been elected as a Fellow of the Society for Cardiovascular MR (FSCMR)! This is a truly prestigious honor, recognizing pioneers in the field of cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Dr. Sakthivel is the first person from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to receive this distinction.

Despite many challenges, I remained focused on improving my skills as a cardiovascular imager, which enabled me to achieve this honor. This recognition belongs as much to our Cardiothoracic Imaging team as it does to me.

I’m excited to continue this important work and further strengthen our Cross-sectional Cardiac Imaging fellowship. I’m also eager to collaborate with Dr.Rebecca Hansen to enhance and enrich our Pediatric Cardiac Imaging program.

Now in its fifth year, the Castillo Scholars Program is dedicated to increasing access and opportunity for students from historically underserved backgrounds. Through a focused eight-week, in-person experience, scholars will engage in clinical shadowing, research, educational enrichment, and mentorship designed to support their pursuit of competitive residency placements.

Each participating scholar has completed their first year of medical school and demonstrated both academic excellence and a commitment to advancing health equity through specialty care. This summer, each student will receive a $5,000 stipend to support their full-time participation in the program.

The kickoff reception was an opportunity for scholars, faculty mentors, and program leadership to connect and celebrate the beginning of an exciting journey. We look forward to the contributions these outstanding students will make in the weeks ahead—and in the years to come as future leaders in medicine.

Check out pictures from the event:

From Blue Crabs to Brain Scans

Fen’s road to radiology is anything but conventional. His original plan in undergrad was to pursue medical research. But then? “I really enjoyed studying animals,” he says. That led to researching the BP oil spill’s impact on blue crab larvae, followed by a job as an educator at the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans—which he calls “the most fun I’ve ever had at a job.”

After several years in the zoo world, the reality of the career’s financial strain set in. “I didn’t want to be 60, working three jobs,” Fen explains. So, he pivoted again—this time earning his master’s at Marshall University, where he did field and lab work on everything from tree frogs and carnivorous plants to freshwater mussels.

Eventually, friends in North Carolina (and some gentle nudging) persuaded him to relocate to the Triangle. “One of my friends worked at șÚÁÏÍű and spoke highly of its research environment,” Fen says. So, he took the leap—and ended up in Dr. Muir’s lab, helping it grow from the ground up.

“Fen is great to work with and has been a great help,” says Eric Muir, PhD, Associate Professor in Radiology. “Fen is smart and highly capable to assist with all aspects of conducting and managing research. Even when working on topics he doesn’t have previous experience with, Fen is puts in the effort to quickly get up to speed. Fen has been a great addition.”

What Exactly Is Heavy Water, Anyway?

Working in a new lab means Fen wears a lot of hats. He’s tackled everything from analyzing data to wrestling with the bureaucratic hydra of vendor paperwork and pharmaceutical ordering. Dr. Muir’s research focuses on ocular blood flow, and Fen’s been at the center of projects involving deuterium oxide (aka heavy water)—a less invasive, more MRI-friendly way to track how fluids move through the eye.

“He’s also looking into medications for glaucoma and Alzheimer’s,” he notes. “I never thought of Alzheimer’s affecting the eyes, but apparently that’s something that happens.”

Carnivorous Plants, Tattoos, and Tomb Raider Dreams

Outside the lab, Fen’s life is a love letter to curiosity. He describes himself with one word: ※Á±č±đ°ùłÙłóŸ±Č԰쟱ČÔČ”.” (Though we’d argue “fascinating” fits, too.)

He’s especially passionate about carnivorous plants—so much so he’s got a tattoo of a Sundew on his arm. His favorite? The Venus flytrap, a plant that only grows in the wild within a 60-mile radius of coastal North Carolina. “Everyone thinks they’re jungle plants,” he laughs. “They’re not!”

He also enjoys running, kayaking, and a hobby called herping—searching for reptiles and amphibians in the wild. A childhood dream of being a marine biologistÌęŽÇ°ùÌęLara Croft: Tomb Raider makes perfect sense when you hear him talk about his outdoor adventures.

If He Could


If Fen could have a superpower? “I’d resurrect ecosystems,” he says. (No surprise there.) And if he could pick the brain of anyone in history, he’d sit down with Rachel Carson, whose book Silent Spring helped launch the American conservation movement. Her book inspired generations by highlighting that harmful chemicals are destroying the environment. Eliminating insects would also mean losing the birds that depend on them. Spring would arrive—but without the familiar chorus of chirping crickets, buzzing bees, and singing birds. The season would fall eerily silent.

