Tatiana Bejarano is a board-certified medical physicist at Miami Cancer Institute, Baptist Health South Florida. She earned her Ph.D. in biomedical engineering (medical physics) from the University of Miami and completed her residency, accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Education Programs, at the University of Virginia.
Dr. Bejarano has played a pivotal role in expanding MCI’s technological footprint, notably co-leading the commissioning of the Accuray TomoTherapy system at the Doral satellite clinic in south Florida. Her clinical expertise extends to a diverse fleet of advanced modalities, including Accuray’s Radixact, Gamma Knife (Esprit) and ViewRay’s magnetic resonance imaging linear accelerator. Beyond machine maintenance, she has been instrumental in modernizing clinical workflows, including the building and testing of Radformation’s RadMachine for cloud-based machine quality assurance across the photon therapy department.
In her research, Dr. Bejarano focuses on the intersection of artificial intelligence and clinical decision-making. She is a frequent contributor to the profession, with publications in the Journal of Neuro-Oncology and the Red Journal, including work specifically focused on the development of educational workshops for respiratory motion management and creating AI workflows to aid in clinical decisions. She has developed sophisticated machine learning frameworks that integrate electronic medical record data with quantitative imaging to optimize care-path selection for patients with HPV-associated head and neck cancer. Recently, her work has expanded to include machine learning-based models for predicting local failure risk following stereotactic radiosurgery for brain metastases.
Enhancing Patient Safety and Incident Learning in Radiation Oncology
Subramanya “Manya” Betageri is a full professor and clinical coordinator of the radiation therapy program at Bellevue College in Washington. He has more than three decades of international experience in radiation oncology, spanning clinical practice, leadership, education and program accreditation. His career includes advanced placement, entry-level, senior clinical and managerial roles in India, Jamaica, the United Kingdom and the United States, with extensive hands-on expertise in conventional radiation therapy, 3D conformal radiation therapy, intensity-modulated radiation therapy, volumetric modulated arc therapy, stereotactic body radiation therapy, image-guided radiation therapy and proton therapy.
Professor Betageri is deeply engaged in radiation therapy education, curriculum development, and accreditation, serving in multiple college governance and leadership roles and supporting program compliance with Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology accreditation. He is a strong advocate for integrating advanced technologies — such as virtual environment radiation therapy, automation, and artificial intelligence-enabled tools — into radiation therapy education while emphasizing patient-centered care, safety and professional judgment.
An active presenter, mentor and global education advocate, Professor Betageri serves as a global ambassador and trustee for the World Radiography Educational Trust Foundation and as a volunteer educator for Rayos Contra Cancer Foundation. He has also delivered numerous national and international presentations on radiation therapy practice, education, quality assurance and workforce development.
From Autopilot to Artificial Intelligence: Is the Radiation Therapist Still in the Driver’s Seat?
Kathryn Betcher is a seasoned radiation therapist with two decades of experience. She graduated from Hillsborough Community College and began her career at Moffitt Cancer Center. After five years of developing her skills, Kathryn switched gears and moved to Philadelphia to become part of the innovative team at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Once at Penn, Kathryn was trained in many new treatment techniques, including proton therapy. She also studied organizational management at Pennsylvania State University while holding a management position in the radiation oncology department. Eventually, her passion for working directly with patients won out, and she transitioned back to the treatment floor. Over the years, Kathryn has helped implement many policies and procedures while focusing on patient care and efficiency. Recently, Kathryn transitioned to the Penn Presbyterian Medical Center radiation oncology department in hopes of being part of the developing technology within this new department, all while pursuing her master’s degree in health care informatics at the University of Pittsburgh.
The Implementation of an Osteoarthritis Program in Radiation Oncology
Shaun T. Caldwell is a professor and program director of radiation therapy at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. He has been a proud radiographer, radiation therapist and ASRT member for more than 30 years. Dr. Caldwell has served in many roles, including with the ASRT, Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology and Lambda Nu Board of Directors. He is dedicated to furthering the education of medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals to improve patient care, safety and outcomes. Dr. Caldwell is currently the vice chair of ASRT’s advanced practice radiation therapy think tank. He has spoken at the local, national and international levels.
From Strategy to Action: Updates on Advanced Practice Radiation Therapy From the Consensus Work Group
Deborah Carroll-Cesario is a radiation therapist with more than 16 years of experience in radiation oncology at UCHealth in Fort Collins, Colorado. She is dedicated to patient-centered care, clinical excellence and professional development. Deborah regularly speaks at Aims Community College, educating students about careers in radiation therapy. She is certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists in radiation therapy and radiography and is an active member of the ASRT.
The Impact of Low-dose Radiation Therapy in Real-world Practice
Jennifer Cleaton is one of seven chief therapists at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. She earned her Associate of Applied Science at Amarillo Community College and continued with her Bachelor of Science and Business in health care management and her M.B.A. through Western Governors University. Jennifer has been a therapist for the past 15 years and a chief for the past eight. Her main role at UT Southwestern involves leading 60-plus radiation therapists and ensuring the highest quality of patient care. Currently, Jennifer oversees the Ethos adaptive linear accelerators and the Varian VitalBeam machines, which primarily treat breast patients, and she assists with the GammaPod, which is a stereotactic machine for breast patients. She is passionate about streamlining processes and reducing stress within the clinic.
In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and her dog, Piper. She also enjoys traveling as much as possible.
