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This is “The RAD Position” with ASRT CEO and Executive Director Melissa Pergola, a podcast for medical imaging and
radiation therapy professionals.
Melissa Pergola: Hi there, and welcome back to “The RAD Position” podcast. I'm your host, Melissa
Pergola, and I am with —
Ray Arambula: Her podcast partner, Ray Arambula.
Melissa Pergola: Yeah. And, Ray, today is exciting, right? Because we get to talk about something
that is so important, and that is —
Ray Arambula and Melissa Pergola: Advocacy.
Melissa Pergola: [chuckles] So, today we're joined by Jason and Meredith, our amazing ASRT
colleagues. And I'm going to start by giving just a short introduction for both of them.
So, Jason [Bradley] joined the ASRT in 2015 and currently serves as the executive vice president of governance and
public policy. Throughout his imaging career, he has worked as a radiologic technologist, department manager and
clinic supervisor. Today he leads ASRT's Governance, Government Relations, and professional resources and relations
teams, working to ensure the Society's governance processes, Practice Standards, stakeholder engagement and advocacy
efforts continue to evolve to meet the changing needs of the profession, its members and the health care landscape,
while advancing ASRT's mission and vision.
And we also have Meredith Check. Meredith is the director of government relations and public policy, and she has been
at ASRT for almost five years. She's based in the Washington, D.C., area, and she works with federal and state
lawmakers and regulators representing ASRT's mission. Prior to joining ASRT, she worked at a law firm in D.C. as part
of their public policy group, working with health care clients on federal policy issues. She's originally from North
Carolina, and when she isn't at work, she wants to be on or near water. Welcome, Meredith.
Meredith Check: Thank you so much. Thanks for having us.
Melissa Pergola: Yes, we are very excited to have you. And so, I want to get right to it, because
this is so important for our profession and for our members and nonmembers. So, tell us what is going on in the world
of advocacy here at ASRT?
Jason Bradley: Well, I mean, there's always a lot happening.
Melissa Pergola: Mm-hmm.
Jason Bradley: It all comes back to one core idea, and that's making sure that patients are cared
for by qualified medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals. ASRT's advocacy work is focused on protecting
patient safety, strengthening professional standards and helping policymakers understand just how essential these
professionals are to the health care system. At the federal level, our top priority has been and remains the Medicare
Access to Radiology Care Act, or MARCA. And this bill addresses long-standing Medicare payment barriers that affect
radiologist assistants and limit how effectively they can be used as part of radiologist-led care.
Melissa Pergola: Yes, very exciting. A lot going on, right? And you mentioned the federal level and
MARCA and that that really has been our main priority when we talk about federal. And I know we've talked about it
before, but for our listeners and then for our viewers, can you tell us what MARCA means, sort of what it is and why
it's important?
Meredith Check: Yeah, absolutely. So MARCA stands for, as Jason said, the Medicare Access to
Radiology Care Act. This bill would amend current Medicare statute to allow radiologists to be reimbursed for services
performed by radiologist assistants when those services are delegated by and performed under the supervision of a
radiologist as part of a radiologist-led team.
Jason Bradley: And this legislation is important because current Medicare policy limits how
effectively radiologist assistants can be utilized. Radiologist assistants are specially edu — specifically educated,
clinically trained and credentialed professionals. They are not independent practitioners, and they do not replace
radiologists. They support radiologist-led teams. MARCA would help improve patient access, make radiology teams more
efficient and allow radiologists to spend more time on image interpretation and complex clinical decision-making.
Melissa Pergola: Yeah, and it's so important for our patients, but also for our profession, right?
Because this is our advanced practice for radiographers. And so, it is important to patients and access to care and
efficiency and being part of that radiologist-led team. But regardless of what our modality is, right? I'm a
radiographer and have mammography, but of course, we have nuclear medicine technologists and radiation therapists and
MRI [magnetic resonance imaging] technologists. This is a main priority for all of us, right? Because as a service
line, we need to get behind advancement within our profession.
And I love the fact that you all talked about some of the very important tenets of the radiologist assistant, right?
