image: Catheryn Yashar, MD, has been appointed president-elect of the American Society for Radiation Oncology.
Credit: Leslie Aquinde, UC San Diego Health
Catheryn Yashar, MD, chief medical officer and breast and gynecologic cancer radiation oncologist for UC San Diego Health, has been appointed president-elect of the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO). Representing more than 10,000 physicians, medical physicists, biologists and radiation therapists, ASTRO is the leading organization for radiation oncology internationally.
This esteemed president-elect designation highlights Yashar’s commitment to advancing the field of radiation oncology and health policy. Yashar, vice chair of clinical affairs for radiation medicine and applied sciences and associate dean at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine and chair of the UC San Diego Health Sciences Faculty Council, will assume the role as ASTRO’s president in September 2026.
“Dr. Yashar’s leadership reflects the future of cancer care — where precision, innovation and collaboration converge to improve outcomes,” said Patty Maysent, CEO of UC San Diego Health. “Her work in advancing radiation oncology through leading-edge therapies and health policy advocacy is helping shape a more effective and equitable model of care, both locally and nationally.”
Yashar is a leader in advanced therapies, including intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), and brachytherapy. These technologies allow for more precise targeting of tumors while sparing healthy tissue, resulting in safer treatments, fewer complications and better outcomes. Innovations in both radiation and medical oncology have enabled more effective and less harmful cancer treatments, particularly in breast cancer.
“Our field is dedicated to improving lives through evidence-based, technologically advanced and equitable care,” Yashar said. “Each year, we successfully treat more cancers with fewer complications, consistently delivering safe and effective care.”
A passionate advocate for health policy reform, Yashar currently serves as health policy council chair for ASTRO. She has been a driving force behind the Radiation Oncology Case Rate (ROCR) Act, currently before Congress, which advocates for reimbursement models that stabilize payments for patients, support guideline-concordant care and protect access for underserved communities.
“I am deeply committed to health policy and believe strongly that ASTRO must continue to champion value-based care models that reward quality and equity in cancer care. We must protect evidence-based guidelines, reduce unnecessary administrative burdens, and oppose policies that hinder innovation,” Yashar said.
As president-elect, Yashar is focused on advancing ASTRO’s mission to support evidence-based, technologically advanced and equitable care. Her extensive leadership experience also includes serving as a past president of the American Brachytherapy Society and currently serves as a trustee of the American Board of Radiology, where she oversees national board certification exams.
Yashar is proud to serve at Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health, which exemplifies the multidisciplinary approach needed for successful cancer care. Medical, surgical and radiation oncologists — alongside nurses, social workers and dieticians — collaborate to deliver personalized, comprehensive treatment.
“Multidisciplinary teams tailor care to each patient’s cancer type, stage and individual needs. They also identify relevant clinical trials and address psychosocial concerns, like emotional support and financial challenges. By integrating diverse expertise, we ensure patients receive coordinated, compassionate and effective care,” Yashar said.
Diane Simeone, MD, director of Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health, said Yashar’s renowned expertise amplifies the national visibility of the center and oncology services at UC San Diego Health, shining a spotlight on the broad impact of the center’s multidisciplinary team across the cancer landscape.
“Dr. Yashar’s appointment is a powerful reflection of her renowned leadership and her decades-long commitment to advancing radiation oncology,” Simeone said. “Her deep commitment to cancer care, along with our incredible team at Moores Cancer Center, allows us to have the ability to work across the full continuum — from research and prevention to treatment and survivorship — in a truly integrated way. That level of alignment allows us to move faster, think bigger and stay focused on what matters most: improving outcomes for our patients.”
Added Yashar, “We must support research, clinical pathways and decision-making tools that enhance care quality and equity. Through continued innovation and advocacy, we can ensure radiation oncology remains a leader in delivering informed, compassionate and life-changing care.”
UC San Diego Health is ranked No. 1 locally and is nationally ranked in 10 specialties, including 41st in the nation for cancer care by U.S. News & World Report. It also ranks among the top ten academic medical centers in the U.S., according to Vizient, Inc.
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