Meet Our Radiology Residents
The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science places a strong emphasis on education and mentoring at every level.
The department offers four types of residency programs:
Sarah Oberhelman, MD, Chief
Hometown: New Orleans, Louisiana
Residency Program: Diagnostic Radiology
Future Specialty: Body/Abdominal Imaging
What are you most looking forward to while being the chief resident?
I decided to be a chief because I’ve truly enjoyed the Hopkins radiology residency program and love and admire my co-residents. I’m excited to advocate for them and ensure we preserve the culture of our residency while making improvements where we can.
Favorite activities/ hobbies
Andrew Voter, MD, PhD, Chief
Hometown: Rochester, NY
Residency Program: Molecular Imaging
Future Specialty: Nuclear Medicine
What are you most looking forward to while being the chief resident?
I'm looking forward to getting the new residents up to speed, building a sense of community, and working closely with the faculty and the department to advocate for our resident and ensure our residency remains a safe and engaging learning environment into the future.
Favorite activities/ hobbies
Tae Kyung Kim, MD, Chief
Hometown: Seoul, South Korea
Residency Program: Interventional Radiology
Future Specialty: Interventional Radiology
What are you most looking forward to while being the chief resident?
I'm mostly excited about the opportunity to implement positive changes within our residency program. I hope to advocate for the junior residents and work collaboratively with faculty to enhance our training experience. I also look forward to sharing my experiences and insights, helping junior residents navigate the challenges of residency, and supporting everyone's growth both clinically and personally.
Favorite activities/ hobbies
Carolina Lugo-Fagundo, MD, Chief
Hometown: Cabo Rojo
Residency Program: Interventional Radiology
Future Specialty: Interventional Radiology
What are you most looking forward to while being the chief resident?
As Chief Resident, I enjoy supporting my co-residents and helping create a positive, team-oriented environment. I know how challenging residency can be, and I’d like to help make things just a little smoother—whether that’s by advocating for better schedules, being someone people can turn to, or just helping solve everyday problems. I care about our team and want to help everyone feel supported, heard, and set up for success.
Favorite activities/ hobbies
Reza Shaghaghi, MD, PhD, Chief
Hometown: Tehran, Iran
Residency Program: Molecular Imaging
Future Specialty: Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
What are you most looking forward to while being the chief resident?
Definitely the teaching side — I’m excited to work closely with residents and help make the learning experience smoother, more practical, and hopefully more fun. I’m also really focused on making nuclear medicine more approachable and interesting — it’s a fantastic field, and I’d love to get more people genuinely excited about it. On a broader level, I want to help keep the culture positive, collaborative, and supportive — so everyone feels like they belong and can grow here.
Favorite activities/ hobbies
Norman Atagu, MD
College: University of Toronto
Medical School: Washington University in St. Louis
Norman grew up in Nigeria later moving to Canada. He enjoys playing the drums, bass guitar and basketball.
Why did you choose the Johns Hopkins Radiology program?
During my interview, I was immediately attracted to how friendly and down to earth all the residents and faculty I met were. The programs emphasis on preserving opportunities for resident’s autonomy was something I felt would complement my learning style and help me become the best radiologist I can be.
How did you decide to pursue radiology?
I was a radiologic technologist prior to medical school and really enjoyed radiographic anatomy and pathology. My desire to get more involved with image interpretation and image guided procedures led me to pursue radiology as my medical specialty.
Jeffery Elsner, MD
College: Washington University in St. Louis
Medical School: Johns Hopkins
Jeffery is from California. He is great at custom building gamin PC’s on a regular basis. He has played thousands of hours of Dota 2 with his little brother back home. He is big on movie theaters especially The Charles in Mount Vernon for independent films. He loves the amazing food and breweries around Baltimore.
Why did you choose the Johns Hopkins radiology program?
I was here for medical school, so I already knew how much I enjoyed Baltimore and the Hopkins culture. The radiology residents I got to know here were extremely happy and encouraging about their program, and the high volume of rare and complex cases at JHH will provide top notch training.
How did you decide to pursue radiology?
During the covid shutdown in my medical school years, the radiology department offered a Zoom elective full of didactics and example cases. I enjoy learning and differential reasoning and I quickly became clear radiology would be a great fit. The excellent quality of life for resident’s and practicing radiologists didn’t hurt.
What is your favorite neighborhood in Baltimore?
I really enjoyed living in Mt Vernon, but I think the winner is Canton where I live now. It has the perfect mix of family housing, unique restaurants (shout out to my favorite Dangerously Delicious Pies) and bars. It is a quick walk or scooter ride away from the rest of Fell’s Point and the waterfront.
What do you love the most about Johns Hopkins radiology?
The residents here immediately make you feel part of a family and provide endless guidance. For example, maintaining a RadWiki that outlines exactly what to expect day to day for every rotation, providing the best study resources for each subject, and leading small group sessions at the workstations with us in our first weeks. This kind of support is invaluable for junior radiology trainees.
What do you love most about Baltimore?
The cost of living here is so much better than most big cities, that we were able to buy our first house! The small family owned restaurant and craft brewing scenes are also very strong here.
What is your quality of life as a radiology resident at Johns Hopkins?
Quality of life is excellent! Call is infrequent and the typical day ends at 5pm. You can balance training at the hospital, a little reading at home and all your side interest and hobbies with plenty of time left over for R&R.
Ezana Lulseged, MD
College: Georgia State University
Medical School: Howard University College of Medicine
Ezana is a huge sports fan. Playoffs are the best times of the year. It could be soccer basketball or football Ezana is interested in them all. He loves to try various traditional restaurants. You can also find Ezana relaxing watching comedy sitcoms like the Office and Friends.
Sarah Oberhelman, MD, Chief
College: MIT
Medical School: Tulane University School of Medicine
Sarah grew up in New Orleans, LA and attended MIT before pursuing her medical degree at Tulane University. She likes to play volleyball, go for a run and spend time with her partner and their pup, Libby. She also enjoys watching way too much Netflix.
Why did you choose Johns Hopkins Radiology?
Hopkins stood out due to its academic reputation, happy residents’ and commitment to diversity in a city similar to home in New Orleans. I feel confident that I’ll enjoy my time in residency surrounded by interesting and supportive co-residents and that I’ll graduate with the knowledge to pursue any career I choose within the field.
How did you decide to pursue radiology?
I initially matched to a dermatology program, however during my intern year I realized that dermatology was not the best fit for me. I was able to extend my intern year into a full internal medicine residency and considered practicing internal medicine, but again I wasn’t passionate about it. I decided to learn more about radiology and loved the breadth of pathology, the “problem-solving” nature, and the mix of procedures.
Matthew Onimus, MD
College: University of Pittsburgh
Medical School: Drexel University College of Medicine
Matthew grew up in Drexel Hill, PA where he later attended Drexel University College of Medicine and met his finance. Matthew and his fiancé couples matched and she is also working at Hopkins. He loves spending time with his fiancé exploring Baltimore, hanging out at Patterson Park, and going to various bars and restaurants. He enjoys movies, reading sci-fi, playing the piano and recently picked up skeet shooting.
Why did you choose Johns Hopkins Radiology?
It had everything I was looking for in a program- world class training, diverse and complex pathology, and to earth residents and faculty. I appreciate how Hopkins provides a plethora of opportunities and gives residents the freedom to explore their interests and pursue what they’re most passionate about. Baltimore is a great city and just a short drive away from family. We feel greatly supported and are very excited to begin our careers here at Hopkins!
