course.
Navigating Critical Radiation Therapy Care During a Cyberattack
Ryan Quirindongo is a lead radiation therapist in East Greenwich, Rhode Island. He started his career in 2009 as a per diem therapist at Rhode Island Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island, where he eventually became a full-time radiation therapist. In 2020, Ryan helped open a satellite facility in East Greenwich and was promoted to lead radiation therapist. He holds a bachelor’s degree in health care administration.
Melanie Raaser is a radiation therapist III at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas Texas. She graduated with her bachelor’s in radiation therapy from Texas State University in 2011 and has been working at UT Southwestern Medical Center since 2016. She was one of the original therapists to start treating patients on the Unity magnetic resonance linear accelerator in the summer of 2021. Since then, she has focused on improving treatment processes and implementing training for current and future Unity therapists. In her spare time, Melanie loves spending time with her husband and two young daughters, traveling and tackling DIY projects.
Dan Roberts is the lead radiation therapist at Penn Medicine – Chester County Hospital. He received a bachelor’s in biology from Penn State in 2012 and a bachelor’s in radiologic science from Thomas Jefferson University in 2015. He also earned his master’s in business administration from St Joseph’s University last year. In 2016, Dan joined Penn Medicine as a radiation therapist and he’s been involved in many projects and committees to improve overall efficiency and quality of care in the radiation oncology department. He has been part of Penn Medicine’s ARIA super-user group and Epic governance committee for many years. When he was promoted to lead therapist, Dan used the knowledge he’d gained to continue to help develop new workflows and process improvements. Dan’s department has successfully implemented a new Siemens go.Sim computed tomography simulator and Varian Ethos linear accelerator within the last year.
Tessa Rodgers attended Ohio State University, where she received a bachelor’s from the radiologic sciences and therapy Program in 2016. Shortly thereafter, Tessa began her career at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center as a radiation therapist. Following five years at OSUCCC, she relocated to Chicago, joining the radiation therapy team at Northwestern Medicine Memorial Hospital. After two years in Chicago, Tessa was happy to return to OSU as a lead therapist. She is currently enjoying the process of obtaining a master’s in health care innovation through OSU.
Creating a Workplace of Choice: Improving Employee Satisfaction Rates in Radiation Therapy
Rory Rosselot, a dedicated radiation therapist since 2016, has distinguished herself through her clinical work for various esteemed oncology departments in New York, Vermont and New Hampshire. Additionally, her contribution to innovative research at Brookhaven National Laboratory has been noteworthy. In each role, Rory has built her skill set, with a focus on precision and compassionate care. A recent graduate of John Patrick University, Rory earned a bachelor’s in medical dosimetry, further expanding her knowledge and refining her expertise. Her dedication extends beyond mere technical proficiency. Rory is deeply committed to enhancing patient experience, ensuring that individuals receive not just advanced treatment but also the compassion and respect they deserve. In all facets of her work, Rory seamlessly merges technical acumen with a genuine, heartfelt approach, representing a holistic vision of radiation therapy.
Cherenkov Imaging in Radiation Therapy: Navigating Workflow Implications and Potential for Optimized Outcome
Mark Roytman is a lead radiation therapist in the department of radiation oncology at Mount Sinai Hospital. He holds a bachelor’s in biology from Stony Brook University and a certificate in radiation therapy from the School of Radiation Therapy at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Mark has been working as a radiation therapist for more than eight years. In 2019, he was honored to present "Optimizing Contrast for CT Simulation" at the ASRT Radiation Therapy Conference in Chicago. Mark embraces education and instructs dosimetry and radiation therapy students with a short refresher on hand calculations for registry review. Currently, he is pursuing a master’s in analytics from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Angel D. Santiago is a lead radiation therapist at NYU Medical Center. Angel has worked in radiation therapy for more than 20 years. He has strived to improve the quality of care at NYU Medical Center and has contributed to advancements in treatment options that the organization offers. An event that motivated Angel’s work was his father’s cancer diagnosis at age 9. His father was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma and was given six months to live. The treatment of chemotherapy and radiation cured him of the disease and made Angel’s life possible. He is eternally grateful to all the clinicians that contributed to his father’s care. This experience helped Angel see beyond the current treatment and discover how therapists’ work may help others beyond the patient at
Angel is a public speaker in the Jehovah’s Witness community, giving talks in front of hundreds and at times thousands of people. He also volunteers as a member of the Hospital Liaison Committee of Jehovah’s Witnesses to work with clinicians and others to look for ways to treat various medical conditions using bloodless techniques. This is an area of medicine that has been misunderstood for many years. Angel has seen firsthand the need for more education and understanding as well as the important role that radiation therapy can play for patients who do not undergo surgery for their medical conditions.
