New Residents Excited to Start Their Training Days
By Rodney Campbell, ABR Communications Manager
2024;17(5):10
This past summer, future diagnostic and interventional radiologists completed their internships and started residencies. We caught up with six of them to see what they think of the experience so far and what they expect from their training.
Amanda Bronte Balon, MD
Mount Sinai Medical Center
“Starting residency was both exciting and overwhelming. Radiology builds on the clinical skills we’ve developed over the past five years but also requires us to master the entirely new skill of interpreting and reporting on images. Within the first week of residency, I realized how extensive and broad the specialty of radiology is and the effort needed to bridge that knowledge gap. Although this thought can be intimidating, I’ve felt incredibly supported by my program, attendings, and co-residents as I take these initial steps. I have experienced the rewards of contributing to patient care and recognized how central radiologists are to many healthcare decisions.”
Christina Caviasco, MD
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
“I’m grateful to be training at Vanderbilt University Medical Center with such patient and passionate mentors. They have reminded me that they were once in my position as a fledgling radiologist with what seems like an endless amount of information to learn. Our more senior residents have been helpful in offering advice and laid out a path to success in terms of tackling the first few months. I am eager to continue to learn and feel so supported by my program.”
Maclean M. Cook, MD
University of Virginia Medical Center
“Starting my radiology residency has been an exciting and demanding journey. I’m thrilled to finally immerse myself in the specialty I’ve been passionate about since medical school. At the same time, I’m navigating a new medical lexicon and trying to absorb the vast knowledge necessary for radiology. Fortunately, the unwavering support from my residency program has been invaluable. The enthusiasm and dedication of my attendings during our readouts have already made a significant impact on my growth. I’m encouraged by the progress I’ve made and am eager for the learning that lies ahead.”
Mary Mahoney, MD
Fox Chase Cancer Center
“This past July, I enthusiastically embarked on the four-year odyssey that is a radiation oncology residency. I am grateful to be undertaking this journey at Fox Chase Cancer Center, where I feel supported by my co-residents, attendings, and staff. Although learning the mountain of knowledge and clinical skills required is daunting, I remind myself that it takes four years to become a radiation oncologist for a reason. Every day I am convinced I learn at least 20 new things! I cannot believe how much I have learned, and I cannot wait to see how much I grow by the end of the four years.”
Kushi Mallikarjun, MD
Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology
“I will never forget my first day in the reading room as a radiology resident. I had been looking forward to starting formal radiology training for several years, and the moment had finally come! I always knew the learning curve would be overwhelming (it certainly has been), but I did not expect such close support from my attendings and senior residents. The most exciting part of the first few months of radiology residency was going home every day feeling that I was palpably more knowledgeable and more capable than I was the previous day. We are learning every second of the day in our specialty and I hope it never stops.”
Jesse Smith, MD
Oregon Health and Science University Hospital
“I am finally in my radiology training! On my first day on service, I grabbed the Dictaphone, opened a study, and realized I had no idea what to say. Since then, I have encountered nothing but support from my seniors and attendings. Radiology is so fulfilling yet so challenging. It almost feels like I am starting medical school all over again. Each day brings so many new learning experiences that it is hard to fathom how much I will learn in four years. After such a long wait, it feels great to finally be in my chosen field!”