Nalan Callonas, MD
Hometown: Memphis, TN
Undergraduate Degree: Rhodes College
Medical Degree: University of TN Health Sciences
Internship: Blake Medical Center
Why did you choose Baptist?
Baptist offers the high volume and case variety/acuity necessary to become a great radiologist. These features are also under the structure of a private practice, preparing me for my future career as a private practice radiologist. The program has ample opportunities for internal moonlighting early and established external moonlighting as you progress along, which allows for much appreciated supplemental income that greatly increases QOL. Last but certainly not least, the residents and attendings were all amazing when I rotated through as a student. These things, combined with being able to be near my family, made Baptist the perfect choice.
Baptist offers the high volume and case variety/acuity necessary to become a great radiologist. These features are also under the structure of a private practice, preparing me for my future career as a private practice radiologist. The program has ample opportunities for internal moonlighting early and established external moonlighting as you progress along, which allows for much appreciated supplemental income that greatly increases QOL. Last but certainly not least, the residents and attendings were all amazing when I rotated through as a student. These things, combined with being able to be near my family, made Baptist the perfect choice.
What is your day like? Any challenges? What's rewarding about your day?
I generally get in to the hospital a little early to swing by the doctor's lounge for breakfast. The workday ranges from 7/8a-4/5p depending on the rotation. We start picking up the overnight preliminary reads first thing in the morning and give full reports on each of them. We then transition to picking up new scans that are respective to your rotation. Intermittently, I'm checking out with my attending in-person. Depending on the rotation, I'm also take periodic breaks for procedures. We stop reading at 1145 and then grab food from the doctor's lounge before heading to conference from noon to one. Rinse and repeat until the end of the day. Its very challenging as a new R1 because its almost like going to medical school all over again. It is also very rewarding once it starts to click though.
I generally get in to the hospital a little early to swing by the doctor's lounge for breakfast. The workday ranges from 7/8a-4/5p depending on the rotation. We start picking up the overnight preliminary reads first thing in the morning and give full reports on each of them. We then transition to picking up new scans that are respective to your rotation. Intermittently, I'm checking out with my attending in-person. Depending on the rotation, I'm also take periodic breaks for procedures. We stop reading at 1145 and then grab food from the doctor's lounge before heading to conference from noon to one. Rinse and repeat until the end of the day. Its very challenging as a new R1 because its almost like going to medical school all over again. It is also very rewarding once it starts to click though.
What is your favorite thing about Memphis?
Its my home and where my family is. Outside of that fact, I have a hard time choosing between the people, breweries and the Tigers/Grizzlies basketball.
Its my home and where my family is. Outside of that fact, I have a hard time choosing between the people, breweries and the Tigers/Grizzlies basketball.
What made you decide on your career? Was there someone or something in your life that helped you choose your path?
Radiology wasn't on my radar until near the end of my third year. I had originally thought of Hematology and Oncology as my ultimate career path but realized that it and internal medicine were not the work that I was most passionate about. There were pieces of other specialties which I enjoyed but none that I was passionate about in their entirety. I realized that radiology allowed me to keep a broad knowledge base as well as still interact with patients who have cancer - a population I have been passionate about helping since my grandmother's passing from metastatic SCC of the lung.
Radiology wasn't on my radar until near the end of my third year. I had originally thought of Hematology and Oncology as my ultimate career path but realized that it and internal medicine were not the work that I was most passionate about. There were pieces of other specialties which I enjoyed but none that I was passionate about in their entirety. I realized that radiology allowed me to keep a broad knowledge base as well as still interact with patients who have cancer - a population I have been passionate about helping since my grandmother's passing from metastatic SCC of the lung.
Why would you recommend Baptist to a prospective applicant?
I would recommend it for all the reasons that I mentioned for why I chose it.
