News & Publications
“Safety is No Accident” has been adopted by the RTANYS as a best practice in the field of Radiation Therapy. Additionally, the 2022-2024 RTANYS Board of Directors published a research article in the Fall 2024 edition, Journal of American Society of Radiologic Technologists Radiation Therapist, on Exploring the Role of Radiation Therapists and Best Practices in Brachytherapy. The article identifies gaps in current brachytherapy training and offers best practices for Radiation Therapists and departments in this space.
We are proud the below articles have been authored by RTANYS members, expanding the academic body of literature in the Radiation Therapy profession.
The RAD Position” podcast is back with a new episode! ASRT CEO and host Melissa B. Pergola, Ed.D., R.T.(R)(M), FASRT, CAE, and her podcast partner Ray Arambula, ASRT chief information officer, speak with Samantha Skubish, R.T.(R)(T), RTANYS Chair, about shaping the future of patient care within the radiation therapy profession and the advanced practice radiation therapy role.
A group of RTANYS members published in the March/April edition, Journal of American Society of Radiologic Technologists, Radiologic Technologist on Imaging, Treatment, and Promoting Quality Of Life for Patients With Anal Cancer.
RTANYS co-founders Maria Dimopoulos, PhD, MBA, RT(T) and Samantha Skubish, MS, RT(R)(T) were highlighted in the October/November 2024 edition of the American Society for Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) Scanner newsmagazine for their research supporting advanced practice radiation therapy.
A group of RTANYS members published in the Fall 2024 edition, Journal of American Society of Radiologic Technologists Radiation Therapist, on High-Dose Gating Protocol for Deaf Patients in Radiation Oncology.
RTANYS members published in the Fall 2024 edition, Journal of American Society of Radiologic Technologists Radiation Therapist, on High-Dose Rate Brachytherapy Using a Single Applicator.
Summer 2024, RTANYS student member Andrea Diaz, BS, earned an Elekta RTT Student Scholarship. In 2006 the Elekta Radiation Therapy Scholarship was established in partnership with the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) Foundation to assist six U.S. students financially as they study to become radiation therapists.
In June 2024, RTANYS Nominating Committee member Jiné Maroney, MBA, RT(R)(T), CMPE, was published in the Society for Radiation Oncology Administrators (SROA), News for Administrators Journal. Jiné shares about her leadership journey and the impact of engaging with the SROA.
In June 2024, RTANYS Chair Maria Dimopoulos, PhD, MBA, RT(T) joined the Rad Chat podcast and shared about effective communication and Sensitive Practice in radiation therapy. Find the full episode here.
In May 2024, RTANYS President Samantha Skubish, MS, RT(R)(T) joined the Rad Chat podcast and shared about Advanced Practice Radiation Therapy in the United States. Find the full episode here.
RTANYS Chair, Maria Dimopoulos, PhD, MBA, RT(T) and RTANYS President, Samantha Skubish, MS, RT(R)(T) along with international colleagues were awarded a $50,000 International Collaborative Research Grant from the ASRT Foundation. Their research will explore international models to propose an Advanced Practice Radiation Therapy educational framework for the US and Canada. Find the full press release here.
RTANYS student member Jennifer Donis, BS, wrote an article for the April/May 2024 American Society of Radiologic Technologists Scanner newsmagazine about her experience attending the annual RTANYS/NYSSRS conference.
RTANYS President, Samantha Skubish, MS, RT(R)(T), was highlighted in the April/May 2024 edition of the American Society for Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) Scanner newsmagazine. The article recognizes her working leading the Radiation Therapy Practice Standards Council, and how the Council impacts Practice Standards and the future of the profession.
RTANYS member Virali Shah, MBA, RT(T)(MR), was highlighted by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) for her dedication volunteering on the Radiation Therapy Exam Committee. Find the full article here.
RTANYS member Shannon Corrigan, RT(T) created “Double Strand Break,” a mixed media drawing of a photon delivering a lethal strike to a DNA strand. Her work is highlighted on the cover of the Spring 2024 edition of Radiation Therapist. Photons used in radiation therapy deliver a lethal dose to malignant tumors, while sparing healthy tissue.
A group of RTANYS members published in the Spring 2024 edition, Journal of American Society of Radiologic Technologists Radiation Therapist, on Triggered Imaging for High-Dose Prostate Radiation.
Ryena Umar, BS, RT(T) and group of RTANYS members published in the Journal of Allied Health, Demonstrating the Hallmarks of GYN Malignancies by Translating Radiation Therapy Theory to Clinical Practice.
RTANYS President, Samantha Skubish, MS, RT(R)(T), co-authored an article entitled “An Advanced Practice Radiation Therapist Role Helps This Cancer Program Reach New Heights: Improving Quality, Efficiency, Wellness, and Outcomes” in the Oncology Issues. The article describes how the creation of the first advanced practice radiation therapist role in the United States helped Mount Sinai establish a new model of inpatient care by elevating the radiation therapy skill set.
RTANYS Chair Maria Dimopoulos, PhD, MBA, RT(T), co-authored an article entitled “Lung cancer reirradiation: Exploring modifications to utilization, treatment modalities and factors associated with outcomes” in the Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences.