Kendrah Osei, MD
College: University of Maryland
Medical School: George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences
Kendrah grew up and attended college in Maryland. She loves to travel with her favorite part being the food. She enjoys reading cooking and spending time with family and friends. Kendrah is the ever hopeless romantic. She loves binging romantic comedies; from animes to Netflix releases, K-dramas and more. She’s not sure when or how she came across them, but they do have her heart and she is hooked.
How did you decide to pursue radiology?
If I were to keep it succinct, curiosity. Our life experiences shape us and as a kid I was fascinated with imaging, whether from my own trips to the doctors or my friends and family. That curiosity eventually blossomed into a passion and I was able to marry it with my interests in medicine.
What do you love most about Baltimore?
Probably the food. I’m still in my infancy as far as exploring Baltimore. But from the chances I’ve had so far, I’ve been very pleased. The city offers unique flavors from new restaurants that always seem to be popping up and at the same time pays equal homage to the establishments that are staples in the community. Whether it’s Ekiben by the Inner Harbor or Chaps by Pulaski Highway, there’s always a long line out the door and for good reason.
Max Wrobbel, MD
College: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Medical School: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
Max grew up and attended both college and medical school in Wisconsin. He loves to cheer on the Wisconsin sports teams. Max is an amateur chef who has a tendency of accidently burning the side dishes. He likes to watch the stock market and live vicariously through WSB.
Why did you choose Johns Hopkins Radiology?
Many programs will talk the talk but only few will actually walk the walk. After interviews, I felt that Hopkins had everything I was looking for in a program. I felt that the clinical training here would allow me to be comfortable in any job. There are endless opportunities in research, innovations, education policy, etc.
What do you love most about Johns Hopkins Radiology?
Dedicated free time during the lunch hour. After skipping many meals during internship, I am grateful to have time in the middle of the day to grab a bite, relax, and recharge for the rest of the day.
What is one thing about being at Johns Hopkins that you don’t think you would have been able to do anywhere else?
Ride a scooter to work. Literally, a scooter! Please stay safe a wear a helmet.
What is your favorite neighborhood in Baltimore?
Baltimore has a multitude of different neighborhoods each with their own unique personality. No matter what you are looking for you will be able to find a place that matches your life style. My wife and I wanted everything close by and so we decided to rent in fells point. We love being able to walk to the hospital, a variety of bars/cafes/restaurants, Patterson Park, and the waterfront all within 10-25 minutes.
What is your quality of life as a radiology resident at Johns Hopkins?
Life is good! Although I am new to the program, the quality of life was a major selling point. Many of the residents here find the time to have children, explore hobbies, and pursue their interests outside of medicine. The city is relatively affordable for being a large city on the east coast and the opportunity to moonlight gives us an added boost. Lastly, the vacation policy gives plenty of time to rest and relax and there is a large emphasis on wellness and resident camaraderie.
Daniel Belkin, MD
Hometown: Rockville, MD
College: New York University
Medical School: Albert Einstein College of Medicine
What do you like to do for fun? Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Podcasting, Painting, Movies
Why did you choose the Johns Hopkins radiology program?
Unparalleled access to research, incredible pathology, amazing colleagues, and my parents/siblings live nearby.
How did you decide to pursue radiology?
I love imaging and technology. I used to work in the film industry as a videographer and video editor, long before I knew anything about MRI. Since switching to a career in medicine, I naturally was drawn (again) toward the process of creating and interpreting images. Radiology is the most exciting field in the world of medicine. Radiologists are specialists in diagnosis, and are experts in pathophysiology. I also just really like hanging out with other radiologists.
What do you love most about Baltimore?
Historic buildings, scenic streets, surprisingly good food, close to nature, not too crowded, and family lives nearby.
Jonathan Feng, MD
Hometown: Brookfield, WI
College: Oregon State University
Medical School: Medical College of Wisconsin
What do you like to do for fun?
Fishing is one of my favorite hobbies. During medical school especially, I found the peacefulness of fishing to be a great way to relax after a long stretch of working in the hospital. The Wisconsin lakes were great for fishing, and I'm looking forward to exploring Maryland's waters as well! Besides that, I also love being outdoors by doing things like running, hiking, or camping.
Why did you choose the Johns Hopkins radiology program?
I chose Johns Hopkins because I wanted to become a radiologist that incorporates quality patient care, camaraderie, and cutting-edge technology into their practice. In a high-volume hospital system like Johns Hopkins, radiologists have the unique opportunity to see rare, complicated pathology and change the trajectory of patient care by identifying subtle findings and providing guidance to clinicians. As a relatively social person, I value building friendships both inside and outside the hospital, and Johns Hopkins allows me to do this through its positive culture and excellent work-life balance. Lastly, in a field as rapidly advancing as radiology, it's important to be familiar with the latest technology. Through its state-of-the-art facilities and amazing faculty, Hopkins trains its residents to be comfortable with the newest innovations in radiology.
How did you decide to pursue radiology?
Due to my background in engineering and appreciation of human anatomy during 1st year of medical school, I considered radiology early on. However, it wasn't until the end of my third-year rotations that I fully committed to the specialty. During my rotations, I discovered that I enjoyed interfacing with multiple different specialties and finding ways to ease the workload of my colleagues. Nearly every specialty in medicine orders some sort of imaging study and subsequently has to discuss their findings with radiologists. Because of this, radiologists get the chance to provide answers and help clinicians make decisions that drastically alter a patient's management. These reasons, along with my fascination of technology and anatomy, made radiology the perfect choice of specialty.
What do you love the most about Johns Hopkins radiology?
Quality of life is excellent. With five weeks of vacation and a supportive cohort of residents, I feel that the program makes a tremendous effort to take care of its own.
Julia Fisher, MD
Hometown: Westfield, NJ
College: Colgate University
Medical School: Georgetown University School of Medicine
What do you like to do for fun?
I enjoy reading, playing tennis, and crocheting keepsakes for friends and family. My fiancé and I also love to try new recipes and spend time outdoors.
Why did you choose the Johns Hopkins radiology program?
I chose Johns Hopkins Radiology due to its exceptional reputation, abundant case volume with diverse pathology, and independent call. Yet, what truly amazed me was the program's supportive culture and the close-knit bond among the residents.
How did you decide to pursue radiology?
My fascination with Radiology started early on during medical school with its introduction during Anatomy lab. As I progressed through clinical rotations, I became intrigued with the impact Radiology had on patients’ lives and its ability to answer complex questions.
What do you love most about Baltimore?
My fiancé and I love living in Fells Point. We enjoy walking along the harbor and exploring nearby restaurants.
Judy Fustok, MD
Hometown: New Orleans
College: Tulane University
Medical School: Tulane Medical School
Why did you choose the Johns Hopkins radiology program?
It has excellent diagnostic and interventional radiology training, with such kind and welcoming faculty and residents.
How did you decide to pursue radiology?
I love anatomy and procedure, and have a lot of fun looking at scans. I love studying/learning. Radiology is just the right balance of interacting with patients, interacting with other staff, working with your hands.
What is one thing about being at Johns Hopkins that you don’t think you would have been able to do anywhere else?
I don't think I would be able to get the procedural experience residents get here anywhere else.
What is your favorite pastime or guilty pleasure?
Binge-watching series like the Witcher, GOT, Umbrella Academy, Marvelous Mrs. Masel
What do you love the most about Johns Hopkins radiology?
The people! Everyone is brilliant yet humble.
What is your quality of life as a radiology resident at Johns Hopkins?
Excellent work-life balance, the residency genuinely cares about our well-being. I am able to learn a lot, and still do the things that are important to me.
Kaitlin Monroig, MD
College: Binghamton University
Medical School: Stony Brook University School of Medicine
Why did you choose the Johns Hopkins radiology program?