Bloodless Medicine and the Patient With Cancer
Melody Schaefer earned her degree at the College of Southern Nevada in 2010. She was board certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists in 2010. She entered the profession immediately and enjoyed learning all the equipment and procedures. She was hired by her intern center and then went back to Las Vegas for four years. At that point, she was offered an opportunity to work in Saudi Arabia with a diverse group of doctors and therapists from all over the world. Her love for travel sent her there for five years, and she was able to visit other parts of the world. Melody received an award from Princess Adila Bint Abdullah Al Saud for her work in pediatrics in 2020.
Melody returned to the United States in 2021 to continue working with patients with cancer. After her work in pediatrics, she realized it was a very difficult profession for therapists, and she has devoted her efforts to educating therapists on how to take care of their own mental health.
Burnout in Radiation Therapy
Larissa Schustor’s oncology career began in 2012 as a staff radiation therapist. However, a passion for leading meaningful change and enhancing the patient experience quickly led her to a fulfilling career in oncology leadership. After earning her master’s in health care administration in 2015, Larissa’s career focus shifted from treating patients to helping build better oncology programs. In her current role, Larissa’s passions are to provide inclusive, robust patient care while working to overcome health disparities, inequities and other barriers to quality care. Outside of work in health care, Larissa enjoys being a lifelong student by reading and writing both professionally and for personal enjoyment. She is also very fortunate to be the mom to two wonderful, spunky girls, and she enjoy traveling with her husband and family.
Elevating Oncology Programs: Delivering Concierge Care in a Consumer-based Market
Jotsna Singh is the chief radiation therapist at UC Davis Health. Since joining UC Davis three years ago, Jotsna has created a change management committee and therapist focus groups and become the evidence-based practice mentor in her department. Through her most recent study in evidence-based practice she was able to provide the department with significant data and research to drive the department toward a tattooless and markless radiation therapy treatment for 90% of patients.
Jotsna is no stranger to the topics of surface-guided radiation therapy, frameless stereotactic radiosurgery, radiation therapy career paths and stereotactic body radiation therapy, and she has previously presented on these topics at the ASRT Radiation Therapy Conference.
In her free time, Jotsna loves to travel the world with her adventure-seeking family and enjoys working out at the gym. She is excited to be here with you all today to share her experiences with breath hold stereotactic body radiation therapy.
Taking Breath Hold Radiation to the Next Level: Breath-hold SBRT Meets SGRT
Zack Smith, a radiation therapist with more than 30 years of experience, is the director of radiation oncology and respiratory care at Baton Rouge General Pennington Cancer Center. He has worked at his current facility for 25 years and has been the director for 18 years. He completed his radiation therapy training at UT MD Anderson in Houston. He has a Master of Business Administration in health care administration and a LEAN Six Sigma Green Belt from GE HealthCare.
Zack has served as a board member for the American Cancer Society and Elvin Howard Pancreatic Cancer Foundation. He attended CAP-C training for palliative care and served as the administrative liaison for his hospital's supportive and palliative care program. His program has been awarded two National Innovator awards from the Association of Community Cancer Centers and he is a contributing author in the 5th and 6th editions of the Principles and Practice of Radiation Therapy textbook by Washington, Leaver and Trad. Zack coordinates and participates in the pet therapy program he created for the hospital and inpatient oncology units. He has lectured at the local, state, national and international level and is a routine speaker for the ASRT.
