Thomas Ballard, DO
Hometown: Jackson, TN
Undergraduate Degree: University of Tennessee
Medical Degree: Lincoln Memorial University - Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
Internship: Transitional Year - Baptist Desoto
Baptist was the perfect fit for me because of its renowned high-volume program that would be most valuable in preparing me for a career in private practice. During my clinical rotations at Baptist, I encountered approachable and eager staff who were more than willing to share their knowledge and expertise. The program also offered perks like internal moonlighting, allowing me to earn some extra cash to spend on trips and other fun activities during residency. Additionally, Baptist’s proximity to my hometown meant that my family and I could visit my parents and in-laws during off-weekends and holidays. Lastly, the transitional year program associated with the radiology residency is conveniently located near Memphis, which was great because it meant my family wouldn’t have to relocate an additional time. In a way, the transitional year felt like the fourth year of medical school, allowing me to pick interesting electives and gain valuable experience in navigating PACS and the dictation software used in the radiology residency.
Get up and get ready for the day at 5:30 - 6:00 AM to have a few cups of coffee before the kids wake up. When they roll out of bed at 6:00 AM, I entertain them for a short while until 6:45 AM. Then, I get ready for my day. At 7:15 AM, I walk out the door, turn on a podcast, and drive to my assigned rotation. I arrive around 7:45 AM and head straight to the lounge to grab some food and coffee before starting at 8:00 AM. From 8:00 AM to 11:45 AM, I read rotation-specific studies and/or perform procedures. I ask questions and read up on the topics that come up during the shift, always trying to learn something new to expand my knowledge. Before 12:00 PM, I go to the lounge or cafeteria to pick up some delicious food that I can enjoy during the Noon Conference. At 1:00 PM, the residents go to Angela’s office to chat and grab some snacks for the afternoon. I return to the rotation between 1:10 PM and 4:00 PM or 5:00 PM to finish up the work day. When the day ends, I go home and spend much needed quality time with my family. One challenge I’ve faced is finding the best time to read and learn outside of work. I’ve discovered that it’s best when the kids are in bed and there are no more chores to do around the house. This is when I can truly focus without any interruptions. Sometimes I’ve switched between mornings and nights, which helps with kids because they can be unpredictable. The most rewarding part of my day is when I make an accurate reading on a study and get to call the ordering doctor to inform them. This allows them to make clinical decisions that can make a difference in the patient’s care.
It’s close to my hometown and offers a variety of fun activities that my family and I can enjoy, including visiting the zoo.
I chose radiology because it provides the chance to participate in patient care across various specialties. I can read a wide range of studies and become an expert in making diagnoses. I also enjoy the procedural aspect and the opportunity to interact with patients face-to-face. This allows me to perform biopsies that can help determine the appropriate treatment plan for patients. The specialty also offers an unparalleled work-life balance.
Many of the things I listed above are the reasons why I would recommend this program. There are many perks that Baptist provides: free food, moonlighting, great people, location, and a transitional year. You will have no problem feeling comfortable working in a private practice setting after completing residency here.