I chose Hopkins because it is world-class training with exposure to complex and diverse pathology, but I was sold by how welcoming and down to earth everyone was on interview day. It is an academically challenging, but supportive environment with protected time to pursue your interests.
How did you decide to pursue radiology?
I really enjoyed most of my clerkship rotations, but had difficulty picturing what fit best. I found radiology during fourth year on elective and I am so happy I did. I love how it combines the anatomy with a variety of pathology, the need for critical thinking and problem-solving, and the lifelong opportunity to see something new every day.
What is your favorite pastime or guilty pleasure?
Ice cream from Bmore Licks!
Jacob Schick, MD
Hometown: Lancaster PA
College: Johns Hopkins University
Medical School: Penn State College of Medicine
What do you like to do for fun?
In my free time I enjoy traveling, playing soccer, trying new restaurants, reading, and weightlifting.
Why did you choose the Johns Hopkins radiology program?
Hopkins radiology offers an incredible breadth of clinical pathology, independent call, cutting edge research, and passionate residents and faculty.
How did you decide to pursue radiology?
Imaging is at the core of modern medicine. As a radiologist, you engage with fascinating new technology and use a broad knowledge of anatomy and pathophysiology to diagnose diseases from all different medical specialties.
Shuchi Zinzuwadia, MD
Hometown: Bedminster, NJ
College: Boston University College of Engineering
Medical School: Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine
What do you like to do for fun?
I enjoy baking, dancing, working out, trying new restaurants and gem diamond painting.
Why did you choose the Johns Hopkins radiology program?
The people - as cliché as it may sound, it is undeniably true. During my interview day, I felt a genuine connection with the faculty and residents. They stood out as some of the kindest individuals I encountered on the interview trail, and I believed that this program would foster an environment where I could truly thrive. I sought to train at a program renowned for its high volume of complex cases, independent call responsibilities, and a supportive atmosphere. Regardless of the institution you choose for radiology residency, the learning curve will be steep. However, the Johns Hopkins program distinguishes itself by providing robust resources like Casestacks, e-anatomy, MRI online, and RadPrimer early in the first year (R1) to ensure a solid foundation from the start. Moreover, the program's leadership actively encourages feedback and consistently strives to enhance the residency experience.
What do you love most about Baltimore?
I love living in the harbor east area. The harbor is beautiful. It’s the perfect place to watch sunrises and sunsets. I love exploring the different neighborhoods in the area such as Fell’s point, Inner Harbor and Canton.
What is your quality of life as a radiology resident at Johns Hopkins?
My quality of life as a radiology resident at Johns Hopkins is excellent! One of the key aspects that sets this program apart is its unwavering commitment to resident well-being. I have the luxury of enjoying evenings and weekends, whether it's traveling, spending time with my family in New Jersey, or simply spending time with my co-residents outside the reading room. The program places a strong emphasis on fostering a culture of wellness, and they truly practice what they preach. Every day, residents are granted a dedicated lunch hour from 12 pm to 1 pm. During this time, we gather in the radiology resident lounge, where we not only can enjoy our lunch together but also to socialize and build camaraderie.
Veronica Betancur, MD
Hometown: Pembroke Pines, FL
College: University of Miami
Medical School: University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
What do you like to do for fun?
In my downtime, I love reading, watching TV, and crafting. I also love to explore and find new food spots with my fiancé. We also just adopted a kitten as a sibling for our needy doodle so our new favorite pastime is watching them create cute chaos.
How did you decide to pursue radiology?
There were so many aspects of radiology that I knew would be a good fit for me and that were confirmed whenever I shadowed in the reading room in med school. I learn best when I can visualize the pathophysiology and radiology provided a really cool way of tying these processes together in a way I can physically see. It's also such an integral part of the hospital throughout all specialties and can really make or break diagnoses and management. Lastly, I absolutely love the energy of the reading room, it's collegial and fun in a way that even when you're looking at a case alone, you always feel like you have a team.
What do you love the most about Johns Hopkins radiology?
Hopkins inherently provides learning opportunities that are rare to find elsewhere, but what surprised me the most was how everyone in the residency and department seemed so down-to-earth and kind. There was an emphasis on not just academic, but personal growth that really resonated with me. I felt like I wouldn't just be part of a residency, but that I could actually belong there.
What do you love most about Baltimore?
I love that Baltimore is weird! I knew very little about it for most of my life, but I keep learning about quirky aspects of the city and community that make it so fun. The first time I saw Mr. Trash Wheel in person, it felt like I was meeting a local celebrity and I was truly starstruck
Catherine Bienert, MD
Hometown: Freeland, MD
College: Virginia Tech
Medical School: Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine
What do you like to do for fun?
Trail running with my dogs, pickle ball, escape rooms, jigsaw puzzles, and playing Minecraft.
How did you decide to pursue radiology?
Radiology is the best combination of pure medicine, procedures, patient interaction, and socialization with colleagues. I cannot imagine a more fulfilling career than solving clinical puzzles and providing compassionate patient care through a deep understanding of anatomy, physiology, and pathology.
What is one thing about being at Johns Hopkins that you don’t think you would have been able to do anywhere else?
You can explore your passion, no matter how niche! Before medical school, I wanted to be a veterinarian as I am a huge animal lover. At Hopkins, I can train as a radiologist and satisfy my original desire for helping animals. Many do not know that there are veterinarians here working alongside physicians to develop novel diagnostics and treatments for both species. This is just one example of Hopkin’s unique interdisciplinary environment, and its wealth of knowledge and resources that it offers residents.
What do you love the most about Johns Hopkins radiology?
The people, of course!
What do you love most about Baltimore?
Baltimore has so much character – you have waterfront charm, cultural diversity, eclectic arts scene, rich history, sports fans, fun and unique neighborhoods, and great seafood!!
What is your quality of life as a radiology resident at Johns Hopkins?
Extremely rewarding. The curriculum is rigorous but the faculty and co-residents support you and make your work days fun. Outside of the hospital, I have been able to maintain a great work-life balance.
James Clark, MD
Hometown: Las Vegas, NV
College: Chapman University
Medical School: Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at University of Nevada, Las Vegas
What do you like to do for fun?
I like traveling, camping, hiking, exercising, and spending time with family and friends.
How did you decide to pursue radiology?
During medical school I liked imaging and doing procedures. Radiology was the perfect fit. It’s a field where you can help so many patients and clinicians through your interpretations of studies. You can be involved in direct patient care with procedures or spend the day at a reading station. You are an expert in anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the entire human body. The variety of work and breadth of knowledge make radiology awesome!
What do you love the most about Johns Hopkins radiology?
The people are what I love the most about the program. I could even tell from virtual interviews that the attendings, staff, and residents here are incredibly smart, humble, sociable, and supportive. Everyone here wants to help you succeed.
What do you love most about Baltimore?
Baltimore is called Charm City for a reason. There are always events and concerts going on. The food scene is incredible with numerous restaurants to try. The bay is beautiful and there are also plenty of outdoor parks and trails nearby. Baltimore has all the perks of a big city with a small-town feel.
Pramodh Ganapathy, MD
Hometown: Augusta, GA
College: Duke University
Medical School: Washington University in St. Louis
Why did you choose the Johns Hopkins radiology program?
I was first interested in Johns Hopkins because it has a great reputation for radiology training and because it is close to family, but I was convinced by the interview. Even though it was virtual, I felt that the residents and attendings who I spoke with truly enjoyed the program and felt at home. I had a lot of fun talking with them about not just academics but also about TV shows I liked or about travel, which made me feel that the program would be a good fit for me and would not only allow me to grow as a radiologist but as a person as well.
How did you decide to pursue radiology?