We know that ACR [American College of Radiology] is our partner on this, that they passed resolutions at their last
council, and that they are at the table fighting for us with MARCA.
But there are some very important agreements that we have that are important for the profession, and those you
mentioned, that a radiologist assistant will always work under a radiologist as part of the radiologist-led team,
right? They won't seek independent practice. In our profession, we see a lot of encroachment, particularly with nurse
practitioners and PAs [physician assistants].
We won't have that with the RA. They have to work under a radiologist on a radiologist-led team, right? And there
won't be independent billing. And they don't do interpretation, right?
Jason Bradley: Right.
Melissa Pergola: Yeah. The value of an RA is all of the things that they do to enhance patient care
and give access to procedures, but that allows the radiologist then to do the top of their scope, which is
interpretation.
Meredith Check: Exactly. And, you know, we have also really discovered, right, you know, the use of
an RA increases early diagnosis, right?
Melissa Pergola: Yes.
Meredith Check: And so, you know, I kind of want to circle back to a comment you said about, you
know, how this affects our entire profession. And it's true because RAs are able to perform procedures that, you know,
our radiographers aren't able to.
And so, you know, really coming fr — encompassing all of the aspects of the medical imaging pipeline will protect our
patients, but also really ease, you know, the stress of clinic. When our radiologists are freed up to work at the top
of their scope, and the RA is able to work at the top of their scope, it just, it clears that log. And I think that's
really important to really hit on. Even if you don't want to become an RA, it still impacts your profession.
Jason Bradley: Yes. It's definitely about recognizing that they are a benefit to the entire service
line. You know, we talk about them working for a radiologist, and we talk about all the things they do, but really
it's about what they really bring to the entire service line.
Ray Arambula: OK. So, MARCA is a big priority. It's, you know, and it's about making sure that the
work being done is appropriately recognized. But what are the actual advocacy efforts that are already happening
around it?
Meredith Check: A lot.
Melissa Pergola: [laughs]
Meredith Check: So, ASRT, Jason and I, as well as of course Melissa, we work with our partner
organizations, including the ARRT, the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists; ACR, the American College of
Radiology; and SRPE, the Society of Radiology Physician Extenders, to support the passage of MARCA.
So, ASRT-led advocacy efforts are focused on educating our lawmakers, including meeting with congressional staff to
ask for support of MARCA and answering questions on how MARCA will impact their communities. Sharing issue briefs and
background materials. We have activated our grassroots messages through the ASRT Advocacy Action Center, and really
encouraging our members and nonmembers, members of the medical imaging and radiation therapy community, as well as our
communities at large, to contact their members of Congress asking for sponsorship and support.
Ray Arambula: Yeah. So, it sounds like this is where it becomes very tangible. It's not just support
MARCA in theory anymore. It's specific actions and conversations happening to build this momentum. And it sounds like
part of the work is helping lawmakers understand not only what the profession does, but why it matters to patients and
communities as well. So, how can ASRT members get more involved and get behind this?
Jason Bradley: That's a great question, Ray. The easiest place to get involved is the ASRT Advocacy
Action Center.
Melissa Pergola: Yes.
Jason Bradley: It gives members a simple way to send messages to elected officials, respond to
active campaigns and stay informed about federal and state issues affecting the profession. And one thing I want to
emphasize, as Meredith alluded to, is that the Action Center's not just for ASRT members.
Melissa Pergola: Yes.
Jason Bradley: Patients, students, educators, colleagues, any other supporters can all take action,
too. The more voices policymakers hear, the stronger the message becomes.
Melissa Pergola: Yeah. Yeah, I think that's so important, right? It's not behind a member wall. It's
open to anybody, and I think, like, you talked about this, the RA impacts the care of patients, and at some point,
most of us are either, either have to have medical imaging or we have family members or friends or neighbors. And so,
really anybody, as prospective potential or past patients, can go in, right? So, our family, our friends.
And I know that the letter in there, it's prepopulated. It's really easy to do. But they can amend it, right? It's
customizable. So, they can say, "I'm a patient who had care, and access to care is important to me." Yeah.
