Courses and Schedule

Patient safety concerns can influence the radiation oncology professional’s ability to provide safe and dependable patient care. This session’s speaker conducted research to examine how patient safety concerns, medical errors and associated reforms affect the workflow, policies, procedures and abilities of professional radiation oncology staff. The speaker discusses the research findings and examines the systemic, human and technological factors that contribute to medical errors in radiation oncology and their impact on patient safety. Attendees will learn about integrated protocols to enhance patient safety and reduce errors, explore barriers faced when adopting new safety measures and discover ways to measure the effectiveness of safety interventions.

David J. Romanofski, M.Ed., R.T.(R)(T)(CT)

Objectives

• Examine the systemic, human and technological factors that contribute to medical errors in radiation oncology and their impact on patient safety.
• Assess the effectiveness of existing patient safety protocols and identify gaps in their implementation within radiation oncology facilities.
• Design and propose integrated protocols that combine technological advancements and human factors to enhance patient safety and reduce errors.
• Explore the attitudes, challenges and barriers faced by radiation oncology practitioners in adopting and implementing safety measures.
• Use mixed-methods research to measure the effectiveness of safety interventions in improving outcomes and reducing medical errors in radiation oncology.

The COVID-19 pandemic served as a turning point for health care, sparking transformative advancements and reshaping radiation therapy. In this course, the speakers discuss the future of radiation oncology and medical imaging, focusing on how lessons from the pandemic are driving clinical innovation and operational improvements. Attendees will discover actionable strategies to streamline workflows, promote workforce resilience through mentorship and work-life balance initiatives, and sustain patient-centered care by prioritizing the emotional and physical health of patients and caregivers. The speakers will highlight the importance of evolving roles, such as the research radiation therapist and adaptive radiation therapist, in fostering innovation and career growth and provide a roadmap for building a resilient, adaptable and forward-thinking radiation therapy and medical imaging environment.

Jessica Allen, M.B.A., R.T.(T), ACHE

Greg Swiedom, R.T.(T)(MR)

Objectives

• Explain how artificial intelligence, adaptive radiation therapy and hybrid work models improve clinical efficiency, accuracy and staff retention.
• Outline strategies to support workforce resilience, including mentorship, work-life balance programs and skills-based pay initiatives.
• Discuss innovative patient care approaches that prioritize safety and emotional well-being in the postpandemic landscape.
• Advocate for new career pathways, such as research and adaptive radiation therapists, to drive professional development and innovation.
• Apply pandemic lessons to create adaptable, resilient practices in radiation therapy and medical imaging

Health care workers are five times more likely to experience workplace violence than employees in all other industries. In a nationwide survey conducted this year of nearly 1,000 nurses, eight of 10 said they have experienced a high prevalence of racism and discrimination from patients. Disruptive behavior toward health care workers from patients and visitors negatively affects the safety and health of workers and the quality of care they deliver.

Patients with head and neck cancers may experience treatment delays or interruptions due to shortness of breath, or dyspnea, during daily radiation therapy treatment, which could be caused by anxiety because of immobilization. In addition to addressing patient anxiety and its contributing factors, it is crucial for radiation therapists to consider other potential causes of dyspnea, such as mechanical obstruction in the airways caused by a tumor or underlying pathology. In this course, the speaker outlines a case series of head and neck patients undergoing external beam radiation therapy who experienced acute dyspnea because of differing etiologies during radiation treatment. Attendees will learn the importance of recognizing underlying comorbidities that may contribute to dyspnea and patient anxiety. The speaker will highlight the critical importance of incorporating the patient health history, maintaining awareness of various etiologies and addressing patient concerns with care and attention, which will improve patient management strategies and enhance patient care.

Ezra Movsas, B.A., R.T.(R)(T)

Objectives

• Distinguish routine anxiety from an acute medical condition that requires further action and review protocols to reduce anxiety during treatment of patients with head and neck cancers.
• Identify the various causes of dyspnea in head and neck patients undergoing external beam radiation therapy.
• Recognize the importance of communication within the multidisciplinary team regarding patient health history and contributing factors.
• Describe the challenges and opportunities that exist for all stakeholders involved in the care of patients with head and neck cancer experiencing an acute event.
• Discuss care management strategies through various case studies.

Radioligand therapy is a targeted cancer treatment that uses radioactive molecules to deliver radiation directly to cancer cells. Currently, very few health care professionals are appropriately trained in this new therapy.

