Leadership Pathway Program Awardees
The Leadership Pathway Program (LPP) enhances the career advancement of a diverse group of leaders through activities that increase their knowledge of ASTRO’s governance structure, expand their networks through their assignments to an ASTRO Council, and augment their leadership skills. Congratulations to the 2023-2025 Leadership Pathway Program Awardees.
Current Awardees
 Lara Hathout, MD, 2023-2025 LPP AwardeeInstitution: Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey Bio: Lara Hathout, MD, is an Associate Professor and Director of Brachytherapy in the Department of Radiation Oncology at the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey. After finishing residency in Radiation Oncology at the University of Montreal in Montreal, Quebec, Dr. Hathout completed a fellowship in Brachytherapy at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York. She specializes in gynecological and genitourinary cancers with a strong focus on both intracavitary and interstitial brachytherapy. Dr. Hathout served on major national committees including the ASTRO Guidelines subcommittee, ASTRO History Committee, American Board of Radiology Gynecologic Cancer Committee, ASTRO Women in Radiation Oncology council, and Chair of the American Brachytherapy Society Education Committee for GU cancers. Her clinical research resulted in many influential publications in major journals including the ASTRO Endometrial Cancer Task Force Guideline and her work on health equity and disparities in gynecological cancers. She serves on the Editorial Board of the Brachytherapy Journal and as Associate Section Editor for the GYN section of the International Journal of Radiation Oncology • Biology • Physics. As a Syrian woman, Dr. Hathout has lived in three countries and is fluent in English, French, Spanish and Arabic. She is excited to participate in the ASTRO Leadership Pathway Program to advance ASTRO’s mission on Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. In her spare time, Dr. Hathout stays active and cycles on her Peloton. She is an avid reader, a good baker and loves to travel to soak up new experiences, cultures, and cuisines. |
 Kristina Mirabeau-Beale, MD, MPH, 2023-2025 LPP AwardeeInstitution: GenesisCare USA of Florida Bio: Kristina Mirabeau-Beale, MD, MPH, received her undergraduate degree in biological anthropology and gender studies with honors and her medical degree from Harvard University. She completed her residency at the Harvard Radiation Oncology Program, a combined program at Massachusetts General Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, where she also received a masters of public health in clinical effectiveness and conducted research on assessing patient reported outcomes and quality of life. After residency, she came to southwest Florida and joined the private practice multi-specialty oncology services company 21st Century Oncology, now known as GenesisCare USA. She currently serves as chair of the breast program at the Regional Cancer Center for Lee Health in Fort Myers, Florida, and is a member of the radiation advisory board for New Century Health. She is heavily involved in advocacy around breast cancer patterns of care in community oncology, industry partnerships and addressing cancer disparities. |
 Elizabeth Nichols, MD, 2023-2025 LPP AwardeeInstitution: University of Maryland School of Medicine Bio: Elizabeth Nichols, MD, is an Associate Professor in Radiation Oncology at the University Of Maryland School Of Medicine where she is also the Vice Chair of Clinical Affairs overseeing the clinical operations of seven practices across the state of Maryland. After earning her undergraduate degree from Duke University, she completed medical school, internship and residency in radiation oncology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine/Medical Center where she also served as the chief resident. As a clinician, Dr. Nichols specializes in the treatment of breast and gynecologic cancers and treats at the UMMC and Maryland Proton center locations. Her current research focus is on breast cancer, looking at advancing care for both early and late stages, and using newer techniques with the GammaPod and proton therapy. She is one of the few physicians in the state to perform complex gyn brachytherapy procedures. Dr. Nichols completed the Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine, Executive Leadership in Healthcare track through Drexel University in 2023 as part of the inaugural class. Dr. Nichols serves on a variety of School of Medicine, hospital and departmental committees and is the interim Ambulatory Medical Director for the University of Maryland Medical Center. |
 Ashish Patel, MD, MBA, 2023-2025 LPP AwardeeInstitution: Emory University School of Medicine Bio: Ashish Patel, MD, MBA, is Vice Chair of Quality and Patient Safety and an Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology at Emory University School of Medicine. Dr. Patel also serves as Medical Director of Radiation Oncology at Emory Decatur Hospital and Emory Hillandale Hospital. Prior to joining Emory, he was Clinical Director of Radiation Oncology at MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper, Cooper University Healthcare. Dr. Patel specializes in the treatment of gynecologic and genitourinary malignancies and has written and co-authored a number of publications and abstracts. He has a research interest in operations management, systems integration, and standardization in quality improvement. Dr. Patel graduated from Emory University with a bachelor's degree in biology. He then went on to receive his medical degree from Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University before completing his training in radiation oncology at the University of Maryland. He received his masters in business administration from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. |
