As Approved by the Board of Directors on June 27, 2009.
ASTRO VISION
ASTRO in 2020
Ten years in the future, radiation oncologists will continue to be the acknowledged experts in the use of radiation therapy, including external beam radiation therapy, brachytherapy and radiosurgery, as well as multimodality treatments to cure cancers and to relieve cancer-related symptoms. Through close relationships with their patients, radiation oncologists will encourage and educate, helping patients to understand their options and navigate the increasingly complex world of cancer treatment.
Radiation oncologists will solidify their role in the multidisciplinary team and clarify the nature of their specialty to other physicians who refer and share in the care of cancer patients. They will be increasingly recognized for their unique perspective and understanding of the pathology, biology, and clinical behavior of cancer, and for their expertise in the safe and precise application of ionizing radiation and radioactive isotopes. Radiation oncologists will continue to advocate evidence-based applications of this highly effective modality and encourage patients to understand and be aware of the beneficial roles radiation therapy can play in their management.
Radiation oncologists will define themselves as care-givers and their specialty as patient-centered and will be recognized by their patients and colleagues as doctors who are committed to achieving best results for their patients. Physician and scientist colleagues will recognize radiation oncologists' roles as excellent hands-on physicians and as premier scientists and researchers.
ASTRO will continue to be the premier society for radiation oncologists, and will provide outstanding educational opportunities for its members, will support and advocate for high-quality research, and will promote broader community understanding of the specialty of radiation oncology through publications, advocacy, and by the example of its members.
ASTRO MISSION
The American Society for Radiation Oncology is dedicated to advancing the practice of radiation oncology.
GOALS AND STRATEGIES
Through a combination of four overarching goals with associated strategies designed to achieve those goals, ASTRO will continue to attain advances in the field of radiation oncology.
GOAL 1: Deliver targeted educational and professional development.
- ASTRO will maintain the world’s premier radiation oncology meetings by attracting excellent clinical and scientific research papers.
- ASTRO will provide focused educational opportunities in all mediums to meet the needs of members.
- ASTRO will develop mechanisms for the career development of clinical scientists.
- ASTRO will foster a culture of ethics for both the organization and its members to be used in member’s dealings with patients, other physicians, vendors, policy makers and within the Society.
GOAL 2: Raise the profile of radiation oncology.
- ASTRO will foster a collaborative culture with relevant societies regarding multidisciplinary meetings, health policy, research and guidelines.
- ASTRO will encourage and provide a forum for training of radiation oncologists to achieve leadership roles in a variety of national, state and local settings including their hospitals.
- ASTRO will continue to build its public awareness initiatives.
GOAL 3: Shape the framework for delivery of quality patient care.
- ASTRO will support and help shape comprehensive health reform. ASTRO will build a successful radiation oncology practice accreditation program in conjunction with the American College of Radiology.
- ASTRO will work to promote and represent the practice of radiation oncology with respect to the American Medical Association, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and other payer communities, with governmental and regulatory entities, and within health care reform, in general.
- ASTRO will continue to develop its comprehensive Maintenance of Certification program to document clinical competency.
- ASTRO will promote research funding for the field.
- ASTRO will continue to advance its advocacy agenda.
- ASTRO will develop an evidence-based mechanism for improving the patient care experience.
- ASTRO will take the lead in developing radiation oncology clinical practice guidelines.
GOAL 4: Advance the science of the field.
- ASTRO will continue to maintain the premier journal in the field and expand its reach in promoting the science of radiation oncology through publishing an additional journal.
- ASTRO will work with the Radiation Oncology Institute to develop a national research agenda for the field.
- ASTRO will evaluate the success of its grant program and ensure that it is aligned with our strategic priorities.
- ASTRO will expand outcomes research in radiation oncology to demonstrate its value and efficacy.