In this course, the speakers discuss the cutting-edge treatment and how therapists can learn to handle and store the product and help physicians treat patients. Attendees will learn how radioligand therapy works, what benefit patients receive from the therapy and how to implement a radioligand therapy program in their workplaces.

Melody Schaefer, A.S., R.T.(T)

Daniele Dunham, ROCN

Objectives

• Improve the use of radioligand therapy to extend the life of patients with cancer.
• Describe how to set up a radioligand therapy treatment option in clinics without nuclear medicine capabilities.
• Create opportunities for radiation oncology clinics and staff to expand their knowledge of additional treatment options, while growing the practice financially.
• Discuss why using radioligand therapy benefits some patients.

The Eclipse treatment planning system is a widely used system for radiation therapy treatment planning in medical facilities and clinics. In this course, the speaker provides a practical overview for therapists on reviewing treatment plan details in Eclipse. Attendees will learn how to view plan information not available in the oncology information system and expand their ability to analyze patient treatment plans.

Joshua Langer, B.S., R.T.(T)

• Describe how to choose the correct patient plan to view in Eclipse.
• Distinguish between anatomical contours and optimization structures.
• Learn to manipulate and print 3D and beam’s eye views to gather plan information for accurate treatment setup and delivery.
• Identify at least four Eclipse use cases that can benefit radiation therapists.
• Discuss safeguards in Eclipse that ensure therapist access does not modify patient plans.

With growing demand for the advanced practice radiation therapist role, understanding the pathways for role preparation is essential. No formal, universally recognized APRT education program currently exists in the United States or Canada. In this ASRT Foundation-funded study, researchers used a mixed-method approach to gather and synthesize international data from diverse radiation oncology stakeholders to develop an evidence-based framework for APRT preparation. The study included a survey of APRTs to understand their lived experience and focus groups with APRTs, radiation oncologists, regulators, administrators, mentors and educators to understand existing models and future needs, among other components.

In this course, the speakers share how the study’s findings informed the creation of a framework that will guide the development of academic and clinical aspects of the educational preparation for advanced radiation therapy practice.

Maria Dimopoulos, Ph.D., R.T.(T)

Nicole Harnett, M.Ed., MRT(T), AC(T)

Objectives

• Identify current advanced practice pathways and barriers to implementing APRT programs in the U.S. and Canada.
• Explain how international perspectives and stakeholder input contribute to creating an educational model tailored to the needs in North America.
• Recognize mentorship, institutional support and scope-of-practice considerations to enhance the role and impact of APRTs in clinical settings.
• Describe the structure and key elements of the APRT preparation framework developed in this study.

To provide exceptional patient care, radiation therapists must understand the patient’s experience and build strong communication skills. In this course, the speakers explore critical elements that contribute to improving patient care and provide a comprehensive strategy for delivering the ultimate patient experience. Attendees will discover why trust and integrity are foundational aspects of caring for radiation therapy patients and learn how to build patient trust. The development of strong communication skills is key to ensuring patients feel heard, valued and understood, and the speakers will highlight how to create a patient-centered culture that prioritizes the patient’s needs, preferences and values. Attendees will also learn about the importance of continuous improvement in patient satisfaction to ensure that patients receive the highest quality care built on trust and loyalty.

John Klade, B.S., R.T.(T)

Scott McKain, B.A.

Objectives

• Explain why the patient’s experience is important.
• Demonstrate how to build patient trust.
• Describe effective communication.
• Describe how to create a patient-centered culture.
• Explore how to continuously improve patient satisfaction.

The expansion of health care roles over the past century — driven by advancements in medical technology, evolving patient needs and the increasing complexity of care — has given rise to specialized and advanced practice positions that enable professionals to address emerging challenges and provide more comprehensive, patient-centered care. One such role is the advanced practice radiation therapist. In this course, the speakers introduce a visual framework they developed based on the internationally recognized four-pillar model of advanced clinical practice — clinical, leadership and management, education, and research. This framework serves as a strategic guide for integrating APRTs into radiation oncology in the United States, with an emphasis on education and role development.

Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of the four-pillar model and learn practical strategies for integrating the framework into education and APRT roles. The speakers will explore scope of practice, mentorship, institutional support and professional training to offer actionable insights for optimizing patient care and operational efficiency. The four-pillar model positions APRTs as key contributors to the future of radiation therapy, bridging expertise with leadership and education to elevate the standard of care.

