ATLANTA, Dec. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Elekta Inc., a world leader in image guidance, delivering and verifying of radiation therapy, has made two sizeable contributions to the American Society of Radiologic Technologist's Education and Research Foundation for the future of radiation therapists.
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Elekta will become the first platinum sponsor with a contribution of $15,000 to the Foundation's Health Care Industry Advisory Council, which is a consortium of industry leaders. The council meets once a year to link industry and technology to the technologists and therapists of the radiologic sciences.
"As in any relationship the amount of commitment is the foundation to success," said Peter J. Gaccione, vice president of oncology. "We participate in the Advisory Council with the goal of improving the radiation therapy profession through the combined efforts of the professional and clinical arenas."
In response to the degree requirements for program directors and clinical coordinators announced recently by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, Elekta and the Foundation have started the new Elekta Radiation Therapy Educators Scholarship. Because coordinators will be required to hold at least a bachelor's degree and program directors will be required to hold at least a master's degree by 2009, Elekta and the Foundation agree that now is the time to help professionals who need assistance in professional and educational development.
"The important thing is to help radiation therapists obtain the education they need," said Foundation Director of Development Maureen Simmons-Mills. "We expect that because of the aging population of instructors and the new educational requirements set by the JRCERT, that there could be negative attrition of these skilled people. This scholarship will help encourage the retention and recruitment of these talented educators."
"Elekta has a strong commitment to radiation therapists through financial and educational support from the local to the national levels," added Mr. Gaccione. "Radiation therapists are a crucial resource to accomplish our objectives and we strive to work closely through educational, professional and clinical means to ensure our relationship with the radiation therapy community is strong and productive."
The Foundation will award four scholarships (two each to clinical coordinators and program directors) for the academic year 2005-2006. Elekta has committed $60,000 in scholarship contributions for three years.
About Elekta Inc.
Elekta Inc. is a world-leading supplier of advanced and innovative radiation oncology and neurosurgery solutions and services for precise treatment of cancer and brain disorders. For additional information about Elekta, please visit http://www.elekta.com/ .
About ASRT Education and Research Foundation
Supporting a wide range of educational initiatives, programs, projects and research in the field, the Foundation's challenge is to help alleviate the projected personnel shortage while positively enhancing patient care. The Foundation plays a vital role in shaping the future for medical imaging professionals through scholarships to students who are beginning or continuing their education; supporting research that describes the R.T. work force; and awarding new program development grants. These initiatives, which ultimately impact patient care, are funded by individual and corporate donors.
About ASRT
The ASRT is an Albuquerque-based association representing more than 115,000 members nationwide who perform medical diagnostic imaging procedures or plan and deliver radiation therapy. The Society is the largest radiologic science organization in the world.
Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020318/ELEKTALOGOAP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.comElekta Inc.CONTACT: Michelle Lee, PR and Advertising Manager of Elekta Inc.,+1-770-670-2447, or michelle.lee@elekta.com ; or Lisa Taute, media relationsmanager of ASRT, +1-505-298-4500, Ext. 1247; or Investors, United States, LarsJonsteg, VP Investor Relations North America, +46-708-783-735, orlars.jonsteg@elekta.com , or International, Peter Ejemyr, Group VP CorporateCommunications, +46-733-611-000, or peter.ejemyr@elekta.com , both of ElektaInc.
Web site: http://www.elekta.com/