Hunter Reed, DO

Hometown: Jackson, TN
Undergraduate Degree: Biochemistry - Mississippi State University 
Medical Degree: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (Spartanburg, South Carolina)
Internship: Brandon Regional Hospital (Brandon, FL) 

Why did you choose Baptist?
I wanted to be a part of a program that offers high case volume and independence in order to prepare me for a career in private practice. The residents were also very easy going and I knew they would be great people to work with. 

What is your day like? Any challenges? What's rewarding about your day?
I've got a family so I try and coordinate around spending the most time I can with them. My typical day looks something like this: 5am: wake up, 5:15-6:15am: study, 6:15am-7:30am: exercise/spend time with the family, 7:45am: breakfast at doctor's lounge, 8am-11:55am: read studies, 12-1pm: noon conference, 1-1:15pm: hangout with co-residents and get snacks from Angela's office, 1:20-5pm: read studies (sometimes leaving around 4pm depending on the day/rotation). The most difficult part of my day is consistently feeling uncomfortable with new things. As an R1, there are so many new pathologies and/or imaging studies you have never experienced to date, so it can be overwhelming if you let it. It's rewarding to see incremental improvements in my knowledge and abilities. 

What is your favorite thing about Memphis?
The best part about Memphis is the fact that it's a big city with a lot of amenities, but it still feels small. The people are also extremely nice and welcoming. The traffic is not bad relative to a lot of large cities. 

What made you decide on your career? Was there someone or something in your life that helped you choose your path?
I chose radiology because I've always really enjoyed anatomy and find great satisfaction in being able to provide guidance to referring providers. There's a lot more to radiology than being a hobbit in a dark room. I chose radiology when on a 3rd year pulmonology rotation I found myself enjoying the chest CT's more than the medicine. 

Why would you recommend Baptist to a prospective applicant?
This program will prepare you extremely well to hit the ground running with confidence and efficiency when you finish training, more-so than 90% of programs out there. 2) You can't beat free food. 3) Moonlighting is generous, you have to take call, so getting paid for it is a bonus.