Melanie Clarkson, M.Sc., PgCE, PFHEA

Maria Dimopoulos, Ph.D., R.T.(T)

Objectives

• Define each of the four pillars of advanced practice: clinical, leadership and management, education, and research.
• Identify key strategies to integrate the APRT role into clinical and educational settings in radiation oncology.
• Explore actionable approaches to incorporate the four-pillar model into education programs and mentorship opportunities.
• Describe how the APRT role, guided by the four-pillar model, can improve patient outcomes, operational efficiency and workforce development.

The severity and manifestation of skin reactions during radiation therapy is not identical for all patients due to various factors including skin tone. This is not widely recognized, however, as patients of lighter skin tones have historically been the primary reference in assessment tools, clinical education and educational resources related to radiation-related skin reactions. Underrepresentation can lead to inappropriate expectations of radiation-related skin reactions and potential mismanagement of darker-skinned patients during radiation therapy. In this course, the speaker will report on a quality improvement project that aims to increase awareness and improve management of radiation-related skin reactions in patients with varying skin colors. Attendees will learn how radiation-related skin reactions manifest differently in patients with darker skin tones and explain each step of the quality improvement project, including needs assessment, change implementation and evaluation of the impact. Finally, attendees will be challenged to reflect on ways that they can improve cultural inclusivity in their local context.

Jugdip Aulakh, MRT(T)

Objectives

• Identify how skin reactions manifest in patients with darker skin tones.
• Use specific and objective language to describe radiation-induced skin reactions.
• Incorporate inclusive practice into daily patient interactions.
• Recognize how quality improvement projects can improve the quality of care for patients.

Health care organizations are increasingly recognizing the importance of human capital and nurturing their employees' psychological resources to maintain a resilient and engaged workforce. Psychological capital has emerged as a crucial construct in understanding and enhancing employee well-being and performance in the health care sector. It has been shown to positively influence job performance, work engagement and job satisfaction while reducing stress, anxiety and cynicism. By fostering psychological capital among health care professionals, organizations can create a more positive work environment, enhance patient care quality and improve overall organizational outcomes.

In this course, the speaker discusses psychological capital’s components: hope, efficacy, resilience and optimism. Attendees will learn how psychological capital serves as a buffer against the numerous challenges faced by health care professionals, particularly in the wake of global health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. In an industry characterized by high stress, emotional demands and burnout risk, increasing psychological capital offers a promising approach to bolster employee morale and mitigate negative outcomes such as turnover intentions.

Jorryan Cruz, M.B.A., M.S.O.P., R.T.(R)(T)

Objectives

• Define psychological capital’s four components: hope, efficacy, resilience and optimism.
• Distinguish how the four components may influence radiation therapy practice and employee conditions.
• Explain the relationship between psychological capital and key organizational outcomes, including job satisfaction, burnout rates, turnover intentions and quality of patient care.
• Implement practical strategies to develop and maintain psychological capital among radiation therapists with the goal of creating more resilient health care teams.

In this course, the speakers provide valuable tools for medical dosimetrists to improve postmastectomy treatment planning for patients with metallic ports and tissue expanders. They will discuss efficient planning methods aimed at enhancing patient care and examine the effectiveness of assigning various tissue densities vs. using a simplified approach of overriding to water and adipose tissue. Additionally, attendees will learn about hybrid planning strategy and whether 50% flash is sufficient to ensure plan robustness without necessitating volumetric modulated arc therapy flash. The speakers will also assess dosimetric outcomes by reviewing dose distributions within the planning treatment volume and organs at risk.

Kylee Lindsey, B.S., R.T.(T), CMD

Karla Kuhn, A.S., R.T.(R)(T), CMD

Objectives

• Review simple postmastectomy radiation therapy treatment planning and discuss importance of advanced planning.
• Evaluate tissue density assignments of metallic ports.
• Assess the hybrid planning strategy.
• Evaluate plan robustness.

