RadOnc Report

Standardization is a cornerstone of high-quality and safe radiation oncology practice. For new staff, a documented and consistent onboarding process is essential to build cohesive teams and promote standard processes. During this episode of the Rad Onc Report, radiation oncologist Ray Mak, MD, medical physicist Sheri Weintraub, PhD, and administrator Mark Harder, RT(T), spotlight ASTRO's new customizable onboarding checklists designed to help radiation oncology teams improve training, strengthen safety and support smooth integration of new staff across all clinical roles.

ASTRO President Dr. Neha Vapiwala interviews Dr. Alejandro Berlin, professor at the University of Toronto and Medical Director of the Cancer Digital Intelligence Program at Princess Margaret Hospital. Dr. Berlin discussed his vision for digital health innovation in RO, how AI and automation can augment physician roles and the importance of radiation oncologists being active participants in multidisciplinary teams.

ASTRO President Dr. Neha Vapiwala  and Board Chair Dr. Sameer Keole discuss coding and reimbursement changes impacting radiation oncology centers and the urgent need for legislative solutions like the Radiation Oncology Case Rate (ROCR) program. 

ASTRO President Neha Vapiwala and Dr. Vedang Murthy talk about his work in radiation oncology and his efforts as the International Ambassador in India.

ASTRO President Neha Vapiwala speaks with Dr. Sophia Kamran who is a member of ASTRO's Workforce Diversity Committee and who specializes in GU cancers.  In this episode, Dr. Kamran talks about the current and future uses of brachytherapy in treating cancers. She also offers tips to junior faculty on ways to access research funding.

ASTRO Health Policy radiation oncologists Drs. Anthony Paravati and Amar Rewari discuss the various issues ASTRO members have faced through the first quarter of 2026 related to the treatment delivery code changes. The pair speak from personal experience in their own practices, describe progress that we have seen from payers, ASTRO's advocacy efforts and plans moving forward. This discussion provides insight to conversations ASTRO has held with private payers and Medicare contractors, as well as ASTRO's plans to address reimbursement issues members are experiencing.

ASTRO President Neha Vapiwala speaks with Dr. Chika Madu, chair of the Advocacy Committee for ASTRO's Health Access and Community Engagement Council and Chair of Radiation Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell Staten Island University Hospital.

Exercise is increasingly discussed in cancer prevention, treatment, and survivorship—but evidence quality and messaging vary widely. In this episode, a radiation oncologist and medical oncologist examine what the data truly support, explore biologic mechanisms, and discuss how early-career oncologists can responsibly integrate exercise counseling into clinical practice without overpromising or patient blame.

Early-career radiation oncologists play a vital role in shaping the future of cancer care. During this episode, radiation oncologists Avinash Chaurasia, MD, Amar Rewari, MD, MBA, and Anthony Paravati, MD, MBA, explore practical ways to engage in health advocacy—from influencing policy and reform to improving public communication and system-level decision-making—drawing on insights from national experts in value-based care and oncology leadership.

The 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule brings the most significant changes to radiation oncology reimbursement in over a decade. In this episode, Adam Greathouse, JD, ASTRO Director of Health Policy, and Amar Rewari, MD, MBA, FASTRO, ASTRO Health Policy Council Chair, Chief of Radiation Oncology for Luminis Health, break down what radiation oncologists need to know, from the overhaul of treatment delivery codes to CMS's new efficiency adjustment. Whether you're a physician or administrator this episode offers practical insights to help you prepare for these changes.

In the latest episode of the RadOnc Report, ASTRO Early Career Committee Vice-chair Avinash Chaurasia, MD, interviewed Ben Durkee, MD, from the University of Wisconsin and Join Luh, MD, FASTRO, a community practice radiation oncologist at St. Joseph Hospital about the impact of prior authorization on their day-to-day practice and how prior authorization is handled administratively in both university and private practice settings.

In the latest episode of the RadOnc Report, Katie Wakeham, PhD, FRCR, shares the inspiration for the first ever World Radiotherapy Awareness Day, the symbolism behind the September 7 date and how members of the global community have come together to be "One Voice for Radiotherapy" in an effort to share the power and impact radiation therapy has on cancer care around the world at www.worldradiotherapy.org.

In the latest episode of the RadOnc Report, ASTRO Vice President of Advocacy Dave Adler is interviewed by Avery Adler regarding the recent Medicare Payment Rules for 2026. During this podcast, Dave touches on the regulatory process for Medicare's regulations, what the impact of the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule is on radiation oncology and next steps, including ASTRO's education for members and comments to CMS. Additionally, Dave discusses how this will impact the ROCR Act and ASTRO advocacy this year.

ASTRO Early Career Committee member Avinash Chaurasia, a radiation oncologist at Brooke Army Medical Center, interviews Eric Singhi, MD, a medical oncologist at MD Anderson Center and Timothy Vreeland, MD, a surgical oncologist at Brooke Army Medical Center about the importance of and how to enhance collaboration with multidisciplinary providers.

In this episode, ASTRO President Sameer Keole, MD, FASTRO, talks with President-elect Neha Vapiwala, MD, FASTRO, about the importance of becoming involved with ASTRO. Dr. Vapiwala shares a bit about her background, her involvement with ASTRO through the years, what she sees as the biggest challenges for the specialty and her strong feeling about the important role of residency programs to train competent and caring academic and community practice physicians.

Want to learn more about ASTRO's role as an advocate organization? Don't miss this podcast with Mustafa Basree, DO, ASTRO's Government Relations Fellow, and Anne Hubbard, ASTRO's Director of Health Policy. They will cover ASTRO's regulatory policy and legislative initiatives, including ROCR and Prior Authorization, as well as how ASTRO members can get involved.