Podcast Theme Song: This is “The Rad Position” with ASRT CEO and Executive Director Melissa Pergola. A podcast for medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals.
Melissa Pergola: Hey there and welcome back to “The Rad Position” podcast. I'm your host, Melissa Pergola.
Ray Arambula: : And I am the one and only podcast partner, Ray Arambula. I'm very excited for our next guest.
Melissa Pergola:Well, I'm excited for our next guest too. I enjoy working with you, Ray, but I also really enjoy, and notice I added the really, Jason Bradley.
Ray Arambula:As I do too. He's one of my mentors, actually.
Melissa Pergola:So today we're interviewing the ASRT VP of Governance and Public Policy Jason Bradley. He'll talk about the important role that ASRT plays in advocating for the profession. It's such an important episode, isn't it,
Ray?
Ray Arambula: Yes, very exciting.
Melissa Pergola:So, let's get started.
Jason joined the ASRT staff in 2015 and has held the positions of member services manager, director of governance, and is the current VP of governance and public policy.
Jason earned his associate degree in radiography at Jefferson Community College in Steubenville, Ohio, in 2002 and has been a member of the ASRT since 2004. He then obtained his bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership and development
from Wheeling Jesuit University in 2014 and his certified association executive credential in 2022. In his imaging career, he has worked as a staff technologist, a radiology department manager and urgent care assistant clinic supervisor.
And in his current role, Jason oversees chapter relations, affiliate relations, professional practice, the Governance Department, the Professional Resources and Relations Department, and the Government Relations Department. Wow. We have you with a
lot of responsibility, Jason. Thank you very much for your work.
With his keen ability of foresight, attention to detail, Jason works with his teams to ensure that ASRT's governing processes, governing documents, practice documents, governance committees, governing body, internal and external stakeholders, and
ASRT's voice on legislative and regulatory change are evolving to meet the demands of the profession, our members, the organization and the political environment in a way that upholds the continuity of the ASRT mission and vision. Jason, thank
you so much for coming on with us tonight.
Jason Bradley:Absolutely. It's my pleasure. Thank you for having me here. I think it's really exciting to get to talk about advocacy.
Melissa Pergola: Yeah.
Jason Bradley: It's not something that we talk about enough. So.
Melissa Pergola: Yeah. So, talk to us a little bit about that. What is advocacy and why is it so important?
Jason Bradley: Well, look, I mean, the word advocacy is pretty broad. It really means to stand up for or publicly express support for or against something, right? So, all of us are advocates in one way or another. As R.T.s, we are
inherently advocates for our patients. But we also need to be strong advocates for ourselves, too.
We need to do this in order to be better advocates for our patients and the profession. And that's what we're specifically discussing when ASRT talks about professional advocacy.
Melissa Pergola: Oh, I see. So, what are some specific ways that our members can get involved in professional advocacy?
Jason Bradley: Great question. I mean, there are really many ways, some of which are to advocate on their own, on important issues with their own managers, directors, colleagues, hospital administration, etc. Advocate by spreading
knowledge of the profession to friends and neighbors. And then there's advocacy at the state and federal level or advocacy through ASRT engagement. So ASRT has several member benefits and volunteer opportunities that impact advocacy, either directly
or indirectly. Voting in the ASRT election, serving on the Committee on Bylaws, Practice Standards, the Commission, serving as a delegate, being part of our Ambassadors for R.T. Advocacy program, being a mentor, joining our annual Engaging New
Technologists webinar series. I mean, that's just to name a few.
Melissa Pergola: Yeah. There's so many ways.
Ray Arambula: And I understand, we understand from the intro, just all the things that you and your team do, the role that you play. But what are, going back to centering around government relations, what are the main issues that
you and your team advocate for?
Jason Bradley: Yeah. So, I mean, we advocate in many ways and all of our efforts align with the ASRT mission, vision, position statements and Practice Standards.
That way, we're sure that we're representing ASRT and our members' voices appropriately. As far as our legislative priorities are concerned, there's really three focus areas. And so that's one is to ensure only appropriately trained medical imaging
and radiation therapy professionals are performing medical imaging and radiation therapy, which we accomplish through advocating for licensure, registration, standards and/or equipment regulations.