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the education and scholarship landscape, offering powerful tools for literature review, data analysis, manuscript drafting, assignment support and language refinement. Although AI can potentially enhance efficiency and improve writing quality, its use raises critical ethical and practical challenges for publishing, particularly regarding authorship, appropriate citation, data accuracy, application of learning and potential biases of AI-generated content. In this course and panel discussion, the speaker and panelists explore the use of AI in radiation therapy education and scientific writing. They will look at the expectations for citing AI-assisted contributions and the ethical considerations surrounding AI’s integration in research. Attendees will learn about ASRT AI-specific guidelines for publishing, policy examples from various institutions and the continued need for human oversight. The speaker and panelists aim to provide a high-level overview of the role of AI in radiation therapy education and scholarship, discuss the implications of AI integration and foster a balanced dialogue around responsible use of AI.

If you are interested in attending this luncheon please RSVP at [email protected]

Primary Speaker

Kristi Tonning, Ph.D., R.T.(T)

Panelists:

Kristi Tonning, Ph.D., R.T.(T), Timmerie Cohen, Ph.D., R.T.(R)(T), CMD, Nora Uricchio, M.Ed., R.T.(R)(T), Melanie Dempsey, Ph.D., R.T.(R)(T), CMD, FAAMD, and Kayla Zehr, Ph.D., ELS

Objectives

• State the appropriate use of AI in writing a scholarly journal, specifically ASRT policy and expectations.
• Analyze ethical considerations using AI-generated content, including issues of authorship, plagiarism and academic integrity.
• Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of using AI as a writing assistant.

*CE Disclaimers

 

Health care teams have used brief multidisciplinary team gatherings, called huddles, to enhance communication and patient care for more than two decades. Although the value of huddles is recognized, ensuring consistent participation can be challenging. In this course, the speaker explores how radiation therapy staff at the Mount Sinai Chelsea campus created a culture of safety and successfully implemented and maintained clinical huddle practices to improve quality of care.

Building upon the engagement fostered by department-wide daily huddles led by administration, the radiation therapist team integrated the huddle into its clinical workflow and daily operations at various frequencies and for various needs. These include simulation huddles and safety incident huddles aimed at enhancing patient safety, improving communication, minimizing errors and improving the overall patient experience. Attendees will learn the various huddle types, situations that trigger huddles and strategies employed to successfully implement and sustain radiation therapy department clinical huddles. The speaker will discuss the imperative role of the therapist in huddle success, provide templates for leading huddles and review examples of how the huddle improves patient care.

Katherine Gelpi Arana, R.T.(T)

• Identify strategies to implement and maintain radiation therapy team huddles and review examples of huddle checklists for implementation.
• Examine the types of huddles, their triggers, frequency and utility, including simulation and safety incident huddles and patient population-specific huddles.
• Review the history and importance of the huddle with examples across the health care sector.
• Understand how the clinical huddle can help the radiation therapy team enhance patient safety.
• Understand the importance of building a culture of safety in radiation therapy practice that values the huddle for clinical application.

*CE Disclaimers

 

Online adaptive radiation therapy (oART) has been clinically available for more than 10 years, with early adopters refining practices based on experience and gradually increasing usage. Recently, the rise of commercially available machines with adaptive capabilities has led to more widespread adoption and a rapid increase in oART users. Technological advancements have continued with new adaptive platforms and improvements in imaging capabilities and autosegmentation. However, oART treatments remain time-consuming, and research on effective staffing models is limited. An oART program requires a multidisciplinary team, including radiation oncologists, medical physicists, dosimetrists and radiation therapists, to have specialized training. The adaptor role, which involves target alignment and organs-at-risk contouring, is typically performed by physicians or physicists, but that is not sustainable with rising oART volumes.

In response, two institutions have introduced the advanced practice radiation therapist, a role that specializes in oART contouring. In this course, the speakers provide an overview of oART, share evidence supporting the APRT role and discuss the APRT’s potential impact for cost savings and operational efficiency. Attendees will learn about how the introduction of APRTs aims to enhance the sustainability and effectiveness of oART programs by redistributing workload and using specialized skills.

Robert Beckert, B.S., R.T.(R)(T)

Daniel Roberts, M.B.A., R.T.(R)(T)

Objectives

• Discuss the emerging role of the advanced practice radiation therapist and the benefits surrounding the role.
• Explain the benefits of online adaptive radiation therapy and how an APRT fits within the workflow.
• Recognize the ways oART is used.
• Describe APRT training and implementation.

