Stephen Bowie, MD

Hometown: Memphis, Tennessee

Undergraduate School: Auburn University

Medical School: University of Tennessee Health Science Center

Internship: University of Tennessee Health Science Center - Medicine

Why did you choose Baptist?
The people and the place. I interviewed at many places that I believe would have provided good clinical training to prepare me for a career in Radiology. The reason I chose Baptist is because of the excellent staff and other residents. I believe we have a unique staff-resident experience that really provides a great learning experience while in residency here. It's a great feeling knowing that whoever you go to work with on a given day will be someone you respect and will enjoy working with and learning from. Also, Memphis is my hometown, and I felt very fortunate to be able to match at a program that both fits my personality well and is in a city I love.

What is your day like? Any challenges? What's rewarding about your day?
As a first year resident, there is a real challenge in understanding how to "learn radiology" and be a competent physician at the same time. I think it's important to understand my limitation as a first year, who is just now learning many different imaging modalities and procedures, but to also try to challenge myself to always be improving. There is a steep learning curve, but it is very rewarding to be able to see the progress and feel more comfortable as rotations progress. I will say that in all my days of feeling extremely stupid trying to read and dictate things I may not understand, I have never once felt like my attendings or co-residents have viewed or treated me that way. Although we are a very busy residency program, it is the complete opposite of "malignant" program.

What is your favorite thing about Memphis?
The food and the proximity to great hunting and fishing. Since it's my hometown, I feel very fortunate to be going through residency with so many close friends and family in town.

What made you decide on your career? Was there someone or something in your life that helped you choose your path?
I love the diversity of radiology and the way we interact with nearly every medical and surgical specialty. We have a unique opportunity to interact with other physicians in helping treat and diagnose patients.

Why would you recommend Baptist to a prospective applicant?
It's an excellent environment for clinical radiology. We have a diverse, experienced staff who are both enjoyable to work with and eager to teach. There is a tremendous amount of volume in every area of radiology that provides a great educational experience during residency and prepares our residents for practice when training is complete.