Meredith Check: Absolutely. I have a lot of nurse friends who are — anytime something pops, I send
it to them, because they understand the importance of advocacy. And so, they'll send it, or teachers, or, you know,
whomever in our own circles of influence.
Jason Bradley: Yeah. So, the message for our members is take action and share the message.
Melissa Pergola: Yeah. Excellent. So, we just talked about this, right? The Action Center, not just
for members, members of the public, too. So, shifting to broader advocacy efforts, what else has the team been working
on in the last year? And I know we could take, like, a three-hour podcast to answer that, but what do you want to tell
us you've been doing in the time of a podcast?
Jason Bradley: We'll try to sum it up. While MARCA is a major focus, it's definitely not the only
thing that the ASRT Government Relations team is working on. The advocacy team continues to monitor and respond to
state legislative and regulatory activity across the country. We're also supporting licensure and professional
standards efforts, developing resources for members and affiliates and promoting policies that protect patients and
recognize the education, training and competency of medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals.
Meredith Check: Yeah. And, you know, to build on that, specifically our team has led or participated
in over 15 reoccurring calls on state issues —
Melissa Pergola: Yeah.
Meredith Check: — per month.
Ray Arambula: Wow.
Meredith Check: So —
Melissa Pergola: Yeah.
Meredith Check: — multiply that by 12 and you get, oh, almost 200 scheduled calls. So, that doesn't
even include all of the one-off meetings that we have around state efforts and federal concerns.
Melissa Pergola: Yeah.
Meredith Check: And in a lot of these, you know, as Jason mentioned, it's enhancing requirements for
individuals to meet the nationally recognized education, training and credentialing requirements.
Melissa Pergola: Mm-hmm.
Meredith Check: We also have an ambassador program, so the ASRT Ambassadors for R.T. Advocacy.
That's a program for ASRT members that our team facilitates. You know, we've also responded to over 10 state proposals
that, this year, in the last, in 2026, state proposals that would weaken licensure or inappropriately expand scopes of
other health care professionals.
Melissa Pergola: Yeah.
Meredith Check: We've also launched the Advocacy Support Program for Affiliates, which is an
application-based grant program for ASRT affiliate societies to fund advocacy efforts to defend the profession in
their state.
Melissa Pergola: It's a lot going on, and what I love is that, just as with all of the departments
at ASRT, you're very innovative, right, in thinking of new ways to do things. And so, we announced at our annual
conference [ASRT Annual Governance and House of Delegates Meeting] this year that we are going to have a new
trademarked day. And that is called NRTDA. So, can you tell us about that, what that is and what that will involve?
Jason Bradley: Absolutely. I'm glad you asked. We're very excited about this. So, NRTDA stands for
National Radiologic Technologist Day of Action, and it's held on August 13th. And this date corresponds with the
passage of the Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act —
Melissa Pergola: Mm-hmm.
Jason Bradley: — that was passed on August 13th, 1981. So, NRTDA is designed as a coordinated
advocacy day for medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals to be seen, be heard and be known.
Melissa Pergola: Mm.
Jason Bradley: The idea —
Melissa Pergola: Love that.
Jason Bradley: — is to give professionals a focused opportunity to engage with the public, lawmakers
and community leaders. It's a chance to explain who we are, what we do and why nationally recognized education,
training and competency standards matter for patient safety.
[music]
[video starts]
Melissa Pergola: Hey there, Ray, guess what? It's Melissa on the Street, and I have Jason Bradley
here. First of all, why are we on the Hill?
Jason Bradley: So, we have a couple reasons. It's our first ever National Radiologic Technologist
Day of Action.
Melissa Pergola: Yep.
Jason Bradley: Also, we're here to advocate for MARCA, which is Medicare Access to Radiology Care
Act.
Melissa Pergola: Can you tell some of our listeners and viewers sort of what we were telling the
legislators about MARCA and why it's important?
Jason Bradley: Yeah, absolutely. So, you're right. What an incredible day to be here. Really today
we were looking for co-sponsors now that the bill's been introduced both in the House and the Senate. Next important
step is co-sponsors, and really this is a bicameral and bipartisan bill. So, really we're just here to garner support.