After college, I found myself working in an orthopedic research lab, and all the projects I was working on were based in MRI imaging or biplanar fluoroscopy. I enjoyed looking through the images, but I didn't really start considering radiology until I did a couple of rotations in medical school. I thought that the residents and attendings were very approachable and had such a vast knowledge of medicine, which I found inspiring. I was also amazed that they were able to see such a detailed story of a patient in a single image or scan, and I decided I wanted to be able to learn that skill as well.
What do you love most about Baltimore?
I've never lived in a very big city, and I think Baltimore is a great combination of small and manageable size with a high concentration of things to do. I particularly like going out to eat in Baltimore—it feels like every place I try is better than the last and by the time I try a place I've already added three more to my list. It's also really nice to be by the water and have so many fun places like DC, NYC, and Philadelphia so accessible. And, the airport is extremely convenient!
Shefali Jain, MD
Hometown: Peachtree Corners, GA
College: Georgia Institute of Technology
Medical School: Medical College of Georgia
What do you like to do for fun?
Reading, exploring new restaurants/bars, painting/crafting, going on walks along the harbor
Why did you choose the Johns Hopkins radiology program?
Of all the programs I interviewed at, Johns Hopkins stood out to me the most on my interview day! The program offers class training and innumerable opportunities for career development, while also having a strong priority for resident wellness and work-life balance, which is an incredible combination! I greatly enjoyed talking to the residents and faculty I met during my interview day and felt that everyone was so kind, interesting, and down to earth! I knew that these were the people I wanted to train alongside with during residency and have as lifelong friends and colleagues.
How did you decide to pursue radiology?
I came out of my third year rotations undecided about a specialty and decided to do a radiology rotation early in my 4th year, which truly opened my eyes to what radiology has to offer! I love the vast variety of pathology that radiologists see in any given day, as well as the collaboration both within the reading room and across specialties. I could also see that radiologists, while they might not always have direct patient involvement, are still unique and powerful patient advocates. Often, we are the ones to make critical diagnoses that end up shaping the course of a patient's care!
What do you love most about Baltimore?
So many things! I love living in Fells Point and being in walking distance of so many great restaurants/bars/cool neighborhoods/things to do. It’s been so fun exploring various food places and bars! I also love where Baltimore is situated geographically- we are not too far from DC, Philly, NYC, and other Northeastern cities and they're all accessible by train! Coming from Atlanta, that's a foreign concept to me but I’m excited to explore the Northeast!
Selin Ocal, MD
Hometown: Cliffside Park, NJ
College: Duke University
Medical School: NYU Long Island School of Medicine
What do you like to do for fun?
Walk around Patterson Park with my dog Banjo, play the guitar/piano, try the new seasonal snacks at Trader Joes, critique Spotify playlists
Why did you choose the Johns Hopkins radiology program?
It was a no-brainer: from my interview day, I could tell that residents were challenged and prepared while also being incredibly happy. The long list of renowned faculty and breadth of research opportunities are also amazing resources to have as a resident. I was attracted to the case volume as well as diversity in patient population and pathology.
What is one thing about being at Johns Hopkins that you don’t think you would have been able to do anywhere else? At Hopkins, I am learning directly from the biggest leaders in radiology. The diversity of patients, case load, and culture are also unmatched.
What is your favorite pastime or guilty pleasure?
I am a radiology resident by day, and an ice cream critic by night. You can probably find me after-hours with a sugar cone and melting ice cream in-hand; happy to show anyone my local ratings
What do you love the most about Johns Hopkins radiology?
My co-residents who already feel like family after such a short time! (Also the amazing free coffee and snacks in our resident lounge thanks to our awesome residency coordinators)
What do you love most about Baltimore?
I love being right by the water—there is nothing I enjoy more than walking along the gorgeous harbor, watching the sunset and ships pass by whenever I can. The food is amazing, and the people (neighbors, co-workers, patients alike) are incredibly kind and welcoming.
What is your quality of life as a radiology resident at Johns Hopkins?
I feel so fulfilled by my growth as a radiologist while also being able to have the flexibility and time to enjoy Baltimore. I feel excited everyday to keep learning, with ample time to spend with my friends and family, which was so important to me when picking a program that matched my needs.
Joseph Ortolani, MD
College: University of Richmond
What do you like to do for fun?
I really enjoy playing tennis and pickleball, as well as going for runs after work and when I am free on the weekends...which fortunately as an R1, is the vast majority of the time.
How did you decide to pursue radiology?
During medical school, I found that there were aspects of each field I thoroughly enjoyed, but there was not that one specialty I was fully passionate about pursuing as a career. Once I spent a few days in the reading room during my radiology rotation at the beginning of fourth year, I knew I had found my people! Everybody with whom I worked seemed genuinely happy and interested in sharing their love of radiology with me. While I find the subject matter quite intellectually stimulating, I also love that radiology uniquely touches every other area of medicine. Being able to potentially work from home is also a nice little perk!
What is your favorite pastime or guilty pleasure?
As a Buffalonian, I love all things Buffalo! During the fall and winter months, you can find me either emphatically enjoying Bills football or anxiously "hate-watching" Sabres hockey.
What do you love the most about Johns Hopkins radiology?
I love the welcoming, collegial, and collaborative working environment! Everybody is willing to lend a helping hand, and there is truly no such thing as a dumb question. This program's ultimate goal is to produce "Go-To Radiologists," and based on my experience here so far, it is clear I have access to the tools and resources necessary to excel in any radiological field I choose.
Swathi Raman, MD
Hometown: Glen Mills, PA
College: University of Pennsylvania
Medical School: Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
How did you decide to pursue radiology?
Took the radiology elective during my third year of medical school, really loved the diagnostic value that radiologists added to the clinical team and how radiology interacted with so many different specialties in the hospital (from medicine to surgery, pediatrics, OB/GYN, and more). Plus, really loved the vibes in the reading room - everyone was so friendly, took the time to teach and involve me, and were so relaxed to be around!
What do you love the most about Johns Hopkins radiology?
Hanging out outside with co-residents for our lunch break everyday! Aside from that, I also love the program's dedicated morning lectures and case-based practice which make everything so easily digestible and memorable. Even just a few weeks in, these lectures have helped so much in my day-to-day as an R1!
What do you love most about Baltimore?
Big fan of exploring coffee shops, brunch spots, bars, breweries, and happy hours - all of which there's a ton of here! Love being able to walk right along the harbor in Fells Point... they weren't wrong about charm city!
Zachary Smith de la Cuesta, MD
Hometown: Baltimore, MD
College: University of Maryland
Medical School: University of Vermont, Larner College of Medicine
What do you like to do for fun?
Baltimore Ravens and Orioles fan, podcasting, boating, skiing, craft beer and coffee.
Why did you choose the Johns Hopkins radiology program?
I chose Hopkins for the opportunity to train at a world-class institution while also being able to return home to my friends and family in Maryland. I felt that coming to Hopkins and being surrounded by such incredible people would allow me to become the best version of myself. Independent call, endless academic opportunity, and an amazing group of co-residents further separated the program.
How did you decide to pursue radiology?
I became interested in radiology as an undergraduate during a research internship in radiation oncology. This was my first exposure to diagnostic and interventional radiology and I was hooked. I enjoyed all my other clinical experiences in medical school but remained set on radiology. I feel that the diagnosis is the most exciting part of medicine and radiology combines this passion with constantly evolving diagnostic technologies and image-guided therapies. I believe it is the most exciting field in medicine.
What do you love most about Baltimore?
Growing up here, I am a passionate Baltimore sports fan. Being able to walk to Orioles/Ravens games is awesome!
What is your quality of life as a radiology resident at Johns Hopkins?
