Over the last 3 years, we have had several communications detailing the mission of the ABS, 300 in 10 initiative, with the most recent publication in the Journal of Brachytherapy: Increasing Global Access to Brachytherapy: The ABS 300 in 10 Initiative and Ongoing International Efforts. Prior to COVID, we were well on our way to training these teams from the ABS prostate workshops where we trained 130 teams in prostate HDR and LDR brachytherapy. From these workshops, about 80% of these teams implemented prostate brachytherapy practices within 6 months of the school. Training competent gynecologic brachytherapists is an equally high priority, as well as for other disease sites. The 2-month senior electives we have arranged at 22 institutions is one of the most important pillars of 300 in 10. We are looking for additional institutions to consider hosting a senior-level resident. Each of the 22 training sites will detail their program description and will include GYN or prostate (LDR and HDR), with some sites offering a combination on the ABS website. PGY4 and 5 residents are eligible to apply and will rank their top 3 programs. The program description and resident responsibilities will also be posted on the ABS website. A committee will make the final selection with a member of the committee from the hosting institution. We currently have 4 training sites that can now take a resident, see below. We hope the remainder of our programs will open up soon.
ABS has several ongoing virtual opportunities including virtual reality training videos, webinars, virtual outreach events (VOE), NexGenBrachytherapy, and a recent partnership with Grand Rounds in Urology to educate brachytherapists, other medical specialists, and the general public on the value of our specialty. Thank you for your patience and for your support of 300 in 10 and other critical ABS strategic initiatives. Our goal is to help you deliver the highest quality brachytherapy for your patients.
Peter J Rossi, MD, FASTRO, FABS
ABS President
Daniel G Petereit, MD, FASTRO, FABS
ABS Past President and Council Sponsor
