Caroline Block, MD, Clinical Director of the Breast Oncology Program at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute has been selected by The Massachusetts Society of Clinical Oncologists (MSCO) as the recipient of this year's Arthur T. Skarin Award. This prestigious honor, formerly known as the Oncologist of the Year Award, recognizes Dr. Block's distinguished career in oncology, which has profoundly influenced cancer care in the Commonwealth and beyond.
Block has been caring for patients with breast cancer in the Boston area for over 30 years. Between 1991 and 2016 she was a staff member at Newton-Wellesley Hospital, where was assistant chief of Hematology and Medical Oncology, the director of Medical Oncology at the Breast Center, the director of Hematology and Medical Oncology Clinical Research, and the medical director of the Anticoagulation Clinic.
In 2016, Block joined the faculty at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, where she rapidly emerged as a highly effective and outstanding clinical leader, rising to the position of Clinical Director of Breast Oncology. In this role, Block oversees a large group, comprising over 30 medical oncologists specializing in breast cancer, who see more than 4,000 new patients and over 25,000 established patients annually. Furthermore, she works closely with surgical and radiation oncology leadership to coordinate multidisciplinary care across the program. Block is also Medical Director of Ambulatory Oncology, Longwood Campus, at Dana-Farber and an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School.
"Caroline is an extraordinary oncologist, cherished by her patients for her compassion and expertise," said Sara Tolaney, Chief of the Division of Brest Oncology at Dana-Farber. "As the Clinical Director of the Breast Oncology Program at Dana-Farber, she embodies leadership and innovation, tirelessly championing new initiatives to enhance patient care and outcomes. Her unwavering dedication inspires everyone around her, setting a gold standard for excellence in oncology."
Block maintains an active patient schedule at Dana-Farber where she has been consistently recognized for her extraordinary clinical skills, including as a Boston Magazine "Top Doctor" for nine consecutive years and as recipient of the Lee Nadler "Extra Mile" Award at Dana-Farber. Dr. Block's work has had a wide impact on patient care. In her prior role as a Breast Oncology Network Liaison for Dana-Farber, she bridged the gap between the community and academia, to the benefit of all.
Block's unwavering dedication, expertise, and compassion have touched the lives of countless individuals and significantly advanced the practice of oncology. In recognition of these outstanding contributions, Dr. Block was presented with the Skarin Award at the MSCO Annual Meeting on Friday evening, December 13.
"We are thrilled to honor Dr. Block, whose exceptional career embodies the values and vision of this award," said MSCO President Michael Constantine, MD. "Her remarkable impact on oncology, coupled with his commitment to improving the lives of patients and their families, serves as an inspiration to us all."
Established in 2011, the Arthur T. Skarin Award honors individuals who have made transformative and lasting contributions in clinical oncology, patient advocacy, and patient care. The late Dr. Skarin was the medical director of Thoracic Oncology at Dana-Farber from 1995 to 2008. In addition to caring for thousands of patients, he was heavily involved in education, teaching and training more than 400 fellows and countless medical students and interns. Skarin and his colleagues pioneered the use of "multimodal" combination treatments - surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy - for lung cancer, and the result was improved survival in Stage III lung cancer.
The award presentation took place during the reception and dinner at the MSCO Annual Meeting, held at Westin Waltham Boston, Waltham, MA. Dr. Block's achievements were celebrated among peers and colleagues, underscoring the significant role he has played in the advancement of oncology.
