August means Federal lawmakers head home from Washington, DC, to meet with constituents. Inviting a Senator or Representative to your clinic is an opportunity to bring Capitol Hill to you during this key five-week span. Members are eager for opportunities to engage with constituents and will be looking to fill their schedules with meetings, town halls, events and tours of all kinds.

According to ASTRO Government Relations Committee Chair Christopher Corso, MD, PhD, all ASTRO members should consider extending a Congressional invitation:

“Hosting a Congressional representative is not only an opportunity to show the specialized equipment we use and the large team that is needed to treat patients with radiation therapy, it is also key to reinforcing the value we provide for our patients. A site visit allows a Congressional representative to gain perspective on the impact that decisions made in Washington, DC have on our practice and the patients we treat. I believe that building these meaningful relationships is a cornerstone of effective advocacy for radiation oncology.”

This is an opportunity to provide lawmakers with a glimpse into your clinic life, your patients, and the technology your teams use every day. With hands-on visits and interaction with you and your colleagues fresh in mind, lawmakers will return to Washington well-briefed on issues that affect your and your patients. The ASTRO Advocacy team can help by providing you with key staff contacts, suggested content and issue briefs, building the impact your outreach makes. Please email Courtney or Zachary with questions.