Hybrid Interstitial Brachytherapy for Gynecological Cancers
Chandler L. Collins is a radiation therapist and clinical preceptor at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center’s Proton Therapy Center 2, where he also serves as the elected lead of the radiation therapy shared governance’s quality and safety team. He was one of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists’ three I Am the Gold Standard award winners in 2025. He holds a master’s degree in radiologic sciences and a bachelor’s degree in radiation therapy from UT MD Anderson’s School of Health Professions, as well as a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Houston. In his free time, he enjoys playing video and tabletop games, digital design, and 3D printing.
Fostering Innovation in Radiation Therapy
Ron DiGiaimo is the chairman and CEO of Revenue Cycle Coding Strategies, RC Billing and Regents Health Resources. He is a frequent speaker and author for nationally recognized professional organizations and publications. Ron serves as a national government expert witness on oncology fraud and abuse of Medicare spending for the Department of Justice and Office of Inspector General in Washington, D.C., and at various state levels.
Ron often speaks at regional and national conferences on many topics, including radiation oncology coding, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services payment systems, governmental regulatory updates and other health care compliance issues. Recent speaking engagements include the Association of Cancer Care Centers, National Association for Proton Therapy, ASRT, Society for Radiation Oncology Administrators, American Association of Medical Dosimetrists and American College of Radiation Oncology.
In his professional career, Ron has been responsible for the growth and development of multiple companies dedicated to the disciplines of oncology, cardiology, interventional radiology and radiology, among others. This has included independent diagnostic testing facilities; cancer center development; reimbursement training for radiation oncologists, therapists, physicists, dosimetrists and other personnel; consulting and new business joint ventures; and ownership structures. Specifically, Ron was responsible for all product lines (radiation oncology, medical oncology, diagnostic radiology and gynecologic oncology) within US Oncology on a national scale.
Ron holds a Master of Business Administration from Oklahoma Christian University in Oklahoma and a Bachelor of Science in health services administration from Weber State University in Utah. He is a former radiation therapist, trained at Allen Shivers Radiation Therapy School in Austin, Texas. He is also an active member of the American College of Radiation Oncology, American Society for Radiation Oncology, Society for Radiation Oncology Administrators, American Association of Medical Dosimetrists, American Society of Clinical Oncology, Association of Cancer Executives and several other groups whose missions forward the cause of oncology management.
Major Changes in Coding for 2026
Maria Dimopoulos is an assistant professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. She holds a Ph.D. in health professions leadership and education from Pacific University, has an M.B.A. from Simmons University, completed her radiation therapy education at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and holds a bachelor’s degree from North Carolina State University.
Dr. Dimopoulos is committed to advancing research and fostering international collaboration in radiation oncology. She recently served as chair of the ASRT Radiation Therapy Chapter and currently leads the ASRT Foundation Research and Grants Advisory Panel. She also contributes her expertise to the global radiation therapy community by serving on the editorial review boards for the Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences and Radiation Therapist. Her research centers on advancing interpersonal skills, improving care for vulnerable populations and shaping the future of advanced practice in radiation therapy.
Variables Influencing Interfraction Bladder-related Interruptions in Prostate and Prostate Bed Radiation Therapy
From Idea to Publication and Funding: An Interactive Workshop for Radiation Therapists
Advancing Practice: Development of the ASRT APRT Educational Framework
Tracy Dolen, clinical operations manager of radiation oncology at Geisinger Health System, is a radiation oncology professional with more than 23 years of clinical and managerial experience. She earned an M.B.A. in addition to her radiation oncology certified coder designation and is heavily involved with the ASRT. Her specific areas of focus and expertise are quality, safety and compliance in patient care. Tracy currently serves as ASRT’s Ambassador for R.T. Advocacy for New York, is a member of the ASRT Committee on Nominations and was recently appointed to the RadiologyInfo.org Committee, in collaboration with the Radiological Society of North America.
How a Sentinel Event Can Shape a Radiation Therapist’s Ethical, Moral and Legal Standards
Throughout her professional career, Carrie Fritz has held roles from clinical therapy to consulting, building a reputation as an enthusiastic, results-driven leader. She consistently delivers initiatives on time and on budget while fostering strong, trust-based relationships with teams and customers. Her commitment to collaboration and excellence was recognized with a President’s Club Award in 2018 for outstanding customer satisfaction.
In 2025, Carrie was honored with the Michelle Kino Step Boldly Award, which recognizes energy, passion, enthusiasm, creativity and innovation. Carrie’s leadership philosophy centers on shared ownership of outcomes, with a continual focus on supporting her team, serving customers and improving patient care. Keeping teams aligned and patients at the forefront remains central to her approach.
Carrie currently manages and provides strategic direction to a team of clinical applications specialists responsible for delivering Varian product training and clinical support. She maintains deep product knowledge and actively supports customer education, ensuring effective adoption of clinical solutions that enhance quality, safety and patient outcomes.
Closing the Loop: Shared Understanding and Ownership in Technique-driven Clinical Practice
Christopher Gainer began his professional career as a transporter in the local hospital radiology department. It was here that Chris was introduced to patient care and the team approach to compassionate care. Through the years, Chris progressed through radiography, radiation therapy and medical dosimetry. Taking roles in remote regions with limited access to care has provided Chris with opportunities to learn and expand his knowledge and skill set. This has fostered in him a commitment to collaboration across departments, flexibility within professional medical roles, and the creation of a team approach for more efficient and quality treatment delivery.
Chris’ journey has led him to participate in a number of presentations, training events and teaching moments with both the ASRT and the American Association of Medical Dosimetrists. A highlight of Chris’ career has been to hold the position of president of the AAMD, working with the board of directors and association membership to build a broader awareness of radiation therapy and medical dosimetry in the local community. These moments have offered value-based growth in both professional and personal environments. Chris believes it is in identifying individual talents, creating moments for others to excel and supporting success for everyone that all of this comes together.
