ALBUQUERQUE In keeping with their long history of collaboration, the ASRT Education and Research Foundation and Varian Medical Systems have announced the 11 winners of the Varian Radiation Therapy Student Scholarships for the 2004-2005 academic year.
-
Rebecca Adkins, La Crosse, Wis., is enrolled in a bachelor’s degree
program at University of Wisconsin, La Crosse. -
Jeffrey Agustin, Downy, Calif., is enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program at California State University, Long Beach.
-
Jane Bunyapanasarn, Downy, Calif., is enrolled in a bachelor’s degree
program at California State University, Long Beach. -
Rafael Campos, Lynwood, Calif., is enrolled in a bachelor’s degree
program at California State University, Long Beach. -
Robert Hammond, Evansville, Wis., is enrolled in a bachelor’s degree
program at University of Wisconsin, La Crosse. -
Lisa Ibrahim, Temple City, Calif., is enrolled in a bachelor’s degree
program at California State University, Long Beach. -
Eliza Lightholder, New Berlin, Wis., is enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program at University of Wisconsin, La Crosse.
-
Rashmee Makhijani, North Bergen, N.J., is enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program at Manhattan College.
-
Kathleen Shanahan, Manchester, Conn., is enrolled in a certificate program
at Hartford Hospital School of Allied Health. -
Marilyn Mendoza of San Jose, Calif., is enrolled in an associate degree program at Foothill College.
-
Rene Sosa of San Jose, Calif., is enrolled in an associate degree program
at Foothill College.
“The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the nation will need 7,000 more radiation therapists by 2012,” said Richard M. Levy, chairman and CEO of Varian Medical Systems. “The recently expanded Varian Radiation Therapist Scholarship Program provides an opportunity for more people to enter a profession that is critical to cancer patients and their families. Our partnership with the ASRT Education and Research Foundation will enable us to assist more than 80 radiation therapy students over the next five years.”
In honor of Eileen McCullough, B.H.S., R.T.®(T), FASRT, a pioneer in radiation therapy education, Varian made a five-year commitment of $440,000 to support the scholarship program, which helps academically outstanding students attend one of the nation’s 90 accredited entry-level radiation therapy programs. This year’s recipients will be acknowledged at the Varian exhibitor’s booth at the 2004 ASRT/AERS Annual Conference in Dallas from June 11-15. In addition, Varian will sponsor box lunches on June 12 during the conference.
“The Foundation plays a vital role in shaping the future for medical imaging professionals through its scholarships and research grant programs,” said Sal Martino, Ed.D., Foundation chief operating officer. “Thanks to the generous support of industry partners like Varian Medical Systems and committed individual donors, the Foundation will continue to help alleviate the shortage of radiologic technologists while positively enhancing patient care.”
“To be a successful radiation therapist, one must be able to communicate effectively, be an empathetic listener, be detail oriented, and most importantly be a team player. It is my intent to be all of these things and more. I want to thank [ASRT and Varian] for their support to all radiation therapy students,” said Eliza Lightholder, one of this year’s scholarship winners.
Varian Medical Systems is a world leader in the design and manufacture of integrated systems of equipment and software for treating cancer with radiation therapy. The company produces linear accelerators, treatment simulation and verification products, as well as information management and treatment planning software.