Dr Masters on the 2024 ACRO Summit

Adrianna Masters, MD, PhD, program director, assistant professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Louisville, UofL Health, Brown Cancer Center, discusses pivotal events that took place at the 2024 ACRO Summit, emphasizing the importance of mentorship in radiation oncology.

Masters begins by stating that the ACRO Summit holds a place in her heart as one of the conferences she most eagerly anticipates attending each year. Masters says that ever since her third year of residency, she has made it a point to be present, emphasizing that the experience has been consistently enriching. This year, Masters participated in the scientific Planning Committee and assumed the role of chair for the Susa Asbel Women's Lunch, she explains.

Furthermore, during Women's History Month, it's imperative to recognize the underrepresentation of women and gender minorities in oncology, particularly within the realm of radiation oncology, Masters continues. Mentorship and networking are endeavors she values, and the expansive setting of ACRO provides a platform for forging connections with professionals from diverse backgrounds. Dr Asbel, who is the namesake of the Women's Lunch, has played a pivotal role in mentoring Masters and numerous other women in radiation oncology, serving as an invaluable resource for the community, she emphasizes.

ACRO is commendable in its efforts to foster inclusivity, welcoming new practitioners, residents, and medical students with open arms, Masters expands. Also at the 2024 ACRO Summit, Masters had the pleasure of participating in "Cases with the Experts," an engaging session aimed at exploring various disease sites and cultivating essential networking and communication skills—a cornerstone of professional development within the field. As radiation oncologists continue to look ahead, it's evident that ACRO's commitment to providing a supportive and inclusive environment will continue to benefit practitioners and learners alike, ensuring the continued growth and advancement of radiation oncology, she concludes.