Our quality of life is excellent. The department is truly invested in resident wellbeing and leadership goes out of their way to support residents in an individualized way. Work-life integration is a priority for the program.
Taha Ahmed, MD
Hometown: Karachi, Pakistan; Toronto, Ontario
Medical School: Aga Khan University Medical College
Why did you choose Johns Hopkins Radiology?
Definitely the people. Having had the privilege to work with and get to know the world-renowned faculty and the incredibly talented residents during my time here as a postdoc, I knew that I would be in the company of the best and brightest in the field at Hopkins.
How did you decide to pursue radiology?
Imaging lies at the heart of modern medicine, and whether it was reviewing chest radiographs during my pulmonology clerkship, or brain MRIs while with the neurology service, I found the process of piecing together imaging with clinical information to arrive at a diagnosis to be the most exciting part of medicine. While I was initially drawn to many different specialties, it wasn’t until later in medical school, when I finally had dedicated exposure to radiology, that I realized this was the only field where I could engage in that diagnostic process all day, every day - all while making critical decisions that shape the trajectory of almost every patient’s interaction with the healthcare system.
What is your quality of life as a radiology resident at Johns Hopkins?
Life is good! Although I am new to the program, the quality of life was a major selling point. Many of the residents here find the time to have children, explore hobbies, and pursue their interests outside of medicine. The city is relatively affordable for being a large city on the east coast and the opportunity to moonlight gives us an added boost. Lastly, the vacation policy gives plenty of time to rest and relax and there is a large emphasis on wellness and resident camaraderie.
What do you like to do for fun?
I enjoy playing basketball, weightlifting, grilling, and exploring new restaurants with my wife.
Ngafla Bakayoko, MD
Hometown: Silver Spring, MD
College: Towson University
Medical School: Morehouse School of Medicine
Working out, watching reality TV, shopping, anything hair and nails related, cooking, going to the movies, spending time with friends and family.
How did you decide to pursue radiology?During my 4th year of medical school I applied in anesthesiology. During that time I did a radiology rotation for fun and loved it, so much so that I didn't enter the Match for anesthesia and decided to apply into radiology the next year. I love how investigative and challenging the practice is and how well integrated we are in all aspects of medicine.
What do you love the most about Johns Hopkins radiology?
Keaira Clark, MD
College: University of Richmond
Medical School: Virginia Commonwealth University
How did you decide to pursue radiology?
In medical school I rotated through the radiology reading room. As cliche as it seems I enjoyed how personable the residents and attendings were in the reading room. It was interesting to see first hand the investment of radiology in patient's life. I also enjoyed the aspect of life-long learning, radiology is a field that requires you to continue to develop differentials, search patterns, and understanding of imaging techniques.
What is one thing about being at Johns Hopkins that you don’t think you would have been able to do anywhere else?
Baltimore has endless restaurants with a great variety. It is fun to explore Baltimore and I probably will not run out of restaurants to visit anytime soon.
Abheek Ghosh, MD
College: Emory University
Medical School: University of Maryland School of Medicine
What do you like to do for fun?
Lindsey Greenlund, MD
Hometown: Rochester, MN
College: University of Minnesota
Medical School: University of Minnesota
Why did you choose the Johns Hopkins radiology program?
The people! Every opportunity in Radiology is here in terms of research and learning, but Hopkins especially stood out to me because all of the residents were so fun, friendly, and welcoming and the faculty were so excited and passionate about teaching!
How did you decide to pursue radiology?
There is no other specialty where everyone you meet is SO happy with their careers and that really stood out to me! I also love the day to day work flow.
What is one thing about being at Johns Hopkins that you don’t think you would have been able to do anywhere else?
Have rotations one week at a time! I love the quick transitions, you are always learning something new and everything is fun and exciting.
Rubab Malik, MD
Hometown: Valley Stream, New York
College: Johns Hopkins University
Medical School: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
How did you decide to pursue radiology?
I studied Biophysics in college, which was my first introduction to the physics behind medical imaging and I was sort of in awe when I learned about the quantum mechanics behind MRI technology. I knew I wanted to study medicine, but that’s when I first seriously thought about pursuing Radiology. When I started medical school, I knew Radiology was a specialty I wanted to explore further so I became involved in Rads research through which I met amazing mentors and residents. The kind of people you meet who represent a certain specialty are so impactful in painting a picture of that specialty, and the folks I met from the Rads department here were calm, humble, and curious with very niche academic interests. It definitely doesn’t hurt that with Rads you have incredible work-life balance to nourish other vital non-medicine aspects of your life.
Buying more plants than my apartment can handle (which my mom lovingly refers to as turning a city apartment into a jungle) and watching baby goat content - seriously, consider googling “pygmy goats wearing sweaters”
I was born in Pakistan and grew up mostly in New York, but I have called Charm City my home for the past 10 years. I would say a lot of my “growing up” happened here, and Baltimore has become a city I deeply adore. I love the warmth of the people here (I guess New Yorkers have a different sense of social expression), the quaint neighborhoods with their own unique personalities, historic sites/architecture, and incredible museums. I think the food scene here is quite impressive too, but coming from New York I reserve my final loyalty in that department :)
Kieran Paddock, MD
College: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Medical School: Texas A&M University School of Medicine
What do you like to do for fun?
Explore the local food scene, cook at home, scary movies, metal shows, swimming, happy hours. Also, hanging with the wife and the cat.
I initially loved surgery for the anatomy and directly seeing/investigating various disease states. Thankfully, I quickly learned how much I love sitting down. Beyond that, I thrive off the "hunt" of radiology and trying to extract as many details out of a study as possible to further our patients' care.
After finishing my prelim year, I finally have plenty of free evenings and weekends again! Besides, being at work doesn't feel like work when it's what you really want to do and have fantastic faculty and coresidents to learn from/with.
Felicia Wang, MD
Hometown: Ellicott City, MD
College: Bowdoin College
Medical School: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
What do you like to do for fun?
Going out to eat, traveling, puzzles, going for walks by the water with my husband and our dog
Why did you choose the Johns Hopkins radiology program?
After doing medical school here, I loved the people and the culture! It also allowed me to stay close to family while receiving top-notch training. There's opportunities to pursue whatever specialized interests you have and amazing mentors to help guide you as well. There is also an incredible diversity of cases and patients to learn from and care for.
Reza Shaghaghi, MD, PhD, Chief
Hometown: Tehran, Iran
College: Tehran University
Why did you choose Johns Hopkins Radiology?
It is the best radiology program in the nation, with many inspirational scientist and big names in the radiology world. It has a supportive and collegial environment. Maryland is one of the greenest states with a fascinating 4 season weather for outdoor recreation.
What do you like to do for fun?
Reza likes to be outdoors going for hikes or kayaking. He enjoys playing the guitar, swimming and trying new foods.
What is your favorite neighborhood in Baltimore?
Harbor East is a new and very beautiful neighborhood with many restaurants. There is a ton of variety and bars with great nightlife.
Andrew Voter, MD, PhD, Chief
Hometown: Rochester, NY
College: Bucknell University
Medical School: University of Wisconsin- Madison
Andrew’s hometown is Rochester, NY. He attended Bucknell University advancing on the University of Wisconsin- Madison for medical school. In his spare time, he loves to grill, and take his dog, Dizzy for walks. He loves trying out his new additions to his board game collection. Andrew enjoys watching the Great British Baking show. He even ends up trying the new recipes on weekend baking adventures.
Why did you choose Johns Hopkins Radiology?
I choose Johns Hopkins Radiology for the fantastic combination of excellent clinical training with cutting edge research opportunities.