Chris currently holds a position as an application specialist after 18-plus years in the radiation oncology service line and more than 30 years in clinic/hospital-based locations. Chris proactively continues to search for learning events where the adoption of new technology, knowledge sharing and relationship building can occur. He believes that together we can improve upon the patient journey and enhance the quality of the care we provide.
Madette Galapin is the professional practice leader for radiation therapy at Toronto’s Odette Cancer Centre at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, one of Canada’s largest academic cancer programs. In this role, she advances radiation therapy professional practice within an interprofessional environment and provides academic and strategic leadership for the profession. Her mandate includes promoting best practice, quality improvement, research and education, as well as representing radiation therapists across corporate, program and external committees.
Madette is the former clinical specialist radiation therapist for the head and neck site group, a role she held from late 2019 until transitioning into the professional practice leader position in early 2026. She is recognized for leading complex clinical change, including a major interprofessional initiative that improved timely access to postoperative radiation therapy for patients with surgically managed head and neck cancer.
A dedicated educator and mentor, Madette supports emerging clinicians and innovators through her faculty role with Sunnybrook’s practice based research and innovation program and supervises research trainees and early career practitioners. Through her continued involvement in research and clinical trials, including a federally funded Phase 3 study in advanced head and neck cancer, she remains committed to advancing evidence based practice and elevating the profession.
Empowering Radiation Therapists tTo Lead Multi-Ddisciplinary Quality Improvement Projects
Amanda Hanstein completed her bachelor’s in medical imaging and radiation sciences – radiation therapy at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City. She then completed her master’s in health care administration with an emphasis in leadership at Oklahoma State University. Amanda has worked in outpatient clinics as a radiation therapist, specializing in stereotactic radiosurgery and proton therapy. She now serves as assistant professor and clinical coordinator for the University of Oklahoma Health Campus radiation therapy program.
The 5 Voices Framework: Strengthening Education, Teamwork and Patient Care in Radiation Therapy
Patti Hensel brings a unique perspective to her role as director of practice operations at New York Oncology Hematology, drawing on her background as a PET-CT technologist. Her patient-facing clinical experience informs her leadership approach and gives her a well-rounded understanding of both patient and staff needs.
Patti lives in upstate New York with her husband and three children. As a family, they love adventure and enjoy traveling to their favorite places, including the Adirondacks, Maine and Colorado.
Reigniting the Spark When You’re Discouraged or Burnt Out
Amanda Hetzel has more than 27 years of radiation therapy experience in external beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy, working in both small and large clinics in southern Indiana, New Jersey, St. Louis and currently Chicagoland.
Amanda’s journey in radiation therapy began when she interviewed for an x-ray/computed tomography technologist position in a cancer clinic. She was introduced to radiation therapy and was instantly hooked by the relationship between the radiation therapist and the patient. She knew she wanted to be part of the team that cared for patients on this journey. She believes every day presents the opportunity to learn something new, and there is so much more in the profession to be discovered.
Amanda spends her free time with friends and family. She also enjoys reading, baking and vacationing.
Spatially Fractionated GRID Radiation Therapy
Jolene Horn is a dedicated radiation therapist at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, where she has been a valued team member since September 2023. She works in the Proton Therapy Center, focusing on delivering precise, cutting-edge treatment to cancer patients. Jolene has extensive experience working with pediatric oncology patients, providing compassionate care and support to children and their families throughout their treatment journeys. Her expertise in advanced radiation technologies and commitment to patient-centered care make her an integral part of the team advancing proton therapy at one of the world’s leading cancer centers.
The Safer Approach for Pediatric Cancer Treatments: Proton Therapy Is the First Step
James Hugh III serves as president of American Medical Accounting & Consulting. AMAC handles all issues regarding documentation; electronic health records; compliance; coding; reimbursement; training for clinical, administrative and coding staff; reporting for reimbursement projections to standard RoadMaps; auditing; and consulting in radiation oncology. AMAC will celebrate its 44th year in business in August 2026.
AMAC’s national reputation has facilitated the development of negotiation strategies with third-party payors across the country. As 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 38 years. He has also published numerous articles and books concerning billing and coding and has given hundreds of presentations.
New Treatment Codes: Documentation, Charge Capture and the Responsibilities of the Radiation Therapist
Neil Hughes serves as a clinical manager at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, overseeing half of the radiation therapy enterprise. His responsibilities include managing the Proton Therapy Center and four Houston-area locations, which together feature 12 linear accelerator gantries, eight proton gantries, one magnetic resonance simulator and five computed tomography simulators. Leading a team of 95 professionals — including therapists, lead therapists, supervisors and therapy assistants — Neil focuses on cultivating a culture of safety, operational excellence and high reliability. With 18 years of experience at MD Anderson, he has spearheaded initiatives that enhance team engagement, improve patient outcomes and align with the institution’s mission of Making Cancer History.
Transformation of Work: From Leadership Buzzword to Genuine Improvement
Neil Ihde is an emotional intelligence, personality and organizational culture expert. He is the founder of Life IQ, where he motivates organizations and teams to work, play, relate and live intelligently. He has more than 20 years of experience and has worked with more than 30 Fortune 500 companies, including Nike, Domino's, AT&T and Transamerica.
Neil recently achieved his goal of speaking in all 50 states. He is a TEDx speaker, and his Life IQ YouTube channel is approaching one million views.
Neil and his wife, Deb, have two children and live in Appleton, Wisconsin.