Battling the Opioid Crisis — 2016 to 2024
Clodagh Starrs is the advanced practitioner for the radiation oncology department at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. Clodagh earned her bachelor’s in therapeutic radiography from the University of Ulster in Jordanstown, Ireland in 2002, and she completed her master’s in advanced clinical practice in radiation oncology in 2022. She worked in Belfast as a therapeutic radiographer before moving to New York City and assuming her progressive role at Mount Sinai in 2005. Clodagh managed the radiation therapy department at MSH for 12 years before taking on her role as the first advanced practice radiation therapist here in the United States. In her previous manager role, she specialized in multidisciplinary collaborations. Her special projects include pioneering innovative treatment protocols specific to breath-hold liver techniques and implementing sensitive practice into radiation therapy, both of which she has presented at the ASRT Radiation Therapy Conference. Clodagh is currently part of a team that has been tirelessly working to bring advanced clinical practice to the U.S., and she is part of the national and international committees on advanced clinical practice for radiation therapists. Her work has been published in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology - Biology - Physics, tipsRO and Radiation Therapist.
Tamara Syverson is the executive director of oncology client services for Revenue Cycle Coding Strategies. In her current position, Tamara manages oncology consultants and provides comprehensive consulting services to oncology practices nationwide, including large-scale projects involving electronic medical record conversions, as well as billing and documentation compliance.
Tamara earned her bachelor's in radiation therapy from the University of Oklahoma. Prior to joining Revenue Cycle Inc., she served in operational positions as dosimetrist, lead therapist and staff therapist.
She has 26 years of experience in radiation oncology and actively participates in multiple organizations. She lectures at the local, state and national level for the ASRT, Society for Radiation Oncology Administrators, Association of Community Cancer Centers and the American Association of Medical Dosimetrists.
Beyond Fractionation: A Review of Clinical Criteria Required for SRS and SBRT Techniques
Clifford Temple is the assistant chief radiation therapist at Mount Sinai Hospital. He has more than 20 years' experience in the profession. He has assumed multiple departmental roles through the years.
Preliminary Clinical Outcomes of Using the Bladder Scanner to Control Bladder Filling in Patients Receiving Prostate External Beam Radiation Therapy
Maria Thompson is the assistant program director of clinical education and an assistant professor for the Oregon Health & Science University radiation therapy program. Maria earned her bachelor’s in radiation therapy from OHSU and her master’s in educational leadership from Portland State University. She joined OHSU as faculty in 2016, and along with teaching didactic courses, Maria oversees the clinical education of radiation therapy students throughout their time in the program. Her areas of interests include trauma-informed care, patient education and assessment.
Incorporating Assignments in Community Engagement, Social Justice and Equity in Radiation Therapy Education
Dr. Kristi Linnea Tonning is the radiation therapy program director and an associate professor at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, Oregon. Shortly after earning her bachelor’s in radiation therapy from OHSU in 2001, she moved to Stavanger, Norway, and worked as a radiation therapist, dosimetrist and manager at Stavanger University Hospital for more than 12 years. In Norway, she earned her master's in change management from the University of Stavanger and worked as a change management consultant in the oil and gas industry for more than two years. In 2015, after more than 14 years in Norway, she moved back to Portland, Oregon, with her husband and three children. In 2021, Dr. Tonning earned her doctorate in educational leadership in health professions from Pacific University. She currently enjoys traveling with her family, playing the harp and eating all types of chocolate.
Change Management and How It Is Applied in Radiation Oncology
Nora Uricchio is the program coordinator for the radiation therapy program at Connecticut State Community College in Manchester. She is certified in radiography and radiation therapy and holds a master’s in education. Nora has been in education for more than 30 years. She enjoys being professionally involved with her state society, the Connecticut Society of Radiologic Technologists, and nationally with the ASRT. Nora serves as one of the ASRT Radiation Therapy Chapter delegates, on the Radiation Therapy Curriculum Committee and the Practice Standards Subcommittee, and she is a member of the Radiation Therapist Editorial Review Board. Her love for patient care, quality and safety, and education is the driving force that motivates her to share that passion with her students. It is an honor and a privilege for her to present with two of her former graduates at this year’s RTC.
Rachel Ward is not only a radiation therapist but is also a dedicated advocate for the profession. She was recognized with the 2021 I Am the Gold Standard Award by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Rachel's journey began as a graduate in Michigan, and she later transplanted her skills to California, shaping her career in radiation therapy. Starting in a small dermatology office, Rachel operated a superficial radiation unit for treating nonmelanoma skin cancers. Her dedication led her to become a nationwide advocate for this treatment modality, with more than 2,000 skin cancers treated. Rachel is the clinical recruitment coordinator for SkinCure Oncology, and she’s committed to sharing her vast knowledge and experiences with students, providers and patients. Recognizing the importance of community involvement, she holds memberships in state affiliates. In 2023, she joined the board of the Michigan Society of Radiologic Technologists as first vice president.