We brought some RAs with us who are volunteers for ASRT, and they did a great job of explaining, like, what they do,
what the day in the life of an RA looks like and also the issues that we have right now with the Medicare billing
system and how MARCA would fix that and increase patient access and all of the other things that we've been trying to
talk about for a long time.
Melissa Pergola: Yeah, they did such a phenomenal job as experts representing the RA profession, and
we're super proud that we were here with them. We got such a great response from the offices that we met with.
Sometimes when we go in with an issue like this, it seems like a no-brainer, right? We have two bills. We have full
support from the American College of Radiology, and really we have no opposition, and it's the right thing to do for
patients.
[video ends]
Melissa Pergola: What an amazing experience to be on the Hill and to be talking to our
representatives and senators, and, of course, the main focus of this one was MARCA. And so, just thank you for
coordinating that, and what a wonderful, impactful day.
Jason Bradley: Yeah, absolutely. It was really something to be there and see our members in those
meetings, you know, really talking about what they do and why an RA is so important, why MARCA is so important to
them. And so, it was really an honor to be there and be able to share that with them for the first annual NRTDA, so.
Melissa Pergola: Yes. So cool.
Meredith Check: Yeah. And also, you know, a big shoutout to our ambassadors. They were really active
on social media, sharing our imaging and our language and really promoting the profession as a whole, and directing
folks to read more about the day and send letters to their members of Congress about the need for education and
training standards for our profession.
Ray Arambula: And I really like the phrase "Be seen. Be heard. Be known."
Melissa Pergola: It's amazing.
Ray Arambula: It really seems to capture the heart of advocacy in a way people can remember it. And
it feels like the NRTDA gives a moment for people to rally around too, instead of advocacy just feeling, you know,
somewhat vague or hard to plug into. So, why is it important to create a specific day of action, and what should
members expect from this in the future years?
Jason Bradley: Well, I'm going to cut Meredith off before she answers that.
Melissa Pergola and Ray Arambula: [laugh]
Jason Bradley: — give her credit. Don't give me the face. So, that phrase is perfect, right, Ray?
And so, I just want to give credit to Meredith Check, who added "be heard" and "be known" to our "be seen."
Melissa Pergola: Yes.
Jason Bradley: So, for advocacy, it was perfect, and thank you very much. Now you can answer the
question.
Melissa Pergola: [laughs]
Meredith Check: Yeah. Well, thank you, Jason. I appreciate it. And a big part of advocacy is name
recognition. So, going, you know, to visit offices and for Congress, you know, being recognized as the premier health
care association for the medical imaging and radiation therapy community, that name recognition, that expertise is
really important.
Melissa Pergola: Yes.
Meredith Check: And we're building that. But my goal is that all 535 U.S. House representatives and
U.S. senators knows ASRT —
Melissa Pergola: Yes.
Meredith Check: — the minute they think about imaging and health care. A day of action really helps
solidify magnitude of our membership and our profession.
Melissa Pergola: Yeah.
Meredith Check: So, having a singular day where we ask you to show up, do something, that's
something that a lot of volunteers can really hold on to. It's also about, you know, really kind of showing that
juxtaposition between what we worked for 45 years ago with the Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act and
where we are now.
We're the third largest health care workforce and should be recognized as such. And the work that we do is critical.
The work that our members do is critical to the health care system. So, that's why it's necessary, both from a member
engagement side as well as advocacy, public education side.
Melissa Pergola: It's not just about us going to D.C. and working on federal efforts, right? Not
everybody's going to have the opportunity to do that. But being an advocate as a medical imaging and radiation therapy
professional starts every day. When you walk into a room with your patients, you're proud and explain who you are.
Your neighbors know who you are. You know, just like we want to walk to Capitol Hill and make sure that our
representatives and senators know who we are, we can do work in our own state. We can go meet with our own
representatives and senators because we never know what's going to happen in the states either.
It's not standard across the state what the regulations are. And, quite honestly, they could be ever-changing, right?