Fabio Raman, MD, PhD
Class of 2028
Hometown: Birmingham, AL
College: University of Pennsylvania (Penn)
Medical School: University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)
What do you like to do for fun?
I love doing anything outdoors whether its hiking, skiing, or playing soccer. I also love trying new restaurants. Unfortunately the food in the South is not always the healthiest, so my wife signed me up for CrossFit in the year leading up to our wedding. I loved the team atmosphere and ended up sticking around.
Why did you choose the Johns Hopkins Radiology program?
The people at Hopkins are great. The faculty, residents, and fellows make this place special and feel like a family.
Norman Beauchamp, MD
Class of 2029
Hometown: Bellevue, WA
College: Michigan State University
Medical School: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
What do you like to do for fun?
Maryland has a beautiful trail system that I have had a blast exploring with my family. My oldest daughter is currently obsessed with Frozen, and we’ve had fun reading lots of Frozen books. I also enjoy the sport of powerlifting and watch the pro series whenever I get a chance.
Why did you choose the Johns Hopkins radiology program?
I had the opportunity to do two rotations with the Johns Hopkins Department of Radiology during medical school, after which, I knew that it would be the best environment to learn radiology. The faculty were welcoming and excited to teach, the cases demonstrated a broad variety of unique pathology, and the residents were kind, inclusive, and felt like a family. Members of the department were inspired to provide the highest quality of care for their patients and in doing so, created an environment that brought the best out of everyone.
Hamza Ahmed Ibad, MD
Class of 2029
Hometown: Mississauga, Ontario
Why did you choose Johns Hopkins Radiology?
I started my journey at Hopkins as a research fellow in our Radiology program. Throughout the 2 years before the match and through the interview season, I continued to grow an appreciation for all the wonderful people working at the institution. I could not think of a better place to start my career in radiology!
What do you like to do for fun?
Reading Science Fiction and Fantasy, Baking, Roaming around the city to find the quirkiest places
What do you love most about Baltimore?
The Peabody Library, Walter's Art Museum, the Mount Vernon Flower Mart, the Kinetic Sculpture Race and the amazing food scene!
Somya Shesadri, MD
College: UMD, College Park
Medical School: St. George's University
What do you like to do for fun?
Long walks in nature with my fur baby, golden retriever, Simba! Swimming and doing yoga! Going to NYC for the weekends and restaurant hopping!
What is one thing about being at Johns Hopkins that you don’t think you would have been able to do anywhere else?
The best thing about being at Johns Hopkins is the camaraderie amongst the residents and learning from the approachable and extremely knowledgeable attendings who care about our learning and well-being!
Andrei Gafita, MD
Medical School: 'Iuliu Hatieganu' University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca
What do you like to do for fun?
Golfing is my go-to fun activity. Besides that, I enjoy watching soccer on TV and doing weekend trips to New York City or D.C. to try new restaurants or coffee spots.
Why did you choose the Johns Hopkins Nuclear Medicine program?
The Johns Hopkins Nuclear Medicine residency program has a long-standing tradition of being the best in the country. It was actually an easy choice for me since this program does not only represent excellence but also provides a fantastic teaching environment. Johns Hopkins also matches my deep interest in theranostics. The Theranostics Center at Johns Hopkins probably has the highest volume on the East Coast. Altogether, I am extremely excited to be part of this program which provides unique opportunities to grow and become the best version of myself.
Won Kyu Paul Choi, MD
College: Johns Hopkins
Medical School: Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
What is your favorite neighborhood in Baltimore?
Canton and Locust Point. Both neighborhoods offer a good balance between vibrant city life and peaceful suburban atmosphere with scenic walkways along the harbor ideal for a stroll or a run.
Why did you choose the Johns Hopkins Nuclear Medicine program?
From my experience during radiology residency here, I knew that continuing my Nuclear Medicine training in this program would allow me to learn from a team of leading experts in the field in a truly supportive environment. The combination of exceptional people, excellent clinical training, and exciting research opportunities made the decision an easy one.
Samjhana Thapaliya, MD
College: Cleveland State University, BS, MPH
Medical School: American University of the Caribbean, MD
What is one thing about being at Johns Hopkins that you don’t think you would have been able to do anywhere else?
Johns Hopkins historic commitment to cutting-edge research, scientific innovations and discoveries along with its integration of clinical practice provides me a unique opportunity to foster my clinical knowledge and over ten years of research experience. Additionally, Johns Hopkins is renowned for its ability to foster collaboration, creating a dynamic setting where interdisciplinary teams work together to tackle complex health challenges. The high volume and broad spectrum of clinical conditions of patient care offers valuable experience. Overall, Johns Hopkins offers an unparalleled combination of clinical experience, research opportunities, collaborative spirit that aligns with my career goal.
Why did you choose the Johns Hopkins Nuclear Medicine program?
I chose Johns Hopkins because it is a pioneer in developing and applying cutting edge diagnostic and theranostic aspects of nuclear medicine in combination with the latest technologies including PET/CT, SPECT/CT. It is leading efforts in developing and refining cancer treatment by utilizing precision-based medicine. Additionally, there are several ongoing clinical and translational research opportunities that will allow me to advance my own integrative clinical research interest. Lastly, Johns Hopkins excels in team-based, all-inclusive approaches and fosters a collaborative environment providing patient care through comprehensive and coordinated care and I am proud to be part of it.
Meisam Hoseinyazdi, MD
College: Tehran university
Medical School: Tehran university of medical sciences
What do you do for fun?
For fun, I enjoy hanging out with my friends, watching a good movie, or getting lost in a great book. It’s the perfect balance of relaxation and quality time.
Why did you choose the Johns Hopkins Nuclear Medicine program?
I chose the Johns Hopkins Nuclear Medicine program because of its outstanding reputation of fostering a friendly, respectful workplace with state-of-the-art imaging technologies, comprehensive clinical training, and access to world-renowned faculty. The program offers an exceptional opportunity to gain a hands-on experience while being part of a collaborative and innovative environment.
Fatemeh Ataei, MD
Medical School: Tehran University of Medical Sciences
What do you like to do for fun?
Exploring Maryland and close states with my family, working out at gym.
What is your favorite neighborhood in Baltimore?
Towson, Fells point, Inner harbor.
Kunaal Bafna, MD
I like to try and stay as active as possible - love playing basketball, football, tennis, and golf. I try to travel and spend as much time with my family as I can.
What is one thing about being at Johns Hopkins that you don’t think you would have been able to do anywhere else?
I love the people within the IR department, everyone from my co-fellows, attendings, nurses, and techs. The camaraderie amongst everyone within the department is unparalleled and makes coming to work a lot of fun.
Ritam Chowdhury, MD
Cycling, traveling/backpacking/hiking, reading, martial arts, calligraphy/fountain pens, swimming, writing short stories and poems (got a bunch published a while back), woodworking, steel forging, cooking and learning about new cultures and languages (currently trying to pick up Korean, Japanese and Spanish)
How did you decide to pursue radiology?
I pursued my MPH at Hopkins and although I moved thereafter, Hopkins remains my home away from home. When offered the opportunity to train alongside some of the most well-respected and gifted Interventional radiologists, I jumped at the opportunity. The diverse case mix, strong focus on resident education and the collegial culture just made my decision easier.
What do you love the most about Johns Hopkins radiology?
Cliched but its The people- everyone here - the faculty, fellows, residents, techs, nurses and admin staff truly make the program unique.
What do you love most about Baltimore?
Inner Harbor area. As a grad student I would often walk to Inner Harbor and enjoy the gentle sea breeze while watching the sunrise or sunset. I do enjoy walking about Baltimore and exploring each neighborhood- each one has its own character and flavor.