The shift from the predominant volume-driven, fee-for-service payment models to quality-driven, value-based health care aims to enhance patient outcomes while reducing costs. In this course, the speaker discusses the core principles of value-based care and how those principles translate into specific metrics for radiation oncology, such as treatment accuracy, patient-reported outcomes and cost-efficiency. Attendees will learn practical strategies, including hypofractionation, automation and data-driven quality improvement programs, that enable radiation oncology practices to deliver high-quality, cost-effective care. Additionally, attendees will explore the importance of patient-centered approaches and multidisciplinary collaboration in fostering better clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction. Through real-world examples, the speaker will highlight the challenges and potential solutions for implementing value-based models and offer a forward-looking perspective on the evolving role of value-based care in radiation therapy, giving attendees actionable insights to align their practices with the future of outcome-focused oncology care.

Nick Hu, B.S., R.T.(T)

Objectives

• Describe the fundamentals of value-based care.
• Identify key quality metrics in radiation oncology within a value-based care model.
• Implement cost-effective treatment strategies that maintain high standards of care while reducing overall treatment costs.
• Improve patient-centered care practices essential under value-based care models.
• Discuss real-world applications of successful value-based care implementations in radiation therapy.

To provide high-quality care, health care professionals must have knowledge and tools to effectively and compassionately work with patients living with dementia. In this course, the speaker discusses common symptoms and behaviors in individuals with dementia and the communication challenges between the health care provider and the patient with dementia. The speaker will also share how health care professionals can become better communicators and caregivers for this patient population. Attendees will learn about the dementia training program used at a community college in eastern North Carolina to increase awareness of dementia sensitivity.

Elaine Spencer, M.A., R.T.(T)

Objectives

• Discuss symptoms and behaviors common in individuals with dementia.
• Develop a greater understanding of behaviors in this population.
• Understand the communication challenges and why they exist.
• Discuss effective ways to communicate when working with individuals with dementia.
• Explore ways attendees can start a dementia sensitivity training at their facility.

In this course, the speakers provide an interactive opportunity for attendees to gain hands-on experience with image-guided superficial radiation therapy technology. The speakers will offer a brief overview of the technology, including insights into ultrasound, the radiation unit and the integral role of the radiation therapist in its delivery. Attendees will learn about recent clinical studies that examine the technology’s efficacy. Following the overview, attendees will engage in practical exercises, including conducting ultrasounds, performing mock simulations and manipulating the equipment under the speakers’ guidance. The speakers will conclude the course with a Q&A session to address any questions or concerns.

John Klade, B.S., R.T.(T)

Rachel Ward, B.S., R.T.(T)

Objectives

• Understand the key components of the IGSRT unit.
• Recognize the radiation therapist’s role in the delivery of IGSRT and the integration of the technology into clinical practice.
• Obtain hands-on experience in conducting ultrasounds, performing mock simulations and manipulating the IGSRT equipment under expert guidance
• Review recent clinical studies that evaluate the efficacy of IGSRT technology in treatment.

In this course, the speaker offers insights on the relationship between food, fitness and cancer. Attendees will learn about the various types of cancers and the connection between cancer and lifestyle. The speaker will discuss foods and diets that reduce the risk of cancer and touch on food in the United States. The speaker will also discuss fitness and its benefits in relation to cancer. Attendee will leave with a comprehensive understanding of food, fitness and cancer and be better equipped to apply this information to their own lives, the lives of patients and others around them.

Megan Mary Meckling, M.B.A., R.T.(R)(T)

Objectives

• Understand the relationship between cancer and diet.
• Identify foods that reduce the risk of cancer.
• Understand the relationship between cancer and fitness.
• Identify how exercise can reduce the risk of cancer.
• Apply this knowledge personally and to the lives of patients.

Adaptive radiation therapy is a treatment approach that allows the radiation oncology team to make adjustments to the patient’s plan throughout the course of therapy to account for changes in the tumor and patient’s condition. In this course, the speakers discuss how adaptive replanning is applied in proton and photon therapy. Attendees will learn about technologies used in adaptive replanning and how the increase in adaptive replans affects staffing and workflow.

Stacey Schmidt, B.S., R.T.(T), CMD

Jeremy Marshall, M.S., R.T.(T), CMD

Objectives

• Demonstrate which treatment sites are adapted frequently and why.
• Compare the adoption of different technologies to monitor and the impact to the workflow for radiation therapy, physics and dosimetry.
• Describe the consequences of the increased number of adaptive replans to staffing and treatment planning flow.

