Gift to the ROI Creates Support for the Future of Radiation Oncology

J. Frank Wilson, MD, FASTRO, has been involved with the Radiation Oncology Institute (ROI) since its inception. He served on the ASTRO Planning Group that recommended the creation of the ROI.

When the ROI was established, Dr. Wilson was the president of the Juan A. del Regato Foundation and recognized that the missions of the del Regato Foundation and the ROI overlapped. Both organizations were committed to education and research that demonstrated the critical importance of radiation therapy in cancer treatment, and enhanced recognition and respect of radiation oncology professionals.

At Dr. Wilson’s recommendation, the del Regato Foundation was dissolved, and its assets were transferred to the ROI in 2009, becoming one of its first sources of support. The ROI continues to recognize this legacy and provides education through the ARRO del Regato webinars and the history of radiation oncology on the ROI website.

Juan A. del Regato, who established the del Regato Foundation in 1974, was one of the most revered physicians in the history of American radiotherapy. Dr. del Regato was the first to establish a training program in radiation oncology and trained many leaders—including Dr. Wilson—in the field of radiation oncology. This example had a profound impact on Dr. Wilson and his path in the profession.

Dr. del Regato is recognized not only as a pioneering leader in radiation oncology, but also as a historian chronicling the contributions of radiation oncologists and medical physicists to the discipline. His work produced books, articles and reviews enhancing the understanding of people, places and events in establishing and developing the specialty in the United States. He also founded the American Club of Therapeutic Radiologists in 1958. This club of radiotherapists ultimately became the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO), which has over 10,000 members worldwide.

Dr. Wilson and his wife, Vera, have been avid supporters of the ROI since its beginning. He says that the ROI plays an important and indispensable role in the advancement of radiation oncology and cites the research on quality of care and optimization of radiation services that ROI supports and references the near-vacuum for other funding.

When asked if anything surprises him about the ROI, he indicated that he has found the support from individuals in the corporate community extremely gratifying. He pointed out the dedicated involvement of these individuals and noted that they continue to serve as an example for others.

Dr. Wilson understands that it has taken time for the ROI to gain its footing but feels that it has shown real progress in the last 18 months, as its base of support has grown. He says that private giving has established research that is enhancing the development and practice of radiation oncology, and cites the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) Research & Education Foundation as an example of the possible growth and the future impact that the ROI can have.

He is pleased by the progress of the ROI, and when he and Vera revised their wills, they established a charitable remainder trust as a permanent part of their legacy. He cited the growing corpus of funds at the ROI and the unique research portfolio as evidence of the ROI’s progress and how the ROI is critical to the future welfare of radiation oncology.

The Wilsons chose to make this commitment because it is specific to the advancement of the profession that has served him well. He notes that working in the field of radiation oncology has been extraordinarily enjoyable and has rewarded him in many ways. He feels that supporting the long-term future of the ROI will advance the field in highly meaningful ways.

Dr. and Mrs. Wilson are members of the ROI Legacy Circle in recognition of their gift commitment for the future of the ROI and the field of radiation oncology.

Gifts like the one the Wilsons made are integral to the future of radiation oncology. Please contact Janet L. Hedrick at 703-839-7340 or roi@astro.org to learn the many ways you can make an impact at the ROI.