And that happens in each state. Second is guarantee appropriate supervision of the radiologic technologist. And then third would be to secure Medicare recognition for the radiologist assistant.
Ray Arambula: So conversely, what are the main issues that you and your team advocate against?
Jason Bradley: Yeah. So, I mean, that's an easier question. But, so essentially, it's the opposite of the first two items we just discussed.
Melissa Pergola: Yeah. Ray.
Ray Arambula: Dumb question.
Jason Bradley: You should have known that. Just kidding. But also anything that goes against the ASRT mission, vision, Practice Standards and position statements.
Ray Arambula: I heard you mention state licensure, state registry, equipment regulations. A lot of words I think our audience would like to know more about. Can you elaborate on each of those and explain what's the difference between
them all?
Jason Bradley: Yeah, I'd love to. So, you know, I think it's a really important topic that all R.T.s should understand. And Meredith Check, ASRT's director of government relations and public policy, actually wrote an amazing blog
on this issue. And so, after the podcast, I would encourage members to go and check that out. It's on the ASRT Advocacy Action Center.
Melissa Pergola: That's awesome.
Jason Bradley: But essentially, licensure is any form of permission to practice that is granted by a state. However, states vary in terminology. So, you might hear it as a license, a certificate, a permit, or something along those
lines.
Standards, that really means that there's a regulatory board that requires some education and training in order to be allowed to practice. And this usually happens through recognition of the national credentials. And then equipment regulations, that
means that there are operator requirements included in the regulations for specific equipment. So, people can only operate it if they meet these requirements. An example of that would be equipment that emits ionizing radiation.
Melissa Pergola: So, Jason, that would be like North Carolina, where the CT is under the Division of Radiation Protection?
Jason Bradley: Yeah, I think that's the division that it's under. But yeah, exactly. So, they have equipment regulations for CT, but they don't have licensure across the board. And we have several states like that, where there might
be equipment regulations that say, in order to operate the ionizing radiation machinery, that you have to have your ARRT [American Registry of Radiologic Technologists] credential, for example. But it's hit and miss, really, at this point, across
all of the states.
Ray Arambula: And I think Melissa is going to talk more about this or ask more questions around this, but this sounds like a lot that you do at the state level. Is there anything you do on the federal level as well?
Jason Bradley: There is. So, we just talked about the Medicare recognition for the RA. And so, MARCA [Medicare Access to Radiology Care Act], and that's something that we're working on.
There's not an active bill at this point, but we do hope to see one. Either in the near future or the beginning of next session. And then we're always looking at what else we can do.
Melissa Pergola: So, Jason, I've heard from some R.T.s that they feel as if because they hold a national credential that they should not need to obtain a state license.
So, I have a little bit of an analogy for that. But I want to ask you, why is state licensure still important? If, say, like for me, I'm already an ARRT registered in radiography?
Jason Bradley: Yeah, it's a great question. We hear this all the time.
So, on a grander scale, you have to think about it from the federal level. There's really no federal enforceable minimum standards. So that means it's up to each state.
So, holding a national credential shows that you've completed the education and training and you passed a nationally recognized competency exam, which is what we should all do and what we should all have to do. But the fact is that if your state doesn't
recognize that credential as a requirement through licensure, registration standards, regulation, something, then people who've not met the same level of education, training and competency that R.T.s have can do our jobs, which is dangerous and
poses a threat and public misconception about the level of skill needed to keep our patients safe and ensure they receive high-quality diagnostic studies and therapies.
Melissa Pergola: Jason, you make some excellent points.
You talk about the fact that we as individuals in the state might have our national certification, but that does not assure if we don't have regs in the state that everyone else does. And I was having this conversation with a friend of mine who's
a hunter, and I was explaining to him that sometimes R.T.s feel this way. Why should I also have to have a license or other regulations in my state? And he said something that really resonated with me.
