We are delighted to announce that Dr. Grace Blitzer has been selected as the 2025–2026 recipient of the Association of Residents in Radiation Oncology (ARRO) Educator of the Year Award—an honor driven by enthusiastic resident nomination and recognition of her exceptional dedication to teaching, mentorship, and clinical excellence.
A graduate of our own program, Dr. Blitzer stayed on as faculty and emerged as a trailblazer, excelling both in clinic and in the lab, with a passion for medical education. Week after week at chart rounds, she is the one asking probing questions, adding clinical context, and ensuring no one leaves without learning something. She helped with resident lectures this year, including coming in over Valentine’s Day weekend to serve as a mock oral board examiner and help residents practice for oral boards—stepping away from her husband and two young children to be present.
What truly sets Dr. Blitzer apart are the everyday moments. She takes time to sit down with junior residents to talk through how to balance research and clinical training, even sharing her own prior files to illustrate funded grants and trial protocols. In clinic, she teaches between patients, breaking down challenging anatomy and complex planning decisions into clear, approachable lessons. She meets residents where they are and consistently helps them grow.
Her thoughtful, engaging teaching style and unwavering support have made a lasting impact on our trainees. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Grace Blitzer on this well-deserved recognition.