The management of patients with cancer receiving radiation therapy is complex and multifaceted, often influenced by a variety of social determinants of health. Daily treatments and frequent appointments can create significant logistical barriers, particularly for patients facing transportation and housing issues. Drug and alcohol addiction can also affect patients’ pain management plans and their ability to comply with care instructions. Food insecurity is another pressing issue, particularly for patients with head and neck cancers who require specialized diets and sometimes feeding tubes. Difficulty accessing or affording necessary prescriptions and confusion around insurance or limited coverage can add more layers of stress. Caregivers and health care staff must address these issues while delivering high-quality care, which can create emotional and practical burdens that can hinder the overall treatment process.

In this course, the speakers discuss how addressing these social determinants is crucial to improving the care experience for patients with cancer undergoing radiation therapy and ensuring better, more equitable outcomes. Attendees will learn how these stressors impact patients, providers and health care teams and explore ways to address social determinants to improve outcomes.

Heather Welker, B.S., R.T.(R)(T)

Christi Seidle, B.S., R.T.(T)

Objectives

• Identify the social determinants that affect patients.
• Understand how social determinants hinder positive outcomes for patients.
• Discuss awareness of caregiver stress caused by social issues.
• Explore how these stressors impact health care providers and teams.
• Describe ways to address social determinants to improve outcomes.
• Explain changes that can be made going forward to help patients.

In part one of this course, the speaker provides a comprehensive introduction to the 2025 updates for radiation therapy coding, including new current procedural terminology codes and anticipated changes under alternative payment models. The speaker will share hospital and physician coding rules as proposed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and emphasize key coding scenarios for intensity-modulated radiation therapy, stereotactic radiosurgery, stereotactic body radiation therapy and brachytherapy. Attendees will also learn about documentation and compliance challenges specific to technical and professional billing.

Ron DiGiaimo, M.B.A., FACHE

Objectives

• Explain the 2025 current procedural terminology code changes and their implications for hospital and physician billing in radiation therapy.
• Differentiate coding requirements for various radiation therapy modalities.
• Identify key documentation and compliance considerations for both technical and professional components of coding.

Radiation therapy is a critical component of breast cancer treatment. However, radiation’s effects on the inframammary fold and the underlying chest wall can lead to radiation dermatitis. Medical devices are available to mitigate these effects. In this course, the speakers review the impact of radiation therapy on the inframammary fold and chest wall, highlighting the role of supportive devices in minimizing adverse effects. The speakers will provide a description of these medical devices and discuss their benefits.

Thomas J. Furno, R.T.(T)

Ramtin Zakikhani, M.S., DABR

Objectives

• Explain the causes of radiation dermatitis to the inframammary fold during breast radiation therapy.
• Identify medical products to improve treatments and reduce the dose to the inframammary fold.
• Compare several medical devices that are used to lift the breast off the underlying chest wall.
• Discuss the pros and cons of these medical devices.

Palliative radiation therapy for oncologic emergencies presents unique challenges for radiation therapists, especially during fully staffed hours or on-call situations. These cases often involve urgent workflows, limited staff, patients with mobility or pain issues, and condensed timelines. During regular hours, the standard workflow for emergent palliative patients requires coordination between physicians, dosimetrists, therapists and physicists within a shortened timeline. In this course, the speaker discusses the development and implementation of the SimFree Wizard, an in-house, semi-automated workflow platform designed to streamline palliative radiation therapy on conventional linear accelerators. The SFW platform eliminates the need for traditional computed tomography simulation by using a cone-beam computed tomography-based, simulation-free platform and combines in-house programming with commercial software to pull data from treatment systems and planning databases. The user-friendly interface provides clear instructions, safety checks and automation to ensure accurate and safe treatments. By using the SFW, the speaker’s team can complete simulation and treatment in under one hour on a TrueBeam linear accelerator. Attendees will learn how this innovative system improves efficiency and safety while meeting the needs of therapists and patients during urgent palliative care treatments.

Brooke Horning, B.S.R.T., R.T.(R)(T)

Objectives

• Recognize the goals of an in-house SimFree Wizard solution.
• Identify key features of the SimFree Wizard platform for palliative treatment.
• Explain staff training and implementation.
• Describe clinical experience with SFW platform.

