By Garrett Barfoot

When I started my chiropractic practice focused on sports medicine and personal injury, my goal was to help athletes and patients recover. Over time, I became increasingly interested in imaging findings, a fascination I first experienced when I was the patient.

Three days before my high school graduation, I was involved in a serious auto accident and suffered a crushed acetabulum. CT imaging of my pelvis enabled the team to construct a 3D model for placement of a titanium plate into my left innominate bone, allowing me to return to an active lifestyle. The ability of diagnostic radiologists to see beyond the surface to understand and treat a patient’s condition intrigued me.

As a chiropractor, I had an understanding of anatomy and biomechanics, but it was the collaborative nature of image-guided patient care that ultimately convinced me to change fields. I am eager to bring this collaborative mindset to radiology residency and practice, where close partnerships with other specialists are key to delivering high-quality, value-based care.

Medical school has been a period of tremendous growth, both academically and personally. Large institutions are complex systems where change often moves slowly and requires patience. I’ve had the opportunity to take on leadership roles in student government, and have come to realize that slow, gradual changes are often the most permanent. A few dedicated individuals in the right positions can make a significant positive impact on many.

I am excited for The Match 2025. I enjoy interpreting complex images, providing actionable insights, and performing precise image-guided procedures. Rapid advancements in imaging technologies and techniques offer endless opportunities for growth, and I am excited to contribute to this dynamic field.

I am particularly enthusiastic about gaining diagnostic accuracy and interpretational and procedural efficiency, as well as enhancing interdisciplinary communication and coordination skills during my residency. I am eager to learn from experienced mentors and contribute to radiology research, particularly in the areas of sports imaging and the spine.

The path that led me to become a diagnostic radiology applicant for The Match 2025 has been shaped by various factors including a steadfast commitment to learning and enhancing patient care. As I embark on this next phase, I carry with me the lessons learned from my past, the excitement of the present, and the hope for a future filled with opportunities to make a meaningful impact on patients and the broader medical community. This journey is just beginning, and I am ready to fully embrace it.

Garrett is a fourth-year medical student at Ross University School of Medicine. He is passionate about service, advocacy, image-guided MSK and spinal procedures, and value-based interdisciplinary care. He is a peer-tutor and peer-mentor to medical students as well as an active member of the Association of Academic Radiologists (AAR) and the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). His hobbies include spending time with his wife and two young daughters, hybrid training, whole food plant-based nutrition, and outdoor activities. You can find him on X @GarrettBarfoot.