What are the actual benefits of being an ASTRO member?

[RSAOaky]

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Members do not see this ad.

Genuine question here. Is it mandatory for practicing radiation oncologists to be members of ASTRO? What benefits does this confer other than a discount on our annual conference and journal subscriptions?

 

[thecarbonionangle]

You get to rub shoulders with our “leaders”!!

 

[seper]

Token discounts for various meeting fees. Free access to Red Journal and PRO. I let my membership lapse a few years back and don't regret.

 

[medgator]

I would say SA-cme at a discounted price for ongoing MOC few years ago, but now there are multiple options from other groups like ACRO as well as online options

 

[PointA]

No definitely not required. IMO it can make sense if you plan on attending the ASTRO annual meeting because you will save a few hundred bucks on registration. Otherwise you are paying $640 for RedJ, PRO, and.... ROhub

 

[medgator]

and.... ROhub

The ASTRO echo chamber... where dissenting opinions get deleted, and every post has to be reviewed by committee before being posted

 

[evilbooyaa]

The ASTRO echo chamber... where dissenting opinions get deleted

In regards to SDN being a voice for only negative opinions (as an "echo chamber" as previously described), whereas ROHub is now only allowed to post positive things.

 

[evilbooyaa]

Genuine question here. Is it mandatory for practicing radiation oncologists to be members of ASTRO? What benefits does this confer other than a discount on our annual conference and journal subscriptions?

It is not necessary to be a member of ASTRO. Feel free to join ACRO instead if their mission lines up better with yours. Or just nope out to both if you have no plans to attend ASTRO meetings.

 

[RSAOaky]

The ASTRO echo chamber... where dissenting opinions get deleted, and every post has to be reviewed by committee before being posted

Pity no one had the good sense to censor the dude claiming there is no gender gap or discrimination in this country...

 

[RadOncG]

Sounds like nobody can think of an actual benefit. Boring national meeting in underwhelming locations.

Money goes to an organization that supports about 100 academic leaders and ignores the rest of the specialty. Too scared to take any position on issues that people care about like the ability to get a job and pass worthless board exams.

Would recommend making a concerted effort to not give ASTRO a penny.

 

[Krukenberg]

It is not necessary to be a member of ASTRO. Feel free to join ACRO instead if their mission lines up better with yours. Or just nope out to both if you have no plans to attend ASTRO meetings.

I’d recommend joining one of them. We need a lobbying organization in DC to advocate for the specialty otherwise other interest groups will trample on us. If you disagree with ASTRO’s policies then write them a letter stating why you’re joining ACRO instead. But join one of them.