We see delicensing. We're trying to get new licensure. Maybe your state doesn't have every single modality or
discipline under licensure. So, I think it's — people should feel excited that you're creating lots of opportunities
where they can become those advocates and really help advance and protect our profession.
Meredith Check: Some of the feedback that we often get is that members feel like they don't have the
time to commit to advocacy, or that they have to be an expert in the policy process or understand all of the nuances.
And frankly, that's just not true. And so, trying to make it approachable and, you know, full spectrum of
opportunities. You know, some people may just want to share a LinkedIn post or a Facebook post.
Ray Arambula: Yeah, that's true.
Meredith Check: And that is still part of advocacy, because you're sharing the message with your
larger community. Our listeners can take one thing away from my diatribe on the day of action —
Melissa Pergola: [laughs]
Meredith Check: — I would say, you know, don't discount the small actions, and don't discount the
importance of your role, because you're the only person who knows everyone in your community.
Ray Arambula: Well, Jason and Meredith, thank you both. I appreciate how you make advocacy feel
approachable, because I think that's what helps people understand, like, how they can actually get involved. And I
also think it's just a good reminder that you don't have to know everything about legislation to participate.
Something that — sometimes the most important thing you can do is just respond, or like you said, Meredith, to share
your story, to share your experience, and stay engaged that way. So, thank you both.
Melissa Pergola: Yeah. This conversation has been so important, and hopefully everyone takes
something away that they can do, because if we are going to move our profession forward and continue to be seen, be
heard and be known, thank you very much, right, we have to be out there advocating.
But one last thing before we end, I want to do another thank you to you all. You're doing the groundwork, and we
don't sort of advertise that all the time. So, this is my message to our listeners and to our viewers that you are
working. And I'm not going to lie, Ray, I know you work hard, but the amount of hours —
Ray Arambula: Yeah, I agree.
Melissa Pergola: — that they put in with the calls and, you know, Meredith mentioned how many calls
a week, that you are just doing so much work that oftentimes might feel unseen. And I want our members and all medical
imaging and radiation therapy professionals to never doubt the significant amount of work that is happening for them
behind the scenes. So, thank you. Thank you very much.
Jason Bradley: Thank you.
Melissa Pergola: And thank you for being on with us today. This is important. [chuckles]
Meredith Check: A shameless plug for everyone listening, if you don't already follow us on social
media, you need to, because sometimes there are opportunities for advocacy that don't go out in an email. So, if you
follow us on social media, that is, often, if we're trying to get wide reach, we put it out on socials because people
are going to see it. So, follow our social media. It's phenomenal. But that's the best way to stay informed on
advocacy efforts.
Jason Bradley: Yeah, and then I would just add, going back to NRTDA, kind of, and what we've been
talking about, advocacy can happen anywhere. And you don't have to know what's going on legislatively. You just have
to know your profession and know what you're passionate about and know your patients and express that, right? And so,
in any situation, you can advocate for yourself and the profession. And if you have any questions, feel free to
contact us. We're happy to help. And with NRTDA, we're hoping that that will help give everyone an opportunity to do
this and have the resources that they need in place. And so, this year was a soft launch of NRTDA, but next year we
expect exciting things, so stay tuned.
Melissa Pergola: Excellent. Thank you both so much.
We'll be right back after this short message.
ASRT Ad: Outstanding patient care begins with outstanding professionals. The ASRT BeRAD Award
recognizes hospitals, imaging centers and clinics where medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals
demonstrate excellence, professionalism and dedication to patient care.
Nominate your organization and celebrate the team making a difference every day. Applications are open through
September 30th, 2026. Visit asrt.org/BeRADAward to learn
more.
Ray Arambula: Hey, Melissa.
Melissa Pergola: Hey. Hey, hey, hey. [laughs] Guess what time it is?
Ray Arambula: Is it time to We See You segment?
Melissa Pergola: It is time for the We See You segment.
Ray Arambula: Let's roll that footage.
