Why did you choose MIR for your residency training?
Misra: I applied to Mallinckrodt because of its reputation as one of the country’s leading radiology training programs. However, I chose to rank MIR highly after meeting such amazing people during my interview.
Bradenham: My now-husband and I went through the couples match. We were drawn to WashU Medicine for its strong programs in both radiology and internal medicine while also being in a city with a good cost of living.
Hammer: I knew MIR would provide solid clinical training with a wide range of pathology. And I appreciated the independence residents were afforded (e.g., being primary operator on most procedures and independent overnight call).
How would you describe your time at MIR?
Misra: My time at MIR was amongst the best years of my life. Getting to work with and learn from some of the best radiologists in the country made my education top-notch.
Bradenham: MIR was a fantastic place to train. I valued that teaching happened all day long — with plenty of dedicated didactic time but an understanding that actually doing the work is the best way to learn.
Hammer: I made many lifelong friends. The camaraderie we developed is unique, and many programs don’t have that kind of experience. It was hard work, but it felt worth it. In the end, I felt prepared for the future.
What lessons/experiences have stayed with you beyond MIR?
Bradenham: I still hear various attendings in my ear as I read cases. If I catch a subtle fracture after a second look due to soft tissue swelling, I hear Lou Gilula say, “The soft tissues are your friends. Do you have any friends?” When someone says “low lung volumes,” I can hear Sanjeev Bhalla ask if you would ever go into Starbucks and order a “low coffee.”
Misra: Everything Sanjeev Bhalla said during lectures, case conferences and in the reading room resonates with me on almost a daily basis. And being in the ER reading room at night with my co-residents gave me the confidence and experience to succeed in clinical practice.
What were some highlights about your specific residency class (Class of 2015)?
Bradenham: Some of my favorite memories include game nights and sitting around the fire pit at Seth Bartel’s house. Our class stretches from coast to coast, and I love catching up with them when my travels take me to one of their cities.
Misra: The time spent outside of the hospital with my class. St. Louis offered so many opportunities: sporting events, concerts, comedy shows and wineries. Mallinckrodt also provided ample venues to nurture our camaraderie with picnics and other social events.
In what way did your training at MIR prepare you for your career path?
Hammer: I felt like I could face any case, any job, and was totally prepared. I have learned a lot about radiology since residency, but I have always felt that I had a foundation to fall back on.
Misra: The high volume and complex case mix prepared me for the demands of my career and anything that I will ever see in clinical practice. The world-class teaching has allowed me to perform at an incredibly high level.
What are some of your interests beyond radiology?
Bradenham: I enjoy riding bikes with my boys, spending time at our family cottage on Chesapeake Bay and skiing during the winter. We have started traveling more and will often use meetings as a good excuse to explore somewhere new. I also love watching sports; my time in St. Louis turned me into a lifelong Cardinals fan, for better or worse.
Hammer: Our family loves to travel. I also love photography and computer programming.
Misra: My time is occupied mostly with family, including my wife Lekshmi and twin sons Madhav and Pranav. Any free time I have after that is spent exercising or catching up on Netflix.
Published in Focal Spot Fall 2024 Issue