Joy Spreaders: Who They Are, What Makes Them Tick and Why You Need Them on Your Team
Nicole Jacobsen is a radiation therapist, educator and emerging scholar whose work is deeply grounded in psychology and the human experience within oncology. Born and raised in New York City, she completed her radiation therapy training at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in 2010. Her years at MSKCC and later as a chief radiation therapist in New Jersey shaped her understanding of how emotion, stress and coping intersect with patient care and clinical teamwork.
After relocating to Florida, Nicole joined the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami, where she led the implementation of the magnetic resonance linear accelerator program. This role strengthened her interest in how psychological factors — such as anxiety, perception, communication and learning — impact patients’ experiences with advanced technology and complex treatment processes.
Nicole holds master’s degrees in psychology and health care administration and recently began earning her doctorate in applied learning sciences at the University of Miami. Her academic background allows her to bridge clinical practice with psychological theory, focusing on emotional intelligence, patient-centered communication, motivation and the ways learning and behavior shape professional growth.
Although newer to formal teaching, Nicole has spent her career mentoring students and guiding new clinicians — experiences she describes as the most meaningful part of her work. She is passionate about integrating psychological principles into radiation therapy education to better support students’ emotional readiness, critical thinking and resilience. Nicole is committed to preparing the next generation of radiation therapists by combining her clinical expertise, leadership experience and strong foundation in psychology to cultivate both technical excellence and compassionate practice.
Integrating Emotional Intelligence in Radiation Therapy Education and Clinical
Thomas Jozwiak is an expert-level radiation therapist with 19 years of distinguished service at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, one of the world’s leading cancer institutions. He is committed to providing compassionate expert care and is highly proficient in utilizing advanced radiation therapy equipment, including the TrueBeam system and C-RAD solutions, ensuring the highest standards of precision in cancer treatment.
Thomas has been invited to speak at the national level five times, contributing his expertise and insights to the broader radiation therapy community. He served as the keynote speaker for the Lone Star College-CyFair commencement ceremony in 2024, a nod to his successful career path, which he began as an inaugural graduate of the college's medical radiologic technology program.
In his spare time, Thomas is dedicated to humanitarian efforts, participating in medical and dental missions deep in the mountains of Honduras and demonstrating his commitment to extending health care access to underserved global communities. So far, he has been on 11 such missions.
Thomas’ career is defined by technical mastery, a passion for education and a profound commitment to service, both at home and abroad.
Modern Advances in Breast Irradiation
Madison Kaelin is a dedicated radiation therapist with a strong academic and clinical background. She earned her Bachelor of Science in psychology, complemented by minors in physics, from Clemson University, where she developed a solid foundation in both patient-centered care and scientific principles. Madison went on to complete her bachelor’s degree in radiation therapy at Thomas Jefferson University, gaining extensive hands-on technical experience and a deep understanding of advanced therapeutic technologies. She completed her clinical rotations at Crozer Hospital in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, where she further refined her clinical skills and patient care abilities in a fast-paced health care environment. Following her training, Madison was hired at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, where she currently practices. She continues to grow professionally in her role and is passionate about delivering compassionate, high-quality care to her patients.
Sean Ji-Won Kim is a senior clinical applications specialist at Varian, a Siemens Healthineers company, and has more than 25 years of expertise in radiation oncology. A graduate of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center’s medical dosimetry program, Sean has dedicated his career to bridging the gap between sophisticated technological innovation and clinical excellence. With a diverse background spanning product marketing management for ARIA and Velocity to frontline clinical roles at institutions like the University of Chicago, he possesses a unique 360-degree view of the patient journey. Sean is a magna cum laude graduate of Weber State University and is driven by a mission to expand the boundaries of professional growth through united, vision-led teamwork.
The Riddle of Why: Bridging Precision, Compassion and Growth
Karen Kinman is scientific publications manager for the American Society of Radiologic Technologists. She is responsible for the editorial production of ASRT’s scholarly journals, Radiologic Technology and Radiation Therapist, as well as overseeing strategic planning and overall vision of the journals. She has been working within the scientific writing and publishing profession for nine years and has experience working not only with seasoned authors but also with first-time authors, including students, to overcome common challenges and apprehensions when beginning their journey in scientific writing.
Megan Krolo has a total of 14 years' experience in radiation oncology. She served ten of those years at Loyola University Medical Center, where she gained a considerable amount of experience both clinically and professionally. In April 2025, Megan joined the Advocate Aurora health organization as the lead radiation therapist at Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, Illinois.
Megan has always been passionate about oncology. She came to the realization that she wanted to become a radiation therapist when her mom was undergoing radiation treatments for breast cancer. She witnessed firsthand the compassion and technical skill that was involved in being a therapist, and from then on, she knew it was her calling.
In her free time, Megan enjoys trying out new recipes for both cooking and baking. She also loves traveling with her husband and spending time with her goldendoodle, Harper.
Jaesang Lee is a lead radiation therapist at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center’s Proton Therapy Center in Houston. He specializes in advanced imaging and simulation workflows, with a focus on magnetic resonance simulation, computed tomography/MR integration, CT-on-rails and image-guided proton therapy.
In his role, Jaesang is actively involved in clinical operations, workflow optimization, quality and safety initiatives, and staff education, while also contributing to clinical research and multidisciplinary collaboration. His professional interests include head and neck cancer, the clinical application of MR simulation, and osteoradionecrosis surveillance, particularly the visualization of bone density changes over time.
Beyond his clinical work, Jaesang is also deeply committed to mentorship, team culture and professional development within radiation therapy.