Caleb Heiberger, MD
Hometown: Hartford, South Dakota — Heiberger Farm
College: Dakota Wesleyan University
Medical School: University of South Dakota
What do you like to do for fun?
Mountain biking, running, traveling, reading
How did you decide to pursue radiology?
As Ned Leeds said in Spider-man, I wanna be the “guy in the chair.”
What do you love the most about Johns Hopkins radiology?
Everyone you meet is one of the brightest people you’ll have ever met, and yet they remain down to earth and friendly.
What is your quality of life as a radiology resident?
In a state of shock at getting off at 5 regularly.
Tej Mehta, MD
College: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Medical School: University of South Dakota
What do you like to do for fun?
I like to compete in endurance events and triathlons. I am also an avid rock climber. When I'm not pursuing fitness goals, I like to practice woodworking and mixology.
How did you decide to pursue radiology?
I was lucky enough to encounter a prior Johns Hopkins IR faculty member in South Dakota who introduced me to interventional radiology. I had no exposure to radiology prior to meeting him, but the moment I stepped in the IR suite I knew what I wanted to do with my life. I grew to enjoy DR thereafter as well. The ability to identify, diagnose and treat disease with minimally invasive methods coupled with technological innovations on the bleeding edge of medicine makes radiology the field for me!
What do you love the most about Johns Hopkins radiology?
The program is truly committed to the education of it's residents and the residents are committed to helping each other. The program is designed to train leaders in the field of radiology and everyone here is committed to making that goal a reality.
What is your quality of life as a radiology resident at Johns Hopkins?
The quality of life of everyone here is great! We are able to find a great balance between work and home life. Everyone is very supportive of each other and there is always something to do with your fellow residents!
Frank Yuan, MD
College: UCLA
Medical School: David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
What do you like to do for fun?
Watch movies, NBA, and Kdrama. Hooping and hanging with family and friends. Try new restaurants.
Diagnostic radiology provides me with the opportunity to help patients through the facilitating the prompt and accurate diagnosis of their disease process which allows prompt treatment. IR allows me to perform minimally invasive interventions to directly help treat various disease processes relying on a spectrum of image guidance modalities.
What is one thing about being at Johns Hopkins that you don’t think you would have been able to do anywhere else?
Carolina Lugo-Fagundo, MD, Chief
College: Johns Hopkins University
Medical School: Ponce Health Sciences University
Carolina loves to take short weekend trips to different cities. She enjoys spending time with family and friends. Carolina likes to bake, cook, exercise, and watch TV series/movies.
What do you love most about Johns Hopkins radiology?
What I love most about Hopkins Radiology is that we are a family and take care of each other. We work hard but are constantly supported by the faculty and residents.
Kent Reichel, MD
College: University of Maine
Medical School: Tufts University School of Medicine
Kent is an amateur meat smoker, fair weather fisherman and father of two Labrador retrievers. He is a double bogey- golfer. He loves how cheap the tickets are here in Baltimore to watch the Red Sox’s play.
Why did you choose Johns Hopkins Radiology?
He chose the Johns Hopkins Radiology Program because of the robust diagnostic/interventional training, high volume of complex and diverse cases. He also loves the community and camaraderie of the residents and attendings.
How did you decide to pursue radiology?
Throughout medical school I reflexively found myself jumping to my patient’s imaging studies first in search of an explanation as to why they have come to the hospital. I could visualize the findings of their H&P on an X-ray or CT revealing a unifying diagnosis for the history and exam I had elicited. For me, radiology always seemed to hold the answers and I craved the knowledge to interpret these studies.
Tae Kyung Kim, MD, Chief
Hometown: Seoul, South Korea
College: Dartmouth College
Medical School: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Tony enjoys exploring new restaurants, golfing, and attending concerts in his free time.
Why did you choose the Johns Hopkins radiology program?
Johns Hopkins offers a rare combination of clinical excellence, groundbreaking research, and a deep commitment to education. From early on, I was struck by how confident and capable the graduating residents were. I knew I wanted to train in that kind of environment.
The culture at Hopkins fosters both academic ambition and personal growth. We work alongside world-renowned leaders in medicine who are not only experts in their fields but also enthusiastic educators and mentors. The collegiality among residents and faculty as well as graduated autonomy makes Hopkins a uniquely supportive and inspiring place to train.
What is your favorite neighborhood in Baltimore?
Harbor East is my favorite with some of the best restaurants in Baltimore, access to the boardwalk that outlines the entire Baltimore Harbor and shopping. Also, you can probably find me in Ellicott City (20 min drive from Baltimore) on weekends eating at my favorite Korean food spots or grocery shopping at Hmart.
Alec Jost, MD
College: College of Charleston
Medical School: Wake Forest School of Medicine
Alec grew up in North Carolina. He loves any excuse to spend time in nature including backpacking, fly fishing, and hiking. He is a lifelong musician (mostly string instruments) and a hobby auto mechanic with a particular interest in old BMW’s.
Why did you choose the Johns Hopkins radiology program?
The quality of training on both the interventional and diagnostic sides goes without saying, as does the research infrastructure. The people I encountered, however, are what truly made me want to join the team at Hopkins. My first time meeting the residents felt more like hanging out with a group of long-time friends than interviewing for a hob. It’s an outstanding path to become a radiologist and there’s a great group of people here to do it alongside.
What do you love most about Baltimore?
Being able to wake up and walk ten minutes to a delicious brunch without having to wait on a table. Hoping in the car afterwards and driving 20-30 minutes to one of many beautiful day hikes in the area. Making it back in time for an evening out with friends downtown or a quick trip to DC for dinner and drinks with my fiancé. All the variety and accessibility of city living without the traffic or inconvenience.
Katherine Begley, MD
College: West Virginia University
Medical School: Ohio State University
What do you like to do for fun?
Anything outdoors— hiking, backpacking, gardening.
Why did you choose the Johns Hopkins radiology program?
Hopkins was the best mix of academic excellence, volume and down-to-earth people.
How did you decide to pursue radiology?
I was exposed to IR my first year of medical school through research, and I fell in love with the breadth of pathologies treated by IR and the ever-evolving tools and technologies used for endovascular procedures.
Seulah "Rebecca" Choi, MD
What is your hometown? Seoul, Korea
Which college did you attend? Johns Hopkins
Which medical school did you attend? Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
What do you like to do for fun?
“Solidcore and wine” - by my coresidents, Kate and Sasicha
Why did you choose the Johns Hopkins radiology program?
The immense diversity in not only the training sites, but also in the patients and pathologies. The camaraderie and team-based environment, embodied within this program! The successful collaboration with Hopkins innovation lab, Carnegie Center and the engineering department, coupled with the extensive resources dedicated towards innovation and research endeavors! I believe that Hopkins radiology fosters a unique training experience to grow us as an excellent interventional radiologist and a leader in academic radiology!
How did you decide to pursue radiology?
“Serendipity” - by my coresident, Sasicha
What is one thing about being at Johns Hopkins that you don’t think you would have been able to do anywhere else?
“Give my coresidents candy every day while we sit outside eating lunch.” - by my coresident, Rachel
What do you love the most about Johns Hopkins radiology?
My coresidents who are helping me with answering these questions.
Sasicha Manupipatpong, MD
What is your hometown? Bangkok, Thailand
Which college did you attend? Emory College of Arts and Sciences
Which medical school did you attend? Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
What do you like to do for fun?
Ensure my furbabies are living the good life. My hodgepodge of rescues--presently consisting of 80lb pitbull mix Turtle and cat frenemies Meebo and Neemo--are all very needy. The goal is to keep building our army of furbabies, as well as foster and train dogs in the future to help them find homes. I also like to sing and draw/paint.
How did you decide to pursue radiology?