He said, “You know, it's an interesting argument to think that you don't need that,” he said, “But as a hunter, I do what I'm supposed to do to keep myself safe and to protect the others in the woods when I'm hunting. But I don't
mind paying for a license in the state to hunt because it assures that everyone else that's hunting in the woods is safe.”
And he said, “You know, it's not just about me. My children hunt and my friends hunt.” And, you know, I think about that as an R.T.
You know, I have my national certification, but if I'm in a state where it's not regulated and I go for imaging or my loved ones or my friends or ASRT staff go for imaging, that, you know, that's something that we should be concerned about as well,
that everyone receives the same quality, safe care.
Jason Bradley: Absolutely. And you're talking about safety, but it's also diagnostic quality, too.
Melissa Pergola: Yes.
Jason Bradley: You know, repeat images. That's a big issue. And so having the education, training, competency exam is an absolute must. But there are three states currently that have no licensure regulations. Right?
Melissa Pergola: Yes.
Jason Bradley: And so, you would hope that hospitals will hire qualified individuals. But if there's not a mandate of some sort that they have to do that.
Melissa Pergola: Yeah.
Jason Bradley: Then think about how that's impacting patient care.
Melissa Pergola: Yeah, yeah. And Ray, I don't know. I mean, you're such an immense asset to ASRT. And I know you feel you feel purpose with this profession. But I mean, it's, I'm curious what your thoughts are around the idea with
licensure like that and assuring that there is safe and quality care. As you said, you know, if someone doesn't get a diagnosis because the image wasn't produced appropriately, because the person didn't have the correct education, that's something
we should all care about. Right?
Ray Arambula: Absolutely. And the first thought that comes to mind is I need to go find a state where that is happening and not be in the state where that's not happening.
Melissa Pergola: Yeah. OK, so, Jason, I want to switch gears just for a second, because another thing I want to talk about is an effort you and your team recently spearheaded, which was the call to action to advocate for the Bureau
of Labor Statistics Office of Management and Budget to reclassify medical imaging personnel from technical to professional. Now, that effort really struck a chord with both members and nonmembers, and we know it resulted in an unprecedented response.
And that was more than 42,000 letters being sent to the OMB. Unbelievable. Just an unbelievable outcry for us really wanting to be seen. So why do you think this effort triggered this level of engagement across the profession, especially in comparison
to other calls to action that are constantly going on?
Jason Bradley: Yeah, it's a great question. And what an amazing effort. I mean, I just want to give a shout out to not just my team and ASRT, but all of our members.
Melissa Pergola: Yes.
Jason Bradley: All of the nonmembers, all the R.T.s, anyone connected to the profession in some way that reached out for them because more than 42,000 is just unbelievable.
Melissa Pergola: Yeah, and it was like in a matter of less than a week.
Ray Arambula: Yeah, such a short time frame.
Jason Bradley: Very short time frame too. And so, you know, I think when you think about it, on the surface, the issue is just something that R.T.s can resonate with like immediately. It strikes a nerve when you hear R.T.s referred
to as technical and not professional.
Melissa Pergola: Yes.
Jason Bradley: And so, I think that's really why we saw such an amazing turnout for that effort. You know, other calls to action, for example, ones that revolve around MARCA or the Medicare recognition of the RA or state licensure
efforts, things like that, just seem distant, convoluted. It's not always a big impact, easy-to-understand type of issue.
Melissa Pergola: Yeah.
Jason Bradley: That triggers that emotional response, but it should.
Melissa Pergola: Right.
Jason Bradley: You know, I mean, same as our turnout for members for voting, which is currently less than 2% of eligible members actually vote in our annual election. But look at all the wonderful things that come from the election,
right? Just recently, we've had the Be Seen campaign, the Invisible Heroes 5K, the professionalism award.
Melissa Pergola: Yes.
Jason Bradley: And we're going to have all of these amazing things from current president Heather Moore.
Melissa Pergola: Yeah.
Jason Bradley: And so these things don't happen unless we vote in the right people, right? And so, this is the easiest, I'd say, member benefit for people to engage in is to just vote and be involved. Everything we do, everything
we advocate for, everything that members can help us with by getting involved, it all leads to the same goal. And we should be just as passionate about that as we are about being considered professional, because that really is the end goal.
