We are introducing a special poster session that will allow clinical investigators to present in-progress clinical trials, in part to make sure attendees are aware of important studies that may be relevant to their patients.

As science continues to rebound from the pandemic, we also have seen an increase in the number of scientific abstracts submitted this year compared to the past few years. We will have more than 2,000 research presentations on advances in cancer care. There will be more than 350 oral abstract presentations, quick pitch sessions and more than 1,600 poster presentations.


Finally, I am excited about our keynote addresses from Dr. Anupam Jena, host of the Freakonomics, MD podcast, and Dr. Arif Kamal, Chief Patient Officer for the American Cancer Society. I believe our attendees will find these presentations entertaining and engaging.

HCB News: Can you tell us about some of the topics you expect ASTRO attendees to be talking about?
JM: Earlier this year, ASTRO released its workforce analysis. While this report presented important data and models that will help us understand immediate and future needs, more needs to be done to help identify solutions to maintain an appropriately sized workforce in radiation oncology. There will be disadvantages for our specialty and our patients in the case of either an over- or under-supply of radiation oncologists.

The proposed Radiation Oncology Case Rate (ROCR) payment program also has generated a lot of discussion at meetings and on social media. The Annual Meeting will be an opportunity for members to learn, engage and provide feedback on this important topic.

New therapies that will be coming to clinics include growth of radiation therapy in the management of metastatic disease, systemic radiopharmaceuticals and FLASH radiation therapy. Attendees also can expect to learn the results of practice-changing studies for a variety of disease sites – thoracic, genitourinary, breast, head and neck, gynecological and others – in the Plenary, Clinical Trials and Late Breaking Abstract Sessions.

HCB News: What is some of the best advice you've ever received?
JM: Approach life and your career with focus! Find something that you enjoy doing and become incredibly good at it. This is true of both your vocation and avocation.

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