Newswise — The American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology has promoted two members of its Government Relations Department staff in recognition of their outstanding work to promote legislative policies that benefit the field of radiation oncology.

Dave Adler has been promoted to assistant director of government relations. Mr. Adler joined ASTRO in December 2006 as government relations representative. He has been responsible for developing ASTRO's grassroots program that has identified advocacy leaders from among radiation oncologists in every state and for representing ASTRO's interests in promoting and defending the practice of radiation oncology on Capitol Hill. Mr. Adler also assists ASTRO's members in communicating directly with their representatives by organizing legislative fly-ins. In his new position, he will continue to manage the grassroots program and coordinate advocacy efforts with ASTRO's members and will be in charge of coordinating ASTRO's annual legislative advocacy conference.

Richard J. Martin, Esq., has been promoted to senior legislative and regulatory analyst. Mr. Martin came to ASTRO in February 2007 as a legislative and regulatory analyst, and during his time with the organization, has been involved in ASTRO's regulatory activities. Mr. Martin monitors and analyzes rulemaking of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the Food and Drug Administration and other agencies, and he has coordinated ASTRO's efforts toward the state regulation of electronic brachytherapy, which is a new, modified method of delivering radiation using electronically-produced X-rays. In his new position, he will continue to enhance ASTRO's involvement in significant regulatory forums as well as serve as liaison to the Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors, the National Cancer Advisory Board of the National Cancer Institute and the NRC's Advisory Committee on the Medical Uses of Isotopes.

"ASTRO is always working to bolster its influence over legislative policies that directly affect our members and their patients," said Laura I. Thevenot, ASTRO's chief executive officer. "Dave and Richard's hard work and leadership have helped propel the Society toward becoming a strong presence in Washington and among our elected representatives. Their promotions are well deserved and they are key members of our team."

For more information on ASTRO, visit www.astro.org. For more information on radiation therapy, visit ASTRO's patient Web site located at www.rtanswers.org.

ASTRO is the largest radiation oncology society in the world, with more than 9,000 members who specialize in treating patients with radiation therapies. As the leading organization in radiation oncology, biology and physics, the Society is dedicated to improving patient care through education, clinical practice, advancement of science and advocacy.

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