Outside of work, Jaesang enjoys spending time with his wife and two young children. He is an avid soccer enthusiast, serving as a team captain in a local adult league, and he enjoys travel, photography and exploring creative ways to tell clinical and personal stories through visual media.
From Planning to Surveillance: MR Simulation for Osteoradionecrosis in Head and Neck Cancer and the Expanding Role of the Radiation Therapist
Marissa Mangrum is an associate professor and radiation therapy program director for the University of Oklahoma. She is registered in radiation therapy and has worked as a staff therapist and simulation therapist and in education serving as a program director and clinical coordinator. Marissa is the 2025-2026 president-elect and 2026-2027 president of the ASRT Boards of Directors.
Aileen Mariposa is a radiation therapist with two years of clinical experience in both inpatient and outpatient radiation oncology settings. She is passionate about promoting radiation therapist longevity through improved workplace wellness, ergonomics and supportive clinical workflows. Aileen is an active member of the patient experience committee and serves as a patient experience champion, contributing to initiatives that enhance both staff well-being and excellence in patient-centered care. Outside of the clinical setting, Aileen enjoys reading and exploring a variety of arts and crafts.
Advancing Therapist Wellness and Safety Through Workflow Optimization
Danielle McDonagh serves as the program director of the radiation therapy program at the Mount Sinai Center for Radiation Sciences Education. With more than 17 years of clinical experience and a strong commitment to academic leadership, she has developed and led competency-based curricula that support student progression from entry-level training to professional practice. Her doctoral research investigated gaps in competency-based education across multiple radiologic science disciplines, including radiation therapy, medical dosimetry and medical imaging. In her research, Dr. McDonagh has identified and is working toward implementing scalable solutions such as structured goal-setting frameworks and artificial intelligence-assisted tools that enable learners to document, track and standardize skill-based learning. Dr. McDonagh has authored peer-reviewed publications and regularly presents her work nationally. She serves on the ASRT Foundation’s Research and Grants Advisory Panel as an expert reviewer and is a peer reviewer for the International Journal of Radiation Oncology - Biology - Physics.
Preparing Radiation Therapy Students for AI-enabled Practice Through Simulation, VR and Structured Skills Assessment
Heidi McGregor is a lead radiation therapist with 19 years of experience across community, rural and high-volume oncology centers. She has practiced extensively as a staff, locum and lead therapist, bringing a broad, systems-level perspective to patient care, workflow efficiency and team collaboration. Heidi has hands-on expertise with advanced treatment technologies and is known for her commitment to precision, safety and compassionate, patient-centered care.
In addition to her clinical practice, Heidi is deeply invested in mentorship, workforce retention and professional advocacy within the radiation oncology profession. She has mentored students and early-career therapists and frequently speaks on the human and operational challenges facing the profession, including burnout, staffing and the impact of evolving technology. Heidi is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in health administration and is a published author in ASRT Scanner. She is an active voice in advancing the professional identity of radiation therapists nationwide.
Outside of her professional work, Heidi is married to a fellow radiation oncology professional who works for Varian. Together, they share their home with three rescue dogs and a cat, who have become the center of daily life now that their children are grown. Their daughter, Avery, is currently attending college, and their son, Gabe, recently married his wife, Rylee. Heidi and her husband enjoy spending time together making memories, supporting their local community and embracing the quieter joys of this new season of life.
Mentoring in Radiation Therapy Clinics: A Two-way Model
Mariana Miller is a senior radiation therapist at the Miami Cancer Institute with Baptist Health South Florida, bringing nearly two decades of expertise to the forefront of advanced oncological care. A specialist in high-precision modalities, Mariana has been instrumental in the clinical implementation of magnetic resonance imaging-guided linear accelerators, proton therapy and stereotactic body radiation therapy.
Throughout her tenure, Mariana has distinguished herself through a commitment to operational excellence and process innovation. Beyond her technical proficiency, she is a dedicated mentor known for fostering collaborative, high-performance teams in high-stakes environments. Mariana holds a Bachelor of Science in radiation therapy from California State University, Long Beach, and she remains driven by the intersection of cutting-edge technology and compassionate, patient-centered care.
Kevin Minassian is an assistant chief therapist in the department of radiation oncology at Mount Sinai Hospital. He holds a bachelor’s in biology and a bachelor’s in philosophy from the University of Delaware. He also holds a certificate in radiation therapy from the School of Radiation Therapy at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Kevin has been a therapist for more than 10 years. In 2021, he was honored to present “Improving Respiratory Gating Workflow Within a Multidisciplinary Team” at the ASRT Radiation Therapy Conference in Chicago. Kevin is highly involved in quality assurance initiatives and workflow improvements across his department, including playing a key part in sensitive practice workflows for his patients. Kevin not only embraces the continual evolution of the technologies in his profession, but he also takes pleasure in sharing this knowledge through teaching and inspiring colleagues and students to use the latest advancements for enhanced patient care.
Enhancing Workflow Efficiency and Patient Experience Through a Standardized Pain Assessment Tool in Radiation Oncology
Shivani Narayanan is a seasoned radiation therapist with nearly two decades of experience, specializing in veterinary radiation oncology since 2017. Originally from Buffalo Grove, Illinois, Shivani earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Illinois Chicago before beginning her career in human radiation therapy. She now serves as the staff radiation therapist at PetCure Oncology in Clifton, New Jersey, where she oversees treatment planning, quality assurance and daily delivery of radiation therapy for companion animals. She is actively involved in professional leadership as the former treasurer and current president-elect of the Radiation Therapy Association of New York State, supporting initiatives that promote clinical excellence and continuing education for radiation therapists. Shivani is also a published author, having co-authored a peer-reviewed article on brachytherapy best practices in Radiation Therapist.