Full-time radiation therapy position vacancies have surged to a 20-year high, while the number of American Registry of Radiologic Technologists-recognized therapy programs has hit a 20-year low. With such workforce shortages, it is more important than ever to recognize and retain quality employees. In this course, the speaker discusses the causes and repercussions of clinical burnout and turnover, along with strategies to create a work culture that can dramatically reduce these rates with proper onboarding, exceptional employee engagement and effective leadership. Attendees will learn to recognize signs of burnout before it’s too late. The speaker will discuss the tools and support needed to sustain a healthy work culture and foster loyalty by cultivating employee buy-in.

John Young, R.T.(T)

Objectives

• Explain how to create a work environment that reduces burnout and encourages loyalty.
• List signs of burnout and describe how to address them while recovery is still possible.
• Explore ways to improve the employee experience without compromising safety, accuracy or efficiency.

To provide high-quality care to pediatric radiation oncology patients undergoing anesthesia, radiation therapy professionals need specific knowledge and strategies, especially for proton treatments. In this course, the speakers discuss the unique challenges, concerns and innovations in treating these special cases and emphasize the interdisciplinary coordination necessary for safe and effective outcomes. Attendees will learn about the equipment, staff and adjustments needed to successfully administer anesthesia during treatment, as well as the complexities involved in coordinating with anesthesia teams, child life specialists and PACU teams. Attendees will gain insights into best practices for simulation coordination and room setup modifications. Additionally, the speakers will describe common treatment hurdles, tools and recent advancements, such as computed tomography on rails, verification scans and visual feedback systems designed to reduce the number of anesthesia patients.

Laura Lock, B.S.R.S., R.T.(R)(T)(MR)

Courtney Vogelsang, B.S.R.S., R.T.(R)(T)

Objectives

• Describe how to identify patient needs and the equipment and staff required to successfully administer anesthesia during treatment.
• Discuss how teams can adjust and collaborate in these situations.
• Explain the coordination needed to care for pediatric radiation oncology patients undergoing anesthesia and the complexities that may arise.
• Demonstrate how to properly treat and prepare for anesthesia patients.
• Discuss common treatment hurdles and recent advancements.

In part two of this course, the speaker focuses on the practical application of 2025 radiation therapy coding updates. Through case-based scenarios, attendees will gain experience in coding for intensity-modulated radiation therapy, stereotactic radiosurgery, stereotactic body radiation therapy, proton therapy and brachytherapy. The speaker will emphasize compliance considerations, documentation requirements and risk management strategies to ensure accurate coding and adherence to regulations. The speaker will conclude with a Q&A session to address specific coding challenges.

Ron DiGiaimo, M.B.A., FACHE

Objectives

• Apply 2025 current procedural terminology coding updates to real-world radiation therapy scenarios.
• Implement best practices for accurate documentation and compliance in radiation oncology.
• Evaluate potential compliance risks and develop strategies to mitigate them.

*CE Disclaimers

 

GammaPod is an advanced stereotactic radiosurgery system designed to deliver highly targeted radiation therapy to cancerous tumors, primarily for breast cancer treatment. It uses high-precision, focused radiation beams to treat tumors with minimal impact on surrounding healthy tissues. The GammaPod system provides several key benefits, including the ability to administer high-dose radiation in fewer treatment sessions, which can reduce overall treatment time and enhance patient convenience. Its precision allows for better tumor targeting, potentially reducing adverse effects and improving patient quality of life. The system is particularly beneficial for early-stage, inoperable or surgically challenging breast cancers and offers an effective alternative for patients who may not be suitable candidates for conventional surgery or radiation.

In this course, the speakers discuss the GammaPod workflow, including conducting a thorough patient evaluation and imaging to identify tumor size, shape and location. They will review patient positioning for treatment, radiation delivery that targets the tumor from multiple angles and post-treatment follow-up. Attendees will learn how this workflow ensures that the GammaPod delivers effective and personalized care with minimal disruption to the patient’s life. The GammaPod system represents a significant advancement in cancer treatment, offering clinical benefits and an enhanced patient experience.

Stella Stevenson, B.S.R.T., R.T.(T)

Calista Johnson, B.S.R.T, R.T.(T)

Alisen Hansen, B.S.R.T., R.T.(T)

Objectives

• Describe the Gammapod system and its capabilities.
• Compare the partial breast irradiation plan for the GammaPod system with conventional linear accelerators.
• Discuss ongoing studies at UT Southwestern Medical Center and identify billing considerations.