Melissa Pergola: Right.
Jason Bradley: The goal is to be seen as professionals, to make a positive impact in the health care community, to advance and elevate the profession and enhance the quality and safety of patient care. Just imagine what we could accomplish
if all 156,000 plus members got involved in some way and stood in unison. Or better yet, the more than 360,000 R.T.s in this country.
Melissa Pergola: Yeah, really, really is a call to action. I hope everyone is hearing that, right?
Jason Bradley: Absolutely.
Melissa Pergola: I mean, I understand. I've been a technologist, you know, started in x-ray school when I was 18. So, I've been a technologist since I was 20 years old. And I get that whole technical versus professional. But I also
understand that we have to get just as passionate about all of these other things that you talked about, right? Because together we are stronger and we need that kind of response, whatever it is that we're doing and that your team is doing in
particular to uplift the profession.
Jason Bradley: Yeah, definitely. It's not just showing up. It's how we show up.
Ray Arambula: Yeah. And I think, you know, these efforts and others that we're doing, like Melissa said, hopefully it is triggering some more engagement around these calls to action. But I do think we're hearing that, though. We were
recently at RTC [Radiation Therapy Conference] and, you know, the term be seen is such a household term now. And so I think those efforts, those are turning into other calls of action. And it's exciting to see.
And speaking of RTC, we were just there, and I heard that your team recently went to Capitol Hill. Can you tell me, or tell us, what was that about? What you did, who you met with and why was it important and what we hope to accomplish out of that?
Jason Bradley: Yeah, absolutely. So, you know, part of it is our federal effort that's currently underway that we're working with the ARRT and that's the recognition of the RA through Medicare. And so that was a piece of it. But really,
long term, what we're trying to do is be seen. We're trying to build long-term relationships with people on the Hill so that so that when we come up on a licensure issue or we come up on needing some help somewhere, we're a friendly face. We're
a familiar face. We're not just blindsiding them with, hey, here we are. This is who we are, and we need help. Right. So, it's really a long-term goal of being seen, being recognized, not just not just in the hospital systems, but among all of
our elected individuals as well.
Melissa Pergola: And I would say this is another call to action. Right. Thank you for setting that up. And it was absolutely amazing to be able to go there. And I think in my mind, having been involved in fighting for the profession
previously and going into legislators’ offices and having to spend, you know, you get 10 minutes, and you have to spend seven explaining who we are. I think that your team's strategy for us to be visible before there's a need is phenomenal.
It's brilliant. And one of the things that I would say is if you live in D.C., that's great, you know, go to the Capitol. But we can all reach out to our own representatives and senators in our state, and they come home. We can meet with them
when they're home. And I would really encourage every medical imaging and radiation therapy professional to set up appointments, explain who we are. I know one of the things when we were there, we were talking to them and we said, you know, the
real goal is just for us to educate you, right, on who we are. And one of our asks was what we really want you to do is when health care legislation crosses your desk, don't just think what you consider to be the big two — doctors and nurses.
Right. Because we are right up there in numbers as number three. And when you are looking at legislation like that, we want you to reach out to us. We want to be experts for you
Jason Bradley: It is another call to action. You're absolutely right. And if you're going to do that and you need help or you want talking points, you know, feel free to reach out to us — [email protected]. We're happy to help.
.
Melissa Pergola: Yeah, that's amazing.
Ray Arambula: And was it, I'm just curious, is it really setting up an appointment, coming in with your elevator pitch and you get 10 minutes and that's it?
Jason Bradley: Yeah, it really is.
Melissa Pergola: Yeah.
Jason Bradley: So it was, it's pretty complicated to set up the appointments to begin with. And so, our federal lobbyists did help with that. But then, Melissa's right, like the first 10 of the 15 minutes or five of the 10 minutes,
whatever they're going to allow you is just introducing yourselves. Right. We need to get past that. We need to go into their offices, and they need to know who we are so that we have the full time to explain more about the profession, our members,
our patients and why this is so critically important.