The History and Future of Veterinary Radiation Oncology
Amber Nguyen is the lead advanced practice provider for the department of radiation oncology at The Ohio State University James Cancer Hospital. With more than a decade of experience spanning radiography, mammography, oncology nursing and advanced practice, she offers a uniquely comprehensive perspective on the breast cancer care continuum and interdisciplinary workflow improvement.
Dr. Nguyen co-led a major process redesigning the breast radiation therapy pathway, reducing monthly computed tomography simulation cancellations from 31% to 5% through standardized readiness workflows and a data-driven patient readiness dashboard. This initiative earned national and international recognition, with presentations about the initiative accepted at both the Oncology Nursing Society Congress and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement Forum.
Dr. Nguyen also served as vice chair of the education committee for the Ohio Society of Radiologic Technologists, helping guide statewide continuing education and professional development for imaging and therapy professionals.
An active institutional review board member for more than five years, Dr. Nguyen is committed to evidence-based practice, patient-centered care and advancing health care education to strengthen clinical practice and team performance.
Optimizing CT Simulation Readiness: A High-reliability Workflow To Improve Efficiency, Safety and On-time Treatment Starts
Diana Ortega has more than 13 years of experience in radiation oncology, with a career focused on advancing patient safety, quality improvement and high-reliability practices in complex clinical environments. She has led and supported multiple multidisciplinary initiatives aimed at reducing risk and improving treatment delivery, including efforts to improve electronic medical device workflow, standardize documentation, minimize workflow interruptions and strengthen timeout and communication processes.
In addition to patient safety, Diana is committed to frontline staff wellness and resilience. She has led initiatives to assess and enhance wellness resources, recognizing the connection between staff well-being, reliability and safe patient care. As a speaker, she brings practical, real-world insights from radiation oncology to help teams build sustainable safety cultures that support both patients and health care professionals.
From Incidents to Impact: How Medical Mistakes Build Safety in Radiation Oncology
Jonathan Ortiz is a seasoned radiation therapist with 16 years of clinical experience and a commitment to advancing the profession. As chief radiation therapist, he has implemented continuous quality improvements, developed a tattoo- and mark-free workflow and led a team of ten therapists. He actively collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to refine treatment protocols and techniques. Jonathan holds a Bachelor of Science in allied health leadership and an M.B.A. in health care management. He is dedicated to education and professional development, regularly presenting on surface-guided radiation therapy and mentoring radiation therapy students. Jonathan has also served on numerous committees to establish best practices and has volunteered with the ASRT.
Meeting the Future With SGRT: Effectively Transitioning to Tattoo/Mark-free Radiation Therapy for All Treatment Sites
Shameca Ragan is a chief therapist at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. She earned her Bachelor of Science in radiation therapy at Texas State University at San Marcos and her Executive Master of Business Administration at Texas Woman's University. In her role at UT Southwestern, Shameca oversees the Varian Halcyon machines, high dose rate/low dose rate brachytherapy, spacer procedures and Xstrahl systems. With more than 19 years' experience as a radiation therapist, Shameca is passionate about investing in the next generation of radiation therapists, helping them rise to their greatest potential and breaking barriers of limiting belief.
In her spare time, Shameca loves spending time with her family, ministering through mentoring, having coffee with friends and cuddling with her miniature schnauzer, Layla.
Annie Seeber is a registered radiation therapist at the Cleveland Clinic with clinical experience in advanced treatment techniques, including volumetric modulated arc therapy and complex patient setups. She has a strong interest in optimizing treatment reproducibility, patient comfort and workflow efficiency, particularly in cases requiring nonstandard immobilization and surface dose management. Annie is actively involved in departmental quality improvement and educational initiatives and regularly collaborates with physicians and dosimetrists to refine clinical practice. She is deeply passionate about patient-centered care, kindness and advocacy, and she believes that compassion and positivity play an important role in a patient’s journey. She strives to bring empathy and reassurance into each patient interaction, with the goal of making every treatment experience feel safer and more supportive. Her professional interests include surface-guided radiation therapy, innovative bolus applications and the development of standardized approaches for uncommon disease sites. Through clinical presentations and conference submissions, she aims to share practical techniques that enhance patient safety, improve daily treatment accuracy and support consistent, high-quality radiation therapy delivery.
Optimizing VMAT Setup and Immobilization for Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Patrycia Sek is a senior radiation therapist at The Mount Sinai Hospital. She recently earned a Master of Public Health in health policy and management, with a focus on improving health care systems and patient outcomes. Patrycia is the recipient of an ASRT Foundation research grant and is co-investigating a two-year study titled “Evaluating Variables of Inter-Fraction Interruptions Due to Bladder-Filling for Prostate Cancer Patients Receiving External Beam Radiation Therapy.” Her work combines clinical practice with research and policy, aiming to drive innovation and efficiency in radiation oncology.
Maureen Sigafoos is a dedicated professional in radiation therapy and medical dosimetry education. She earned her Bachelor of Science in radiation therapy from California State University, Long Beach. In 2004, she achieved certification as a medical dosimetrist. To further advance her expertise in leadership and organizational management, Maureen completed a master’s degree in organizational leadership at National University in 2019. Currently, Maureen serves as the clinical coordinator for the Bachelor of Science in radiation therapy program at Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts, where she oversees clinical education, student training and program operations to prepare the next generation of radiation therapists.
