From Lebanon to Iowa to Oregon, ABR volunteer Nadine Mallak, MD, has built a career rooted in adaptability and a passion for innovation.
Dr. Mallak, the clinical director of the PET/MRI program and associate professor of body imaging and nuclear medicine at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU), came to the U.S. in 2013 from her native Lebanon. She completed a residency at Hôtel-Dieu de France, a nonprofit Lebanese university hospital administered by Saint Joseph University of Beirut, where she attended medical school.
When many of her colleagues moved to France to pursue medicine, she came to America for a neuroradiology fellowship at Carver College of Medicine at the University of Iowa.
“Initially, I came to the U.S. for subspecialty training to gain exposure to advanced techniques and practices,” Dr. Mallak said. “However, my time at the University of Iowa quickly broadened my perspective, showing me that there are multiple ways to approach medical practice and innovation.”
Proving that, after finishing her neuroradiology fellowship in 2014, she completed a body imaging fellowship in 2015 and a nuclear medicine residency two years later to complete her international medical graduate pathway and qualify for ABR certification.
She earned ABR certification in November 2017 and was certified by the American Board of Nuclear Medicine the next month.
“The University of Iowa has a very strong nuclear medicine team,” Dr. Mallak said. “Seeing their work firsthand was eye-opening, I thought it was very cool. That experience inspired me to train with them for two years, and today, nuclear medicine has become a central focus of my career. I find it very fascinating, and I enjoy it very much.”
Dr. Mallak’s background made her an excellent candidate for her OHSU job. Recruiters there were looking for someone who had trained in nuclear medicine and abdominal imaging. Her extra work in Iowa strengthened her cause.
“When I contacted OHSU, they saw the potential for me to hold an appointment in both sections,” she said. “That was exactly what I was looking for. This opportunity aligned perfectly with my career aspirations.”
After visiting Portland to interview and meet with staff and faculty, she was convinced. An outdoor enthusiast, she had Colorado, Oregon, and Washington at the top of her list for job opportunities. OHSU was a fantastic option for her career and personal goals.
“I was hoping to move somewhere green because I very much like outdoor activities and I like hiking in my free time,” she said.
Laszlo Szidonya, MD, met Dr. Mallak when he was starting a nuclear medicine fellowship as part of his alternate pathway training at OHSU and she was the program director. Now one of her colleagues as an OHSU assistant professor, Dr. Szidonya said Dr. Mallak is a priceless resource when he needs assistance.
“She’s the first person I turn to when I’d like a second look on a challenging PSMA-PET or other difficult case or if I need help with anything related to body radiology,” Dr. Szidonya said. “Not only is she most likely to be able to answer my questions, but she’s also down to earth and approachable.”
Dr. Mallak’s varied background had her in demand on the clinical side when she started at OHSU. As time went on, she was able to devote time to research, allowing her to add even more variety to her schedule.
“My weeks can change based on where coverage is needed,” she said. “I’m very flexible, filling in for one section or the other based on vacations or departmental needs. Typically, I spend one to two days in nuclear medicine, one day in body imaging, and one to two days on research.”
She also makes time to serve as a question writer for the ABR Diagnostic Radiology Qualifying (Core) Exam Nuclear Radiology Committee. As an associate professor, she works with trainees, a good match for writing relevant questions.
“It’s a great opportunity for me to be involved,” Dr. Mallak said. “It’s important to keep the exam up to date. Our field is changing very quickly, and it’s crucial to ensure that the exam remains current and reflective of modern practice. Many techniques once considered standard are now obsolete, and adapting the curriculum is essential.”
A well-rounded career makes Dr. Mallak an outstanding volunteer and a colleague whom others want to be around. Count her coworker Dr. Szidonya among the members of her fan club.
“Dr. Mallak is an outstanding radiologist, a passionate researcher and teacher, the kind of person who lifts those around her to higher levels of achievement,” he said. “Someday, I’d like to be more like her.”
