Vivek S. Kavadi, M.D., M.B.A., has been named the brand new CEO of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO). On Nov. 1, 2024, he’ll succeed Laura Thevenot, who beforehand introduced her intent to retire after main the group since 2002.
Throughout Thevenot’s tenure at ASTRO, membership grew by over 50% to its present stage of greater than 10,500 physicians, biologists, physicists, radiation therapists, dosimetrists and different healthcare professionals. Moreover, the affiliation’s skilled employees expanded from 18 in 2002 to greater than 80 presently.
Kavadi, a radiation oncologist and ASTRO member since 1994, joins ASTRO from his present place as chief radiation oncology officer for The US Oncology Community, the place he oversees technique, operations and scientific service supply for a community of 200 physicians.
From 2003 to 2020, Kavadi served as regional medical director for Texas Oncology, the place he managed a 60-physician observe within the Houston area. Since 1995, he additionally has maintained a scientific observe as a radiation oncologist for Texas Oncology, the place he makes a speciality of breast and prostate cancers.
Kavadi’s historical past with ASTRO consists of his present function on the Board of Administrators as vice chair of the Well being Coverage Council and his earlier tenures on the Well being Coverage and Payer Relations Committees. In 2019, he was acknowledged by ASTRO as a Fellow for his service to the Society and his contributions to the sector of radiation oncology.
“We’re so happy to have Vivek lead ASTRO at this key time for the specialty,” mentioned Jeff M. Michalski, M.D., M.B.A., chair of the ASTRO Board of Administrators, in a press release. “The appointment of a doctor from our specialty with first-hand expertise of the challenges that training physicians face every day marks an vital milestone for ASTRO. Vivek’s deep understanding of the sector, in addition to his operational and enterprise acumen, makes him a great match for our Society. His experience might be helpful as we navigate the legislative panorama with the latest introduction of the Radiation Oncology Case Charge (ROCR) Worth-Primarily based Fee Program Act in addition to a myriad of points vital to our 10,000 members, together with doctor training, guideline improvement, scientific advances and trade partnerships.”
“I’m deeply honored to step into the CEO function at ASTRO to assist advance our great specialty,” mentioned Kavadi, in a. assertion. “I don’t take the problem of leaving my present function in neighborhood most cancers care to steer a nationwide group flippantly. I acknowledge that I’ll step into the function succeeding Laura Thevenot, who has led the group with talent and distinction for the previous 22 years. I do know I might be on the helm of a wholesome, thriving group, and I’m dedicated to fostering additional collaboration, scientific development and excellence inside our specialty. I’m additionally happy to have the ability to work alongside the devoted ASTRO employees with whom I’ve had the pleasure of working with throughout my time as a committee volunteer and Board member. I look ahead to their continued engagement to make sure we finest serve our members.”