I had a bit of a circuitous path to radiology, but the long and the short of it is that I initially came to medical school interested in either oncology, geriatrics, or neurology. When I discovered IR (and NIR) and realized I wouldn't have to choose between the three after all due to the breadth, adaptability, and constantly evolving nature of the field, I was sold! My initial exposure to IR was through research my first summer of medical school, and every subsequent experience I have had learning more about IR and DR in various contexts (from COVID era online rotations to spending time in the IR suite and reading rooms) has further convinced me that I chose correctly.
What is your favorite pastime or guilty pleasure?
Watching anime or C-dramas and eating copious amounts of good food. Preferably both at the same time.
What do you love the most about Johns Hopkins radiology?
The people!!
What do you love most about Baltimore?
Also the people!!
Anna Gong, MD
Hometown: Davis, CA
College: UC Berkeley
Medical School: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
What do you like to do for fun? Hike, ski, read, try new restaurants, hang out with friends, try new hobbies
Why did you choose the Johns Hopkins radiology program?
Hopkins was a a no-brainer choice for me! Having gone to medical school here, I was already impressed by the program’s amazing faculty, resident culture, case diversity, research opportunities, and emphasis on autonomy. Hopkins’ strength in both diagnostic and interventional radiology sealed the deal for me.
How did you decide to pursue radiology?
I decided to pursue radiology because would allow me to gain both diagnostic and interventional skills. I look forward to learning how to diagnose and treat a wide breadth of pathologies through diverse modalities. I also find that interventional radiology has an amazing research culture that not only emphasizes technology and invention but also clinical outcomes and patient quality of life.
What is one thing about being at Johns Hopkins that you don’t think you would have been able to do anywhere else?
I love a spontaneous brunch trip to The Corner Pantry or Chuck’s Trading Post.
What do you love the most about Johns Hopkins radiology?
The people!
What do you love most about Baltimore?
Baltimore is truly Charm City. It has a little bit of everything that you might want: amazing mom and pop shops, great food spots, parks, a very walkable waterfront and easy access to NYC and DC when you’re feeling more big city vibes.
What is your quality of life as a radiology resident at Johns Hopkins?
Phenomenal!
Molly Pasque, MD
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
College: University of Oklahoma
Medical School: University of Missouri Kansas City
What do you like to do for fun?
I love practicing yoga, going to concerts, dancing, painting with acrylics, attempting to keep plants alive, and hanging with my dog, Stevie Nicks.
Why did you choose the Johns Hopkins radiology program?
There is no question that Hopkins offers exceptional Radiology training, in both IR and DR. With an abundance of resources and experts in the field, I knew that I would receive an unparalleled education. In addition, I was looking for a program that exposed me to the most interesting and complex patients, while also treating a largely underserved area. As a bonus, the staff are so kind and invested in our education!
How did you decide to pursue radiology?
DR and IR are the two best specialties that medicine has to offer, and I am so lucky to get to do both! If you want diverse pathologies, niche procedures that offer huge and life-saving interventions for patients, and the coolest colleagues – then IR is for you too!
John Schanz, MD
Hometown: Villanova, PA
College: Bucknell University
Medical School: Sidney Kimmel Medical College (Thomas Jefferson)
What do you like to do for fun?
Riding horses and playing table tennis with my wife while also co-parenting our rescue mutt, “Dexter.” Channeling my inner Wild West via sporting clays and target shooting. Testing my flexibility and structural integrity with pickleball and snowboarding. Striving to perfect an open-face breakfast sandwich recipe.
Why did you choose the Johns Hopkins radiology program?
I completed an away sub-I and I was struck by the people in the program: incredibly sharp, driven, easy going, funny and humble. In short, I felt inspired and wanted to be more like everyone I met.
How did you decide to pursue radiology?
Radiology touches every corner of medicine. It demands knowing “something about everything.” It offers a unique appreciation for form and function, how the body is connected, and the chance to piece together a clinical story without the need for physical patient examination. As a prior construction design engineer, I appreciate that diagnostic radiology offers the ability to interpret the body’s “blueprints” and interventional radiology offers the ability to treat pathology with catheters minimally invasively, akin to fixing the plumbing/wires/devices inside the walls (of the body) across virtually every organ system.
What is your favorite pastime or guilty pleasure?
Finding opportunities to insert quotes from “The Office” in everyday conversation, still playing Halo 2 online to maintain my old-timer status in the gaming community.
What do you love most about Baltimore?
Affordability compared to cities of similar size in the northeast corridor, lots of greenery/parks, discovering hidden gem restaurants.
What is your quality of life as a radiology resident at Johns Hopkins?
Could not be higher, everyone is excited to come to the hospital to work hard and learn daily, but also, excited to leave at the end of the day (often early) to spend time with loved ones and/or pursue a wide variety of hobbies/interests.
Aryaman Gupta, MD
Hometown: Indianapolis, IN
College: Duke University
Medical School: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
What do you like to do for fun?
I like finding hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Baltimore, doing small DIY projects, and playing Volo pickleball!
Why did you choose the Johns Hopkins radiology program?
I went to Johns Hopkins for medical school and became very familiar with the DR and IR programs here. Everyone I met had an incredible passion for their job and teaching and I knew that coming to Johns Hopkins would prepare me to be a confident and capable Interventional Radiologist when I graduate. I also love exploring Baltimore and wanted to continue living in the city.
What is one thing about being at Johns Hopkins that you don’t think you would have been able to do anywhere else?
The access and ability to do anything you want. If you have an idea, there almost certainly is someone in the whole institution who has similar interests or experience and can help you achieve any goal you set to do.
Camden MacDowell, MD, PhD
Hometown: Anchorage, Alaska
College: Emory University
Medical School: Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
How did you decide to pursue radiology?
I decided to pursue IR/DR because, as a field, it is uniquely positioned allow me to participate in all aspects of patient care: including diagnosis, procedural intervention, and longer-term clinical management.
What do you love the most about Johns Hopkins radiology?
The opportunity to really own our learning experience; it's a very self-directed program which allows you to find your passions and excel at them!
Splendid. We work hard when we are at work, but also have time to spend being human; growing our families, and hanging out with friends.
Roshni Rajan, MD
Hometown: East Brunswick, NJ
College: Northeastern University
Medical School: Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
What is one thing about being at Johns Hopkins that you don’t think you would have been able to do anywhere else?
I largely chose Hopkins because of the availability of resources at this institution. I have a broad range of interests within medicine, including global health, medical teaching, and device development. I wanted to go to an institution with the resources and faculty expertise to support wherever my interests may lead throughout residency.
Additionally, the quality of the training here is truly remarkable. I wanted to train in a program with large volumes, a broad range of pathology, and a good amount of autonomy in both diagnostic and interventional radiology. Hopkins easily meets all of these criteria.
It's very cheesy, but I saw fluoroscopy light up in a case and immediately fell in love.
My co-residents and the banana pudding at Cafe Dear Leon.
Sam Savidge, MD
Hometown: Baltimore, MD
College: Washington University in St. Louis
Medical School: University of Maryland School of Medicine
What do you like to do for fun?
Racquet sports (tennis, pickleball, racquetball), skiing, trying new restaurants, video games.
Why did you choose the Johns Hopkins radiology program?
I cannot imagine a program that offers better training in both diagnostic and interventional radiology. Hopkins has amazing faculty dedicated to teaching, a diverse case mix, an emphasis on autonomy, countless research opportunities, and an incredible group of collegial and close-knit residents.
What do you love most about Baltimore?
Baltimore is a city of neighborhoods with so many close knit communities, a myriad of fun (often free) events, tons of great restaurants, and a low cost of living.