Melissa Pergola: Yes. So, Jason, again, thank you to you and your team for setting up those meetings while we were at RTC and going over to the Capitol. I have to say just a little bit of my perspective. It's always exciting when
you get to go meet with legislators. And for us, we're in D.C., so we're going between Senate buildings and House buildings. And what was interesting for me was that some of our meetings actually ran longer than they normally do. So, we were having
to rush to the next meeting, and our lobbyists were having to call ahead and say, “We're still coming.” But it is interesting when you do go. One of the things that I'll say that that was very clear to me is that as you go into the
offices, you have messaging, but it really needs to be tailored to the office that you're going to. So, one of the things that we did was make sure ahead of time we knew information about that senator or representative. And it's simple things
like, where did they go to school? Do you have connections? Have they been in the health care field? Do you know if they have family members who are in the health care field? Have they been public, even for us, have they been public about pathologies
that they've had, where they've had to interface with our professionals? And so, part of it, it is very exciting. But I think the preparation, too, is something that stood out for me that we really need to know who we're going to speak to. And
again, I highly recommend that everyone goes to their offices of their representatives and senators in their state. And if you get to D.C., stop in and say who we are, because I can't say enough about just how exciting it is to be there and to
be representing the profession.
We'll be right back after this short message.
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Melissa Pergola: All right, Jason. Well, we're going to let you off of the chopping block for a minute. And I think you and I are going to go on the chopping block because Ray does this thing that I don't like. But we tend to do games.
We might not have told you.
Jason Bradley: Oh, OK.
Melissa Pergola: And I don't know what the game is. So, I guess we'll just turn it over to Ray.
Ray Arambula: So, I've got a game of trivia that we're going to play.
Melissa Pergola: Oh, Ray.
Ray Arambula: Now, Jason, given the work you do with so many of our states, I thought we would center this around U.S. landmarks and geography.
Melissa Pergola: Wait, you know better. Ray, you know that I say anything but geography. This is not fair. That is fine.
Jason Bradley: Go ahead. I'm probably not going to do well either.
Melissa Pergola: OK, good. I hope not.
Ray Arambula: So, Jason's one of the smartest people I know.
Melissa Pergola: Yeah, me too.
Ray Arambula: But Melissa, she's somewhat geographically challenged.
Melissa Pergola: Very.
Ray Arambula: So, this is this should be fine. We'll see how it goes. OK, so I have about five questions.
Jason Bradley: OK, what are the rules?
Ray Arambula: I'll ask you both the question and you both will have to respond with the right answer.
Melissa Pergola: Oh, like we just have to blurt it out.
Ray Arambula: Yes. Some will be multiple choice. Some will just be a direct answer.
Melissa Pergola: Good. Good.
Ray Arambula: OK, first question. What is the longest river in the United States?
Melissa Pergola: Rio Grande. I don't know.
Jason Bradley: Well, I'm glad you answered first.
Melissa Pergola: That's the one that's the closest. It's by my house.
Jason Bradley: I mean, I know the biggest is the Mississippi. Is it also the longest?
Ray Arambula: It's also the longest. You're correct. Nicely done, Jason. That was the easy one.
Melissa Pergola: Go New Mexico. I represented.
Ray Arambula: OK, you did represent. Good job. Next question. Which state ends in the letter D?
Melissa Pergola and Jason Bradley: Maryland.
Ray Arambula: And the bonus is…there's a bonus answer. There's one other state.
Melissa Pergola: Rhode Island.
Ray Arambula: There you go.
Jason Bradley: Oh, wow. That was way too hard to think of.
Ray Arambula: That's a hard one, yeah. Melissa was, she's like sweating over here.
Jason Bradley: It's getting a little warm.
Ray Arambula: OK, next question. Which states, states plural, start with the letter A?
Melissa Pergola: Alabama. Arizona.
Jason Bradley: Arkansas. Alaska.
Ray Arambula: All four are correct. Both of you got two.
Melissa Pergola: Oh, my God. See if we were keeping score.
Ray Arambula: I think we're still tied at the game.
Melissa Pergola: OK.
