Category: News

Elissa Khoudary Selected for Prestigious AAPM Mentorship Program Ahead of Graduation

As she prepares to graduate this June from the University of Wisconsin Department of Human Oncology’s Radiation Oncology Physics Residency Program, second-year resident Elissa Khoudary is already gaining national recognition for her leadership and commitment to the field. Khoudary is one of only five individuals who have been selected for the American Association of Physicists …

Dr. Grace Blitzer Awarded Physician Educator of the Year

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. …

Precision in Practice: How Medical Physicists Are Preparing Proton Therapy for Patient Care

The Proton Therapy Medical Physics team at Eastpark Medical Center has been busy commissioning process for the gantry room of our new proton therapy system, which is anticipated to launch for patient care later this spring. Commissioning includes comprehensive characterization of the beam’s physical properties—energy, spot size, position, output consistency—as well as validation of treatment‑planning …

In Memorium: Ernest Borden, MD

The Department of Human Oncology is deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of Ernest “Ernie” Borden, MD, professor emeritus of human oncology, who died on January 18. Dr. Borden joined the University of Wisconsin faculty in 1973 as one of only two board‑certified medical oncologists at the time. He quickly became a …

Meet the Experts: Julie Thomas

Radiation Medicine is built on collaboration. Beyond physicians and physicists, an entire team of specialists plays a vital role in advancing patient care. This series shines a spotlight on those professionals—their responsibilities, their expertise, and the people behind the titles. Our goal is to help you appreciate the depth and diversity of work that makes Radiation …

Badger Challenge: Celebrating 10 Years of Impact

This year marks a major milestone for Badger Challenge, the signature cycling, running, and walking event that has united Wisconsin’s community in the fight against cancer for a decade. What began as a small, cyclist-focused fundraiser has evolved into a statewide movement that has raised more than $5.4 million for groundbreaking cancer research at the …

Beyond the Beam: Dr. Steven Howard’s 27-Year Legacy of Care and Connection

When Dr. Steven Howard walked into a patient’s room, time seemed to slow down. “Patients absolutely loved him because he was so empathetic,” recalls Lori Hayes, a longtime colleague and retired clinical nurse specialist. “When he was in a room with them, he was present. It wasn’t like he was thinking about three other patients. …