Choosing a training program is a huge decision. What set MIR apart for you?
Lee: During my third year of medical school, I was awarded the RSNA Medical Scholars Grant, and I studied the imaging appearance of emphysema using hyperpolarized ³He MRI with Dmitriy Yablonskiy, PhD. The mentorship I received during that year, coupled with the extraordinary research infrastructure, was unlike anything I had experienced elsewhere. The decision ultimately felt straightforward. MIR was — and remains — the premier radiology training program in the world.
Pettus: I was excited to train under a diverse group of subspecialty experts and impressed by the hybrid research track. At the time, I had two young children with a third on the way, and my wife (an educator) was interested in homeschooling. St. Louis offered the perfect balance: family-friendly, affordable and full of things to do, even on a tight budget.
Trivedi: I knew I wanted to be at MIR the day I interviewed. I loved the reading room environment and being on a first-name basis with the attendings. I was looking for a change from life in the Northeast, and St. Louis was the perfect fit for me and my husband.
How would you describe your time at MIR?
Lee: Intensely challenging and deeply rewarding. The clinical volume was tremendous, and the breadth of pathology was unmatched. Equally important were the relationships forged during that time. My residency class — including Jack Jennings and Heather Garrett — was cohesive, driven and supportive. Many of my closest friends and most trusted colleagues are individuals I met at MIR.
Pettus: My residency experience was challenging due to significant personal demands. I often felt I was at the bottom of my class for the first time in my life, yet the program and my co-residents were remarkably supportive. Colleagues shared their knowledge and created a collaborative environment. I performed well on my board exams, largely through on-the-job learning, resident camaraderie and grace. That experience taught me the value of lifelong learning.
Trivedi: Rigorous, rewarding and fun! I’m grateful for the graduated independence throughout training that helped me build the confidence to start my attending career off on a great foot. I’m also really grateful for the lifelong friendships I made at MIR.
Was there an “aha” moment during residency that solidified breast imaging as your subspecialty?
Lee: My decision to pursue breast imaging crystallized when I saw the direct and immediate impact our work has on patients. Knowing that my interpretations can directly help save a life gives the work a sense of purpose that extends far beyond what I hoped to experience as a doctor.
Pettus: My passion for women’s imaging ignited when I witnessed how curable breast cancer can be when detected early and how devastating it remains for those with genetic risks, symptoms before screening age or delayed screenings. Having watched my mother overcome immense challenges and being blessed with an extraordinary wife, I highly respect women. What higher calling is there than fighting daily for their health and lives?
What’s something you didn’t fully appreciate about breast imaging until you were in practice?
Lee: How much the science would change and advance over my career. I learn something new every day.
Trivedi: The impact you can have on a woman’s life. Taking an extra moment of care when discussing results with a patient and her family goes a long way, and it’s so meaningful to see the positive effects you can have on someone else’s life.
What are some of your interests outside of the reading room?
Lee: I love watching NFL football on Sunday afternoons while cooking in the kitchen. Go Packers!
Pettus: I treasure time with my wife and our six children, and extended family and friends. Art has become a meaningful creative outlet, and I stay active in our community and church. I reconnect with my training and live my faith through medical missions, primarily in Colombia and Venezuela.
Trivedi: Traveling! My husband and I took some great trips after I finished training, including Australia (Sydney, Melbourne and the Great Barrier Reef) and India (Rajasthan and the Taj Mahal). We also love walking with our little cavapoo.
Published in Focal Spot Spring/Summer 2026 Issue