RTANYS Chair, Maria Dimopoulos, PhD, MBA, RT(T) has been awarded an ASRT Foundation International Speakers Exchange Award. Dr. Dimopoulos will speak at the UK Imaging and Oncology Congress in Liverpool, England in June 2024 on her research studying the radiation therapists’ perception of triggering aspects of care. The RTANYS recognizes the incredible support the ASRT and ASRT Foundation provide to technologists and the importance of international collaboration in advancing the profession.
RTANYS President, Samantha Skubish, MS, RT(R)(T) was recently interviewed by Healio on her work supporting and advocating for the Advanced Practice Radiation Therapist (APRT). Find the full article here.
A group of RTANYS members published in the Fall 2023 edition, Journal of American Society of Radiologic Technologists Radiation Therapist, on the Dynamic Role of the Radiation Therapist in TBI and TSET.
RTANYS Chair Maria Dimopoulos, PhD, MBA, RT(T), co-published in the Fall 2023 edition, Journal of American Society of Radiologic Technologists Radiation Therapist, on identifying current patient care training programs for radiation therapists and students.
Congratulations to our state affiliate, the New York State Society of Radiologic Sciences (NYSSRS), for winning the 2023 ASRT Award for Advocacy! The NYSSRS advocates for RTs at a state and national level, and was instrumental in developing the RTANYS. You can read more about the Award for Advocacy in the August/September edition of ASRT’s Scanner newsmagazine.
RTANYS Chair Maria Dimopoulos, PhD, MBA, RT(T), published in The Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences on radiation therapists’ perceptions of potentially triggering aspects of care for survivors of sexual violence undergoing radiotherapy.
A group of RTANYS members published in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology * Biology * Physics, exploring opportunities for the Advanced Practice Radiation Therapist role in the United States given current macro-environmental factors.
RTANYS member Tzippora Ben-Zvi, RT(T), published in the Spring 2023 edition, Journal of American Society of Radiologic Technologists Radiation Therapist, highlighting the role music therapy plays in the treatment of pediatric patients.
A group of RTANYS members published in the Spring 2023 edition, Journal of American Society of Radiologic Technologists Radiation Therapist, on “Working Towards Advanced Practice Radiation Therapy in the United States.”
RTANYS member Angela Oliveira, MPA, RT(T), published in the Spring 2023 edition, Journal of American Society of Radiologic Technologists Radiation Therapist, highlighting ways to improve patient communication and interactions in radiation therapy.
RTANYS Vice President Paul Tamas, RT(T), co-authored an article entitled “Accuracy and Efficiency of Patient Setup Using Surface Imaging versus Skin Tattoos for Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation” in Advances in Radiation Oncology. Authors also thank and acknowledge radiation therapists who contributed to the ability to conduct this study.
Maria Dimopoulos, MBA, RT(T) and Malchijah Whiskey, BS, were published on their experience at the 2022 dual RTANYS/NYSSRS conference in the February/March 2023 edition of the American Society for Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) Scanner newsmagazine. The article highlighted the many offerings of the conference and opportunities for members to get involved with their local and state affiliates.
National Radiologic Technology Week® is an annual celebration to recognize the vital work of medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals in patient care and health care safety. This award is given to 3 ASRT members nationally who highlight the important role of the radiologic technologist in the patient healing process and author a positive interaction in their facility that contributed to a patient’s healing journey. Congratulations to RTANYS Chair Maria Dimopoulos, MBA, RT(T), on being selected for her Aiming to Heal story, featured in the February/March 2023 edition of the American Society for Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) Scanner newsmagazine.
Listen to our RTANYS President Samantha Skubish, MS, RT(R)(T), and APRT Clodagh Starrs, MSc, PgC, RTT on the Collaboration RA Podcast as they share on bringing the Advanced Practice Radiation Therapist role to the US, and explore next steps for paving the pathway for future US APRTs. You can listen to the podcast searching “Collaboration RA” on Spotify, iTunes, Amazon Music, and More.
RTANYS Chair, Maria Dimopoulos, MBA, RT(T), co-authored an article titled “Leadership Development: Mentor and Mentee Perspectives” in the January/February 2023 edition of the Journal of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists Radiologic Technology.
A group of RTANYS members, Danielle McDonagh, MS, RT(T), Maria Dimopoulos, MBA, RT(T), Clodagh Starrs, MSc, RTT, and Samantha Skubish, MS, RT(R)(T), are the recipients of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) Foundation Research Grant for their project titled, “A pilot study exploring how an APRT process intervention impacts throughput for inpatients referred to radiation oncology at a large US academic medical center.” With mentorship from Kavita Dharmarajan, MD, MSc, and additional support from Sheryl Green, MBBCh, Karyn Goodman, MD, MS, and Lynda Rath, BFA, the team earned the maximum award over two years.
