The American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO) proudly names Emily Wilson as Director of Government Relations and Robyn Lynn Watson, Ph.D., as Director of Research.

Emily Wilson joined ASTRO in October 2005 as ASTROs Government Relations Representative. Ms. Wilson came to ASTRO with a wealth of healthcare lobbying experience, specifically related to Medicare coverage, payment and reimbursement matters. During her tenure at ASTRO, Ms. Wilson has led the Government Relations team in spearheading ASTROs lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill and has been working with ASTROs physician members to further develop grassroots support in their respective states. Ms. Wilson is also responsible for managing ASTROs political action committee, ASTRO PAC. Ms. Wilson holds a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.

Robyn Lynn Watson, Ph.D., is the new Director of Research at ASTRO. Dr. Watson comes to ASTRO from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor where she earned her Ph.D. in Health Services, Organization and Policy from Michigans School of Public Health in August 2006. At the University of Michigan, Dr. Watson performed research related to health and healthcare policy. In particular, her dissertation research focused on the African American/White racial disparity in breast cancer mortality.


Prior to pursuing her doctorate, Dr. Watson worked in health services management at Telecare Corporation and Alameda County Employees Retirement Association, both located in Northern California. In her position at ASTRO, Dr. Watson will lead ASTROs Research team in promoting research, disseminating research results and administrating ASTROs extensive awards and grants program. Dr. Watson is also responsible for overseeing ASTROs Research Council and the several committees within it.

As ASTRO continues to grow and provide support to the radiation oncology community, it gives me great pleasure to see Emily Wilson and Robyn Lynn Watson in their respective positions in Government Relations and Research. We congratulate Emily and welcome Robyn to ASTRO, said Laura Thevenot, ASTRO CEO.

ASTRO is the largest radiation oncology society in the world, with more than 8,500 members who specialize in treating patients with radiation therapies. As the leading organization in radiation oncology, biology and physics, the Society is dedicated to the advancement of the practice of radiation oncology by promoting excellence in patient care, providing opportunities for educational and professional development, promoting research and disseminating research results and representing radiation oncology in a rapidly evolving socioeconomic healthcare environment.

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