The Changing Landscape of Education: Connecting With the Next Generation of Students
Samantha Skubish holds a bachelor’s in radiologic sciences from Southern Illinois University and a master’s in health policy and management from The New School in New York. Samantha is the chief technical director in the department of radiation oncology at Mount Sinai Health System in New York. She serves as chair of the ASRT Practice Standards Council and is chair of the Radiation Therapy Association of New York State. Samantha is an American Registry of Radiologic Technologists I Am the Gold Standard award recipient for her work on professional advancement, equitable care and patient safety. She helps lead the national advanced practice radiation therapy think tank with the ASRT and participates in the Advanced Practice Radiation Therapy International Community of Practice. Her department received the 2023 Association of Cancer Care Centers Innovator Award for its advanced practice radiation therapy model of care. Samantha is passionate about advancing the profession, scope of practice and research opportunities for radiation therapists.
Zachary Smith is a radiation therapist with more than 30 years of experience. He is the current manager of radiation oncology at the UCHealth Cancer Center in Fort Collins, Colorado. Zack completed his radiation therapy training at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston and later earned his M.B.A. from the University of Phoenix in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Throughout his career, Zack has been recognized nationally for his innovation, receiving two Innovator Awards from the Association of Cancer Care Centers. He has contributed to the development of oncology analytics through his work with Varian’s InSightive analytics development board and is a contributing author to Washington and Leaver's Principles and Practice of Radiation Therapy.
Zack has presented at local, state, national and international conferences. Among his many accomplishments, he is especially proud of establishing an inpatient oncology pet therapy program and applying Lean Six Sigma methodologies to help clinical teams better visualize and address workflow challenges.
Early Cancer Detection and Treatment With Liquid Biopsies
Daniel Speir is the chief radiation therapist for the Willis Knighton Cancer Center department of radiation oncology in Shreveport, Louisiana. He has been chief therapist for seven years and serves as the education and compliance officer, with more than 15 years of radiation therapy experience. He received his bachelor’s in radiologic sciences from Northwestern State University in 2008 and his radiation therapy certificate from the Central Arkansas Radiation Therapy Institute (in affiliation with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock) in 2009. He has extensive experience with linear accelerators from Varian, Elekta and Accuray, and he played a key role in introducing the world’s first clinical compact pencil beam scanning proton therapy unit, the IBA ProteusONE, in 2014. He has spearheaded multiple projects and quality improvement initiatives in stereotactic body radiation therapy, surface-guided radiation therapy, proton therapy, patient data management and clinical workflows to create a better experience for radiation oncology patients and staff.
Synergizing Radiotheranostics and External Beam Radiation Therapy: Developing the Radiation Therapist’s Role
Matt Spraker earned his Ph.D. from the University of Illinois Chicago’s Department of Bioengineering, then his M.D. from the College of Medicine in 2013. He completed his residency at the University of Washington School of Medicine. Dr. Spraker currently works as a radiation oncologist at AdventHealth Rocky Mountain Region Hospitals in Denver, Colorado. In 2026, he completed fellowship training in integrative medicine at the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona School of Medicine.
Dr. Spraker spends his free time with his wife and their pets. He enjoys hiking, camping, music and cooking.
Radiation Therapy in Osteoarthritis: Past, Present and Future
Clodagh Starrs is the advanced practitioner for the radiation oncology department at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. Clodagh earned her Bachelor of Science degree in therapeutic radiography from the University of Ulster, Jordanstown, Ireland, in 2002 and completed her Master of Science in advanced clinical practice in radiation oncology in 2022. Clodagh managed the radiation therapy department at MSH for 12 years before taking up her role as the first advanced practice radiation therapist in the United States.
Earlier in her career, Clodagh specialized in multidisciplinary collaborations. These special projects included pioneering innovative treatment protocols specific to breath hold liver techniques and implementing sensitive practice into radiation therapy. She presented on both of these projects at past ASRT conferences. She then shifted her focus to be part of a team that has been tirelessly working to bring advanced clinical practice to the U.S. Clodagh is also part of national and international committees on advanced clinical practice for radiation therapists. She represents the U.S. in the Advanced Practice Radiation Therapy International Community of Practice. Her work has been published in the Red Journal, Technical Innovations and Patient Support in Radiation Oncology and ASRT’s Radiation Therapist.
Two APRTs, One Evolving Role: Advanced Practice in Action
Tamara Syverson is the vice president of Revenue Cycle Coding Strategies. In her current position, she 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 degree in radiation therapy from the University of Oklahoma. Prior to joining RCCS, she served in operational positions as dosimetrist, lead therapist and staff therapist.
Tamara has more than 30 years’ experience in the radiation oncology profession and actively participates in multiple organizations. She lectures at local, state and national levels for the ASRT, Society for Radiation Oncology Administrators, Association of Cancer Care Centers and American Association of Medical Dosimetrists.
Coding Considerations for Low-dose and High-dose Radiation Therapy in Benign Conditions
Terrance T. Thomas is a clinical radiation therapy supervisor at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, with more than 18 years of experience in high-acuity academic medical centers. A registered radiation therapist and seasoned health care leader, Terrance is recognized for advancing therapist wellness, patient safety and operational excellence through thoughtful workflow optimization and team-centered leadership.
In his current role, Terrance oversees complex clinical operations across multiple treatment platforms, leading initiatives focused on staffing optimization, load leveling, onboarding and regulatory readiness while maintaining continuity of care during periods of high census, machine downtime and disaster response. He has played a key role in strategic planning for clinical expansion, capacity forecasting and the integration of advanced radiation therapy technologies.
Terrance has led and contributed to numerous process improvement and standardization efforts, including refining quality assurance workflows and establishing standardized safety procedures. In his leadership approach, he emphasizes mentorship, accountability and psychological safety, recognizing that sustainable clinical excellence begins with a supported and engaged workforce.