Ray Arambula: All right. Next question. So, Interstate 90 is the longest interstate in the U.S. How many states does this interstate pass through? And this is multiple choice. Is it nine? 13? 15? Or 20?
Melissa Pergola: 15.
Jason Bradley: Let's see. She's just going to keep guessing while I'm counting.
Melissa Pergola: OK, I’ll hold onto my 15.
Jason Bradley: Ohio, Illinois.
Ray Arambula: OK, Melissa said 15. Jason, go ahead and keep counting.
Melissa Pergola: Jason's actually doing states. It's impressive.
Jason Bradley: 13.
Ray Arambula: Jason is correct.
Melissa Pergola: Oh, Jason.
Ray Arambula: And he actually used math. That was impressive.
Melissa Pergola: He used actual logic.
Ray Arambula: He did use logic, yeah. And for our audiences interested, it starts from Seattle, goes all the way to Boston. It's roughly 3,000 miles.
Melissa Pergola: Interesting.
Ray Arambula: And the states it crosses: Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and Massachusetts.
Melissa Pergola: Hmm.
Ray Arambula: That's a lot of states.
Jason Bradley: It's a very pretty drive, too.
Ray Arambula: That's what I've heard.
Melissa Pergola: Really.
Ray Arambula: Next question. In which state is it legal to drive 85 miles per hour?
Jason Bradley: Legal or illegal?
Ray Arambula: Legal.
Melissa Pergola: I'm going to guess Montana. I don't know why. I have no logic behind it.
Jason Bradley: California.
Ray Arambula: You’re both wrong.
Jason Bradley: Let's just keep guessing. Texas.
Ray Arambula: There you go, Texas.
Melissa Pergola: Wow, Jason. I think you’re winning now.
Ray Arambula: Not all of the state, but in certain parts of the state, you can drive 85 miles an hour.
Melissa Pergola: Really?
Ray Arambula: Yeah. OK, final question. Which of these is a name of a city? Wheat Patch, Peanut, Rough and Ready.
Jason Bradley: Peanut.
Melissa Pergola: Rough and Ready.
Jason Bradley: Actually, I think it’s the first one.
Ray Arambula: The answer is all of the above.
Jason Bradley: All of the above.
Melissa Pergola: Get out.
Ray Arambula: Now, bonus question. Where do these cities reside? They reside, they all reside in one state.
Jason Bradley: Kansas.
Ray Arambula: Nope. Good guess, though.
Melissa Pergola: Iowa.
Jason Bradley: Somewhere in the Midwest.
Ray Arambula: No, all in the state of California.
Melissa Pergola: Really?
Ray Arambula: Yeah.
Melissa Pergola: I don't think I would have guessed California.
Jason Bradley: I would not have expected that.
Melissa Pergola: So, Jason, before we finish up, we always have our We See You segment, and that's where we read emails, and we ask listeners to write in to [email protected]. But we actually
want you to stay for this one because there was a question in it that you would be absolutely perfect to answer.
Ray Arambula: So, William Harrington sends in a listener review, and I wanted to share a bit of what he provided.
“I find myself in my 30th year as a technologist. As a proud graduate of a university in the Midwest, my career started in the dark room era, then to the magical area of Kodak Daylight Processor, to computed radiography, and now to digital radiography.
The days of lugging out 10 to 15 heavy cassettes for morning portables are now a distant memory. That was serious work. I've gotten much more out of my career than I've ever dreamed, and I don't regret the choice. The most satisfying aspect has
been building relationships with patients and new technologists. Thanks so much for the podcast. I'll continue to listen.”
Well, thank you, William. And William also had a question that is perfect for Jason to address. He asked, “Can you please discuss the policy of state licensure?” And he noted that some perceive this as a money grab. Jason, how would you
respond to that?
Jason Bradley: Yeah, so essentially the question is: Is state licensure a money grab? You know, I've been in R.T. for 22 years now, and I've thought the same thing. But it's not at all. It's actually a common misconception. Licensure
boards, in fact, have to be budget neutral, which means the amount of money they charge for licensure cannot exceed or should not exceed the amount it takes to operate the licensure program.
