Dr Vivek S Kavadi joins American Society for Radiation Oncology as CEO
Dr Kavadi, a radiation oncologist and ASTRO member since 1994
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) announced Dr Vivek S Kavadi, as the CEO of the Society effective November 1, 2024. Dr Kavadi will succeed Laura Thevenot, who previously announced her intent to retire after leading the organisation since 2002.
Dr Kavadi, a radiation oncologist and ASTRO member since 1994, ascends to the role from his current position as Chief Radiation Oncology Officer for The US Oncology Network, where he oversees strategy, operations and clinical service delivery for a network of 200 physicians. From 2003 to 2020, Dr Kavadi served as Regional Medical Director for Texas Oncology, where he managed a 60-physician practice in the Houston region. Since 1995, Dr Kavadi also has maintained a clinical practice as a radiation oncologist for Texas Oncology, where he specializes in breast and prostate cancers.
Dr Kavadi’s history with ASTRO includes his current role on the Board of Directors as vice chair of the Health Policy Council and his previous tenures on the Health Policy and Payer Relations Committees. In 2019, he was recognised by ASTRO as a Fellow for his service to the Society and his contributions to the field of radiation oncology.
“We are so pleased to have Vivek lead ASTRO at this key time for the speciality,” said Jeff M Michalski, Chair of the ASTRO Board of Directors. “The appointment of a physician from our speciality with first-hand experience of the challenges that practising physicians face each day marks an important milestone for ASTRO. Vivek’s deep understanding of the field, as well as his operational and business acumen, makes him an ideal fit for our Society. His expertise will be valuable as we navigate the legislative landscape with the recent introduction of the Radiation Oncology Case Rate (ROCR) Value-Based Payment Program Act as well as a myriad of issues important to our 10,000 members, including physician education, guideline development, scientific advances and industry partnerships.”
“I am honoured to step into the CEO role at ASTRO to help advance our wonderful speciality,” said Kavadi. “I do not take the challenge of leaving my current role in community cancer care to lead a national organisation lightly. I recognise that I will step into the role succeeding Laura Thevenot, who has led the organisation with skill and distinction for the past 22 years. I know I will be at the helm of a healthy, thriving organization, and I am committed to fostering further collaboration, scientific advancement and excellence within our speciality. I am also pleased to be able to work alongside the dedicated ASTRO staff with whom I’ve had the pleasure of working during my time as a committee volunteer and Board member. I look forward to their continued engagement to ensure we best serve our members.”
Dr Kavadi obtained his MBA from The Wharton School, his medical degree from Harvard Medical School and his bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Rice University. He completed his radiation oncology training at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, where he was chief resident and served on the faculty.