Mia Chauvin: Hi, my name's Mia Chauvin. I'm a senior in the radiologic sciences program in McNeese
State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and my question to the CEO is, what characteristic do you think future
employers like the best about new graduate students that they don't get taught at school?
Melissa Pergola: And this is a great question because oftentimes in the program, right, we're taught
our technical skills.
Ray Arambula: Yeah.
Melissa Pergola: We're taught our competencies. But as a former employer, I used to talk about
something called KASH value of employees, and it's K-A-S-H. So, it's knowledge, attitude, skills and habits.
And I will tell you as an employer, if you graduate from an accredited program, I'm going to assume that you're
coming with the knowledge and skills. What I'm not sure you have, and what I'm going to interview for, and the reason
why I'm going to promote you and give you additional training, has to do with your attitudes and habits, and that's
everything around how you show up, how you interact with your colleagues, the compassion that you show for patients.
So, I think that as a student, you really need to be thinking about, what do I bring as a worker and as a
professional to my department and to my patients separate from the absolutely amazing technical skills that we have?
Ray Arambula: I would assume, too, that programs focus heavily on the technical competencies.
Melissa Pergola: Yes.
Ray Arambula: But, you know, maybe something or something like emotional intelligence, where —
Melissa Pergola: Mm.
Ray Arambula: — you have to understand how to build trust with patients who are anxious, who are
feeling overwhelmed, and even amongst co-workers as well.
Melissa Pergola: Yes.
Ray Arambula: I think that could be a critical skill to have.
Melissa Pergola: Yeah, so important. And I think one more thing I would say is if you have
aspirations, to make a bigger difference in the department, whether that's beyond committees, whether that is future
leadership, we don't want to get ahead of ourselves, but it is a good idea to let someone know that you aspire to
that, and then show up every day like the person that they would provide those opportunities to.
Ray Arambula: That's right. Yeah.
Melissa Pergola: Yeah. So, thank you so much, Mia. And we wish you so much success.
Ray Arambula: Well, you know what they say around here, Melissa.
Melissa Pergola: Yeah?
Ray Arambula: Don't put yourself in a bad position —
Melissa Pergola: Oh, stay up to date with “The RAD Position.”
Ray Arambula: Are you ready to inspire the next generation of medical imaging and radiation therapy
professionals? ASRT is accepting entries for the Planting Seeds Contest, and we want you to be a part of it.
Here's how it works. Download the Planting Seeds Tool Kit. Use it to plan a community outreach event, anything from a
career day presentation at a local school to a patient education seminar, and then share your story for a chance to
win. Award categories include Most Seeds Planted, Best Youth Engagement and Most Creative Outreach. So, no matter how
you connect with your community, there is a category for you.
And the recognition doesn't stop there. Individual top performers can win $250 Visa gift cards, standout youth and
creative events earn $500 and affiliates making a statewide impact can take home up to $750. Make sure to submit your
entry by November 14th.
Remember, whether you reach one student or a hundred, every interaction counts. Visit asrt.org/PlantingSeedsContest to learn more, access the tool kit
and submit your outreach story. Let's grow the future of the profession together.
Melissa Pergola: So, we learned that the Government Relations Department works 24 hours a day.
[laughs]
Ray Arambula: They have nonstop work. And it, you know, it sounds complicated, but it really isn't.
And I think what we hope to learn from this and to share with our listeners is that you can be a part of this. It's
not difficult. And we hope that you will.
Melissa Pergola: Yeah, that's right. So, there are big, grandiose things we can do, like go to
Washington, D.C., or even go to our state house, which can be nerve-racking, but the Government Relations Department
has a whole guide to help you do that. But it's really just about showing up every day and being proud of who we are
and what we do.
Ray Arambula: Absolutely.
Melissa Pergola: A really important conversation.
Ray Arambula: So, thank you for listening and watching. Please don't forget to subscribe and share
with your family and friends. And?
Melissa Pergola: And you can also write in to us, because we want to hear from you, just like Mia.
So, you can write in at [email protected] or fill out the form at asrt.org/RADPosition.
[on video] And to all our medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals, be seen and —
Group: — stay rad!