Maria Blanco

Maria Blanco is the Associate Dean for Faculty Development and Professor of Psychiatry at Tufts University School of Medicine. She holds a Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) from Harvard University (2007) and a Bachelor of Science from the University of El Salvador (1997). Her research focuses on medical education innovation, faculty development, mentoring systems, and compassionate care integration in medical training. She has led initiatives such as the LEADS Scholars Program and the Compassionate Care Curriculum at Tufts SOM.

Grants & Awards

• LEADS Scholars Program (Genentech, 2021–2023)
• Role Modeling Compassionate Care Initiative (Arthur Vining Davis Foundation, 2010–2012)
• Compassionate Care in the Curriculum (Kenneth B. Schwartz Center, 2008–2009)

Research Interests Her work addresses systemic bias in medical assessment, mentorship compatibility, and feedback culture in residency programs. She has pioneered studies on mutual mentoring in academic medicine and the impact of compassionate care training for residents.

Teaching & Leadership

• Designs and teaches medical education electives and residency training programs.
• Leads the Medical Education Projects and Resident-as-Teacher initiatives.
• Serves on steering committees for the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and Harvard Macy Institute.

Labs/Teams She collaborates with the Compassionate Care Curriculum Key Theme Committee and leads the Faculty Development Group at Tufts SOM.