ASRT Foundation Awards International Collaborative Research Grant, Hosts 25th Corporate Roundtable Summit 

May 24, 2024 — The American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) has announced that its ASRT Foundation has awarded its International Collaborative Research Grant, and also recently completed its 25^th Corporate Roundtable Summit. Details on each news update, shared by the Albuquerque, NM-based organization are shared here.

Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Radiology Professor Receives ASRT Foundation Collaborative Research Grant

The ASRT Foundation awarded the $50,000 International Collaborative Research Grant to principal investigator Maria Dimopoulos, Ph.D., R.T.(T), and her co-investigators Nicole Harnett, M.Ed., M.R.T.(T), who is leading the research efforts for Canada, Samantha Skubish, M.S., R.T.(R)(T), Yat Tsang, Ph.D., FCR, and Caitlin Gillan, Ph.D., M.R.T.(T), FCAMRT. The research team is using the grant to analyze previous and current advanced practice radiation therapist (APRT) training programs internationally and to identify an evidence-based, best-practice framework for APRT education in the U.S. and Canada.  

The APRT role practices at an advanced level in radiation therapy. It requires the radiation therapist to complete additional education, training and mentorship under the guidance of a radiation oncologist. The APRT possesses an enhanced and unique scope of practice, allowing them to participate in shared clinical decision-making, leadership, education and research.  

According to the researchers, the need for APRTs in the U.S. and Canada is increasing; however, there are no APRT training programs available in the U.S. or Canada. Furthermore, no study has analyzed the international training pathways to identify a best practice framework for APRT education in North America. The APRT model has been successful in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Singapore and is in its implementation phase in the U.S., highlighting its value in improving the quality and advancement of clinical care.  

“The findings will contribute to the development of effective and standardized APRT education programs, ultimately enhancing the quality of patient care and advancing the field of radiation therapy in these countries,” said Dimopoulos.   

Dimopoulos is an assistant professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai/Ichan Department of Radiation Oncology in New York City where she leads the Center in Radiation Sciences Education. She received a doctoral degree in Health Professions Leadership and Education from Pacific University, a master’s degree in health care from Simmons University, Radiation Therapy Education at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and a bachelor’s degree 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. 

The International Collaborative Research Grant supports medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals aspiring to partner with an international colleague to conduct research in radiologic technology. The goal is to enhance the profession’s body of knowledge and to promote international research collaboration with a maximum timeline of two years. 

ASRT Foundation Hosts 25th Corporate Roundtable Summit

In other ASRT news, the ASRT Foundation hosted its 25th annual Corporate Roundtable Summit alongside industry leaders in historic Charleston, South Carolina, May 1-3, to address issues that influence the direction of the radiologic science profession.

The annual gathering hosted more than 40 attendees from 15 corporate partners that represent the top radiology and oncology equipment manufacturers in the industry as well as medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals. Attendees and supporters included the ASRT, American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, AdvaMed Medical Imaging, Association for Medical Imaging Management, Clover Learning, Elekta, GE HealthCare, Hologic, MIC, Philips, RadNet, Revenue Cycle Strategies Coding, Siemens Healthineers and Varian.

Attendees received organizational updates from ASRT Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director Melissa B. Pergola, Ed.D., R.T.(R)(M), FASRT, CAE, and American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) CEO Liana Watson, D.M., R.T.(R)(M)(S)(BS)ARRT, RDMS, RVT, PMP, FASRT, CAE.

The three-day event kicked off with a presentation by Patrick Hope, executive director of AdvaMed Medical Imaging, titled “Advocacy Issues Affecting Medical Imaging and Radiotherapy.” Revenue Cycle Coding Strategies CEO Ron DiGiaimo and President Melody Mulaik presented “Artificial Intelligence: Trusted Ally, Competitor or Resource." Leaders from GE HealthCare, Michelle Branson, clinical education manager, Nahdia Pirzada, vice president of clinical applications and Barbara Wright, director of clinical applications, presented “Reigniting the Rad Tech Workforce.” In addition, breakout sessions and subcommittee workgroup presentations were held. The event concluded with “The Future of the Profession,” presented by Drs. Pergola and Watson.

“This annual meeting gives business and imaging professionals a chance to collaborate in a mindful and meaningful way to benefit the radiologic science profession,” said Chief Operating Officer for the ASRT Foundation and Executive Vice President of Development and Corporate Relations Steven Hardy, M.S., R.T.(R)(T)(CT), CMD.

The discussions at the Corporate Roundtable often spark new initiatives that are then implemented alongside industry leaders. The sponsors that participate in the event commit to a certain donation level. The ASRT Foundation uses those funds to further its mission to support and empower medical imaging and radiation therapy students and professionals as they pursue opportunities to positively impact patients.

ASRT Foundation Facts 
The ASRT Foundation supports and empowers medical imaging and radiation therapy students and professionals as they pursue opportunities to positively impact patient care. The Foundation exists to create a future where funding opportunities for medical imaging and radiation therapy students and professionals are limitless.

Notably, the organization is marking the ASRT Foundation’s 40th anniversary this year, and has embarked upon an ambitious fundraising campaign to raise $400,000 to support $400,000 in funding for academic scholarships.

More information: www.foundation.asrt.org