Terrance has delivered a number of staff engagement and educational presentations focused on communication, teamwork and culture. His passion for service extends beyond the clinic through global missionary work and long-standing community involvement, reflecting his commitment to caring for both patients and caregivers.
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 served on the ASRT Committee on Bylaws and is currently vice chair of the Radiation Therapist Editorial Review Board. Her love for patient care, quality and safety, as well as education, is the driving force that motivates her to share that passion with her students.
Cynthia Vavasis graduated from Hillsborough Community College with an Associate of Science degree and began her career in Tampa, Florida, where she worked as a therapist for 13 years. She then relocated to New York and started working at Mount Sinai Hospital, initially as a staff therapist. Over time, she advanced to the position of assistant chief therapist. Cynthia is a seasoned speaker at ASRT’s Radiation Therapy Conference and is a graduate of the Mount Sinai emerging leaders program. She also serves as a student mentor. Cynthia is passionate about finding innovative solutions to workflow challenges and improving processes to enhance patient experiences.
Yohan Walter is a therapeutic and nuclear medicine physicist and chief of radiation physics research at the Willis Knighton Cancer Center in Shreveport, Louisiana. He is the physics lead for the stereotactic radiosurgery program and nuclear oncology division. Yohan has broad clinical and research interests in most aspects of radiation medicine, including SRS/stereotactic body radiation therapy, proton therapy, radiation therapy for benign disease, and theranostics.
Yohan is the primary mentor for the image-guided radiation therapy, SRS/SBRT and radiopharmaceuticals rotations for physics residents at WKCC. Additionally, he designed the curriculum for the first-of-kind WKCC nuclear oncology physics fellowship, a one-year program designed to train medical physicists to handle theranostics procedures. Yohan is part of the ASRT Advanced Practice Radiation Therapy Curriculum Working Group, the American Association of Physicists in Medicine radiopharmaceutical therapy subcommittee and the Particle Therapy Co-Operative Group early career researcher subcommittee, among other association-sponsored groups.
Yohan earned his B.S. from the University of Oregon in 2019 and his M.S. from Creighton University in 2022. He completed his therapeutic physics residency at WKCC in 2024. He is currently a student in the clinical research Ph.D. program at the University of Jamestown. Outside of work, he enjoys tending to his Carolina Reaper plants and spoiling his puppy rotten.
Alichia White is a senior medical dosimetrist at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital and serves as the assistant director of radiation oncology for RAD-AID International. She has more than 35 years of experience in many roles in radiation oncology, including dosimetrist, therapist, manager and educator. She obtained her degree in radiation therapy from Howard University in Washington, D.C., in 1990. She completed her medical dosimetry training at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans, with certification in 1996. Between 2018 and 2025, she served as a RAD-AID/ASRT Foundation Outreach Fellow to Nairobi, Kenya, and Lagos, Nigeria.
Alichia is deeply committed to making a positive impact in health care, particularly by supporting under-resourced populations worldwide. Her dedication has led her to contribute in various capacities in several countries, including Mexico, Haiti, Jamaica, Kenya, Tanzania and Nigeria. Through her efforts, she aims to enhance health care diagnosis and treatment, striving to improve health outcomes on a global scale. Her work reflects a strong passion for equitable health care access and a commitment to addressing disparities in medical services across different regions.
A RAD-AID Framework for Educational Initiatives To Strengthen Radiation Oncology in Low- and Middle-income Countries
Lisbet Williams is the quality assurance manager at New York Oncology Hematology in Albany, New York. Her interest in all things quality and process improvement started during her long career in radiation oncology, first as a radiation therapist and then a medical dosimetrist.
Lisbet shares her upstate New York home with her boyfriend and the world’s crankiest cat. She enjoys transforming her yard into a pollinator-friendly paradise and shares the spoils of her vegetable garden with several families of rabbits and squirrels. Lisbet is constantly leaving out treats for the local crows in the hopes of accomplishing the No. 1 item on her bucket list: Make friends with a corvid.
Cheryl Young is an accomplished radiation therapist, educator and program director dedicated to advancing the profession and expanding access to high‑quality cancer care. She earned her Bachelor of Science in radiation therapy from California State University, Long Beach, completed her master’s degree in organizational leadership at National University, and went on to earn her Doctor of Education in organizational leadership from the City University of Seattle.
Dr. Young has experience developing and leading academic radiation therapy programs, including designing and implementing associate and bachelor’s level curricula, clinical education pathways and multidisciplinary protocols. She is also deeply committed to global health, with a particular focus on building sustainable radiation therapy education and service capacity in low‑ and middle‑income countries. Her leadership has been instrumental in strengthening the connection between clinical practice and higher education, ensuring graduates are well prepared to excel in a rapidly evolving health care environment. She stays active in the professional community through regional and national society involvement, academic contributions, mentorship and frequent speaking engagements.
In her free time, Dr. Young loves cheering for the Denver Broncos, spending sunny days out on the boat and being a cat mom. She is also a proud aunt to two nephews who have completely stolen her heart and a niece who is already proving to be a little heartbreaker.
Razmig Zovigian began his career in diagnostic imaging in 2000, specializing in magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography. After six years as a diagnostic technologist, Razmig graduated from the radiation therapy program at City of Hope in 2007 and has remained with the organization ever since, approaching two decades of service. He has since earned a Bachelor of Science degree in health care administration and is currently working toward PET-CT certification as well as a master’s degree in health care.
Biology-guided Radiation Therapy: Clinical Background, Patient Flow and Setup