This team leads the first research award in the United States on Advanced Practice Radiation Therapy and aims to explore the effectiveness of an Advance Practice Radiation Therapy role in inpatient workflow operations in radiation oncology at The Mount Sinai Hospital. The results of the study will improve access and efficiency to care for our inpatient population receiving radiation therapy treatment. Internationally, the Advance Practice Radiation Therapist role is well recognized and supported by research. The success of this project will provide a seminal study in the United States for future researchers and a foundation for the Advanced Practice Radiation Therapist role to provide care solutions in radiation oncology. Find the ASRT Foundation press release here.
RTANYS Chair Maria Dimopoulos, MBA, RT(T), highlighted in the December 2022/January 2023 edition of the American Society for Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) Scanner newsmagazine for her keynote presentation at the 2022 Radiation Therapy Conference. Maria notes professionalism and leadership, clinical expertise, advocacy and research as scholarship as key pillars to advance the profession of radiation therapy.
Listen to our previous RTANYS BOD member and current Marketing Chair, Laura Nappi, RT (R)(T)(M), ARRT on the Collaboration RA Podcast as she shares about supporting students, her experience in radiography, radiation therapy and the importance of advocacy. You can listen to the podcast searching “Collaboration RA” on Spotify, iTunes, Amazon Music, and More.
RTANYS Chair Maria Dimopoulos, MBA, RT(T), and RTANYS President Samantha Skubish, MS, RT(R)(T), published in The Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences, highlighting Approaches to Establishing Innovative Radiation Therapy Roles in the United States.
RTANYS Secretary, Candy Reyes, BS, RT(T) and member Trevin Trotman, BA, RT(T) published on Management Styles in the October/November 2022 edition of the American Society for Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) Scanner newsmagazine.
We are proud that many RTANYS members were published in the 2022 fall edition, Journal of American Society of Radiologic Technologists Radiation Therapist
RTANYS Vice President, Shaun Maroney, MHA, RT(T), published in the September/October 2022 edition, Journal of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists Radiologic Technology, on Downstream Effects of Evolving Guidelines During the COVID-19 Pandemic.
RTANYS members Vikas Shah, BS, RT(T) and Mehak Ijaz, BS, RT(T) published in the September 2022 edition, Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences, on preparing radiation therapy students for clerkship and beyond.
RTANYS members Brianna Van Dyke, BS, RT(T); Maria Dimopoulos, MBA, RTT(T); and Danielle McDonagh, MS, RT(T) published Directed Readings in the ASRT CE Library on Providing Individualized Care for Patients on the Spectrum in a two part series, also published in print.
RTANYS member Ashok Kumar, published in the Fall 2021 edition, Journal of American Society of Radiologic Technologists Radiation Therapist, on Advancements in Proton Beam Therapy.
RTANYS President Maria Dimopoulos, MBA, RT(T), published in the September 2021 edition, Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences, highlighting The Impact of Interpersonal Skills Training on the Transition to Radiotherapy Student Clerkship.
RTANYS members published on Proton Observational Rotations in the June/July 2021 edition of the American Society for Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) Scanner newsmagazine.
RTANYS members published in the March 2021 edition, TipsRO, on exploring opportunities and pathways for advanced practice radiation therapy roles in the United States.
RTANYS members published in the Spring 2021 edition, Journal of American Society of Radiologic Technologists Radiation Therapist, on rare pediatric cancers.
RTANYS President Maria Dimopoulos, MBA, RT(T), published in the Spring 2021 edition, Journal of American Society of Radiologic Technologists Radiation Therapist, highlighting tools for educational programs to optimize student transitions in radiation oncology.
RTANYS members published in the Spring 2021 edition, Journal of American Society of Radiologic Technologists Radiation Therapist on COVID-19 response.
RTANYS President, Maria Dimopoulos, MBA, RT(T), was highlighted in the December 2020/January 2021 edition of the American Society for Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) Scanner newsmagazine. The piece highlights the creation of the Radiation Therapy Association of New York State.
Samantha Skubish, MS, RT(R)(T), RTANYS President-Elect receives ARRT I am the Gold Standard Award
Congratulations to Samantha Skubish, MS, RT(R)(T), RTANYS President-Elect, for earning the ARRT I am the Gold Standard Award. The ARRT highlights 3 radiologic technologists annually, across 15 modalities, who are exemplars in the areas of quality and safety, patient experience, and advocacy for the profession. Highlighted in the ARRT “Stories” publication, Ms. Skubish shares the need and launching of the Radiation Therapy Association of New York State.
Press release
Pacific University recognizes Maria Dimopoulos, MBA, RT(T) election to RTANYS President.
RTANYS member Christina Steier, MBA, RT(T), published in the Fall 2020 edition, Journal of American Society of Radiologic Technologists Radiation Therapist, on Merkel cell carcinoma.
Developed by ASTRO and endorsed by the ASRT, ACR, AAMD, AAPM and more.
Safety is No Accident is a comprehensive reference guide that describes the radiation oncology process of care, the clinical team, safety initiatives and tools and quality management. The document was updated in 2019 to reflect the many recent efforts undertaken by radiation oncology specialty societies to improve quality and safety. Since the last edition was released in 2012, ASTRO launched RO-ILS and APEx and numerous guidelines and white papers have been published by specialty societies focused on standardization and other methods to promote safe processes and practice.