Strength in Numbers Make these Memberships a Force Multiplier
ACR® CEO Dana H. Smetherman, MD, MPH, MBA, FACR, called on American College of Radiation Oncology (ACRO) annual meeting attendees to join both ACRO and ACR. She and ACRO leadership stressed that both specialties are “stronger together,” and radiology and radiation oncology professionals can amplify their influence when they speak with one coordinated voice.
Dr. Smetherman and ACRO leaders emphasized that unity — not division — drives progress in patient care, fair reimbursement, and the future of both specialties. “Membership in both organizations can be a force multiplier,” Smetherman said.
She highlighted the ACR’s wideāranging quality, safety, education, and research programs that directly support radiation oncologists, including accreditation programs, in training exams and other educational offerings, and major clinical research initiatives.
Smetherman particularly showcased ACR’s strong advocacy reach, noting that in 2025, the College engaged in hundreds of congressional and regulatory meetings and submitted nearly 100 letters to decisionmakers on issues affecting radiation oncology and radiology.
She underscored ACR’s unmatched organizational capacity in government relations, economics, and policy development — powered by RADPAC® and more than 2,000 volunteers.
Smetherman pointed to ACR’s leadership in CPT® and RUC processes, private payer negotiations, and stateālevel advocacy through its active chapters nationwide, emphasizing how collaborative work across organizations strengthens the entire field.
She also promoted the College’s pipeline-building efforts, including numerous robust fellowships for trainees. She also encouraged young professionals to engage early through volunteering and leadership roles, noting that the voice and involvement of ACR members (including diagnostic and interventional radiologists, radiation oncologists, medical physicists, nuclear medicine physicians, and allied health professionals) continue to shape improvements and broaden leadership across the entire Radiology community.
For more information, contact Trina Behbahani, ACR Vice President of Member Services and Governance.
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