Licensure is really just the best way to protect our profession and our patients and to ensure appropriate level of oversight of the education and training requirements state by state. Again, like we discussed earlier, there's no federal minimum standards
that are enforceable. And so, it all comes down to what you have in your state. And state licensure is the best way to protect us and our patients.
Melissa Pergola: That's so interesting. So, it goes back to what we were talking about, right? It's that it is so much more. The reason why we would need to have regulations in the state and to hear that the states don't make money
off of it, that they're budget neutral, that's really helpful, especially because I've heard that before as well.
Jason Bradley: Yeah, it's very helpful to know, and it's not helpful to know that you have to pay an additional fee to have licensure.
Melissa Pergola: Right.
Jason Bradley: That's something that hits us all. But when you think about what it really does to protect you and your patients, it's critical. It's absolutely critical.
Ray Arambula: Well, thank you for that insight, Jason. This has been such a great episode. This is very informative and engaging. And thank you for just speaking to the issue of advocacy and allowing us to understand what some of
those call to actions might be. Jason, is there anything else you would like our listeners to know?
Jason Bradley: Yeah, I'd like to say, just to learn more about advocacy, please visit asrt.org/Advocacy. Also, I want to plug the new Ambassadors for R.T. Advocacy program. Applications actually
open November 18th. So, listeners, please look out for that. And to learn more about professionalism through advocacy and governance, tune into the ASRT Live® on November 4th, where we're going to continue to discuss all of this along with
my incredible colleagues.
Melissa Pergola: And go meet your legislators and vote in the election and do our calls to action.
Ray Arambula: Yes.
Jason Bradley: Just relisten to the podcast and write all of that information down.
Melissa Pergola: Over and over.
Jason Bradley: Or just give us a call or email us, and we hope to see everybody getting involved.
Ray Arambula: And what was that email address again?
Jason Bradley: [email protected].
Melissa Pergola: We'll be right back after this short message.
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Melissa Pergola: So, Ray, that was a great episode, even though you gave the whole geography thing and while maybe I learned some things from that, maybe —
Ray Arambula: I would say you're still smarter than a fifth grader, but let's work on your geography a little bit.
Melissa Pergola: All right, could we mute Ray's mic as we go out? I mean, no, it's OK. But I think —
Ray Arambula: But that was a great episode.
Melissa Pergola: It was. And I did learn. So, thank you for educating me. But also we learned a whole lot from Jason.
Ray Arambula: Yes. Yes. He's just a really smart guy. Him and his team just do an amazing job of overseeing all these different efforts that we have.
Melissa Pergola: Yeah, it really was. And so many calls to action, right?
Ray Arambula: Yes.
Melissa Pergola: We talked about that. It's not just one person, but together we're stronger. So, you know, Jason joked on the episode about going back and listening, and I really want people to listen again and again and again and
take notes on those things because we really need to work together.
Ray Arambula: Yes. Every morning, you drive to work. Put our podcast on.
Melissa Pergola: Listen to the same episode.
I'd like to take a moment to update our listeners about some resources you can use to learn more about ASRT's advocacy initiatives and get involved. The ASRT is a tireless advocate for medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals, and we provide
important information about legislation affecting you and your patients.
The ASRT's website's advocacy section at asrt.org/Advocacy includes information about state licensure laws, federal regulations, and even has maps that track legislation state by state. In addition, to get involved
and take action, visit asrt.org/AdvocacyActionCenter. There, you can learn about state and federal issues affecting R.T.s, you can see our important calls to action, and even communicate with
lawmakers and regulatory agencies. It's easy to use and an effective way that we can all stand up and advocate for our amazing profession. Please get involved.
Oh, well, we want to thank our listeners again for joining us, and we can't wait till we see you all next time. Don't forget to write in, [email protected], and don't put yourself in a bad position.
Ray Arambula: Stay up to date with “The Rad Position.”
Melissa Pergola: So be sure to subscribe and share this podcast with your colleagues, friends and family, and to all our medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals, be seen —
Ray Arambula: And stay rad.