Introduction to Image-guided Superficial Radiation Therapy
Lisbet Williams worked in radiation oncology for thirty years before taking on her current role as practice manager of an outpatient hematology practice with New York Oncology Hematology in Albany, New York. As a practice manager, Lisbet strives to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for patients and staff alike. She has a passion for coaching and mentoring new leaders, process improvement and patient advocacy. When not working or volunteering, Lisbet enjoys exploring the many hiking trails in the Catskill and Adirondack mountains, transforming her yard into a pollinator-friendly paradise, and attempting to negotiate an agreement with the local pests to leave her vegetable garden alone.
Kate Wisniewski is a seasoned radiation therapist with more than a decade of experience. Kate's career started in 2010 at Abington Jefferson Hospital. She spent the next nine years developing her skills and became proficient in computed tomography simulation, photon radiation therapy and brachytherapy. With a passion for clinical work and patient care, Kate was also involved with the educating and training future therapists. She received the Excellence in Clinical Instruction Award from the Thomas Jefferson radiation therapy program in 2018 for her work with student radiation therapists.
Kate made the move to Penn Medicine in 2019 to expand her knowledge and skill set. She began work at the Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine. Following training in proton therapy, she participated in the creation of a new hybrid operating room brachytherapy suite. Most recently, Kate has rotated through a charge therapy position. This opportunity has given her hands-on experience, insight and knowledge of the inner workings and functionality of a Penn Medicine’s radiation oncology department.
Dr. Cheryl Young is the radiation therapy program director at Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts. Her educational background includes a bachelor’s in radiation therapy from California State University, Long Beach, and a master’s in organizational leadership and a doctorate in education with a focus in organizational leadership from City University of Seattle. Dr. Young is a licensed radiation therapist and practices in the clinic whenever she can get time. She is actively involved in the radiation therapy profession. She currently serves as the Radiation Therapy Chapter delegate for the American Society of Radiologic Technologists. Dr. Young has also served on other ASRT committees including the Radiation Therapy Curriculum Workgroup, the Practice Standards Council, the Committee on R.T. Advocacy Region 1 Subcommittee, and on the American Association of Physicians in Medicine task group 314. Dr. Young loves the outdoors, and when she is recharging her batteries, you can usually find her somewhere enjoying the sunshine. She loves the Denver Broncos, and most of all fur babies who are named after some of the NFL’s greatest players.
Beyond the Screen: Exploring the Dynamic Intersection of Health Care and Social Media
Dr. Victor Javier Vazquez-Zamora graduated in 2006 as a surgeon and midwife from the Benemerita Autonomous University of Puebla. He studied internal medicine at the same university and later graduated as a doctor specializing in radiation oncology from the National Autonomous University of Mexico. He also completed a fellowship in radiosurgery at the University Hospital from Geneva, Switzerland. Since 2013, Dr. Vazquez-Zamora has worked at the Mexican Social Security Institute, in charge of head and neck cancer and central nervous system tumors, gynecological cancer and the radiosurgery clinic. He is the medical director of AB radiosurgery and radiotherapy of Puebla, a member of more than 10 medical societies, professor of the radiotherapist course and adjunct professor in the medical oncology residency.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Tremor: A Center Experience
Noelle Ziegelbauer is the manager of radiation oncology at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital-Janesville. Noelle graduated from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in 2008 with a bachelor’s in radiation therapy. After graduation, she began her career as a staff radiation therapist at the University of Florida Health Proton Therapy Institute. In 2010, Noelle was promoted to lead radiation therapist, a position she held until she left in 2017 to pursue a role in her home state of Wisconsin. In 2017, Noelle joined the SMHJ team as a staff radiation therapist and was the lead radiation therapist before becoming the manager. At SMHJ, she worked with the team to become a Vision RT Center of Excellence for AlignRT. Noelle earned a master’s in health care administration from Bellevue University in 2023.
When Noelle is not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband, their four children and their pets. Noelle also enjoys running half marathons and training for them with her dog.