2026 ASRT Award for Advocacy Winners Named

The American Society of Radiologic Technologists named Wendy Weaver, B.S., R.T.(R)(M), of Benson, North Carolina, as the winner of the 2026 ASRT individual Award for Advocacy and the Louisiana Society of Radiologic Technologists as the affiliate Award for Advocacy winner.

The ASRT Award for Advocacy recognizes and acknowledges achievements in advocacy efforts, including overall growth and development of individual and affiliate grass-roots involvement.

Weaver has been a radiography instructor for Johnston Community College, in Smithfield, North Carolina, for 24 years and an ASRT member for seven years. She is an active member of the North Carolina Society of Radiologic Technologists and serves as chair of the Advocacy Committee, working alongside the NCSRT Board of Directors, American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, ASRT and other advocacy stakeholders. Weaver was instrumental in helping to write the bill Enhancing Patient Care in Imaging and Radiation Therapy, which ensures that educationally prepared and clinically competent individuals perform and administer medical imaging and radiation therapy procedures. This resulted in companion bills, Senate Bill 415 and House Bill 590, being introduced in March 2025. She was successful in securing Rep. Donna White as sponsor of HB 590. After first being introduced and referred to the Health, Finance and Rules, Calendar and Operations Committees, HB 590 unanimously passed all committees, and it also unanimously passed the House.

To raise awareness of medical imaging and radiation therapists within her community, Weaver coordinated a 5K held at Johnston Community College, with more than 50 participants. Inspired by the ASRT Be Seen commercials, she created a video showcasing radiologic technologists in North Carolina. She spearheaded all aspects of production from writing the script, securing a videographer and the talent, to final editing; the completed video was emailed to society members and posted on social media.

The LSRT Legislative Affairs Committee and its members worked to achieve significant milestones from 2024-2025 including testifying in opposition of allowing a rules change under the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners for private radiologic technologists to be supervised remotely by a physician.

The LSRT also actively monitored House Bill 603 and 138, which are proposals to change the way regulatory boards' function. The proposals would have had implications for professional representation and oversight in the state's regulatory system. Using grassroots efforts, including emails, phone calls, in-person meetings, social media platforms, website updates and the publication, The Focal Spot Monitor, the Society targeted key health care and professional organizations that could be impacted by the bill. The LSRT's work was successful and HB 603 and 138 did not move forward in the legislature.

In addition, the LSRT worked with the Louisiana State Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners to expand licensure in the state. In 2025, the board of examiners voted unanimously to support a bill for the spring 2026 legislative session to license radiologist assistants.

The LSRT's advocacy efforts have strengthened its partnership with key state government and regulatory agencies and provided a broader awareness and collaboration across the health care community.

ASRT members recommend award nominees, and the ASRT Ambassadors for R.T. Advocacy selects the winners. The 2026 Award for Advocacy recognizes efforts that took place between Oct. 1, 2024, and Sept. 30, 2025. Learn more about the ASRT Award for Advocacy and see past winners here.