image: This is Voichita Bar-Ad, M.D., an associate professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology at Thomas Jefferson University. view more
Credit: TJUH
PHILADELPHIA -- Voichita Bar-Ad, M.D., an associate professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology at Thomas Jefferson University, is one of the select few to be named an "Educator of the Year" by the Association of Residents in Radiation Oncology (ARRO).
ARRO sponsors the annual Educator of the Year Award to recognize outstanding teachers and mentors of radiation oncology residents. Residents from all radiation oncology programs were given the opportunity to select one faculty member from their program for the award. Outstanding educators included faculty from physics, biology and the clinic.
"I am devoted to my patients and immersed in my research projects, but teaching is my joy, my passion," said Dr. Bar-Ad. "When I was presented by the Radiation Oncology Residents at Thomas Jefferson University with the award, I was honored and grateful.
"I am one of the fortunate individuals in graduate medical education who knows that she has made a positive impact on some of the best and brightest Resident Physicians in the field of Radiation Oncology. There are many excellent educations in our department, and to be singled out for this honor is humbling."
Dr. Bar-Ad is a board-certified radiation oncologist who treats primarily head and neck and gastrointestinal cancer cases. Her research focuses on treatment-related side effects and toxicities, patient quality of life and symptom management. She has paid specific attention to radiation-induced oral mucositis for head and neck cancer patients treated with radiotherapy or concurrent chemoradiotherapy, using the intensity- modulated radiation therapy technique.
In partnership with the American Society for Radiation Oncology, ARRO recognized 39 educators with the 2011 Educator of the Year Award.
"Proper education and training are not only essential to the foundation of medicine, they also provide the keys to advancing the field. The award recipients have demonstrated their ability to challenge residents to progress beyond their potential," said Eric Donnelly, M.D., chairman of the ARRO Senior Executive Committee. "We are honored to recognize these individuals for their contributions to the future of radiation oncology."