“I think it would be incredibly meaningful to sit down with her—not just to share how much she’s influenced the world since her time, but also to talk about the challenges she faced as one of the first widely recognized female conservationists in the U.S. It would be heartwarming to show her the lasting impact of her work and how far the conservation movement has come, in part because of her courage and persistence.”

Gumbo, Goth Cowboys, and Good Communication

Fen’s favorite artist right now is Orville Peck, especially the melancholic vibes of “Hexie Mountains.” His ideal last meal? Chicken and sausage gumbo—a nod to his years in Louisiana, even if he’s originally from California.

When it comes to keeping in touch, Fen’s a fan of context: “Text is great for a quick question, but when your friends are scattered across the country, nothing beats a phone or video call.”

Final Words of Wisdom

His best advice to his younger self? “Not everything is set in stone; learn to adapt.” It’s a mantra he’s clearly lived by—from crab larvae to MRI scans, from zoo life to eye research, Fen Annarino has turned curiosity into a career—and made șÚÁÏÍű Radiology all the better for it.

Dr. Werder is an environmental epidemiologist who studies how everyday chemical exposures can shape brain development, especially in children. She is part of a growing group of interdisciplinary researchers at șÚÁÏÍű who straddle multiple fields. She studies how everyday chemicals—things we all encounter in our air, water, or maybe even shampoo—can affect brain development. But it’s not just chemistry, imaging, or numbers. It’s all the above.

Her path to radiology wasn’t planned but instead evolved organically. “I’d been working on a K99 grant at NIEHS, looking at environmental exposures and brain development using MRI data from the Baby Connectome Project at the BRIC,” Werder explains. “I was already working with many people in the department, including Weili Lin, Gang Li, Tengfei Li, Zhengwang Wu, Hongtu Zhu. When the opportunity to join the department came up, it felt like a natural fit. I was already doing the work—it just made sense.”

Radiology may seem like a departure for someone who once taught in Durham public schools, but Werder has never followed a straight line. Originally from Michigan, she landed at șÚÁÏÍű as an undergrad, not quite knowing what she wanted to be—maybe a doctor, perhaps a teacher, maybe something in between. A single class in epidemiology at șÚÁÏÍű’s Gillings School of Global Public Health shifted her course.

“Before COVID, no one even knew what epidemiology was,” she laughs. “I thought maybe I’d be like Erin Brockovich. That was my only frame of reference.”

After a few years teaching in Durham Public Schools, she returned to șÚÁÏÍű for a master’s in health Behavior and later joined the Epidemiology Department for her PhD. “Pretty early on, I realized epidemiology was the direction I wanted to go,” she says. And go she did, with projects spanning everything from air pollution and adult brain health to the neurological impact of early-life chemical exposures. Along the way, she fell in love with data—the kind that links invisible molecules to measurable differences in brain function.

So, what’s a typical day like for an environmental epidemiologist? According to Emily, it’s a lot of time spent on the computer. “I’m not in a lab pipetting things—I’m analyzing large datasets from collaborators. The chemists give us exposure measurements from analyzing urine from infants; the radiologists process brain MRIs and change them into numbers. Then, I bring those together to ask: Are these exposures connected to how the brain develops? If so, how?”

While her work may be highly technical, Werder herself is decidedly down-to-earth. She describes herself in one word as “easygoing,” which might explain how she juggles cutting-edge research and raising three young kids (ages four, seven, and nine), and right now, most of her free time is spent outdoors and at the ballfield. “It’s baseball season,” she laughs. “So most of the music I hear these days is walk-up songs at the kids’ games.” If she had a superpower, she says it would be the ability to be in multiple places simultaneously, though she admits flying would be way more fun.

When she’s not decoding datasets or cheering from the bleachers, Werder brings a refreshing realism to the academic world. She’s candid about the unpredictability of research: “There’s going to be wins, and a lot of losses. It’s a numbers game. You keep going. Talent helps, but luck and determination matter more than people think.”

For aspiring epidemiologists, Emily offers valuable advice: “There’s a certain amount of luck involved in research. Talent matters, but persistence and resilience are just as important. There are a lot of setbacks—it’s part of the system. You can’t tie your self-worth to a single project. Your life needs to be bigger than that.”

And if you’re still not sure what kind of person Emily Werder is, ask her best friend, who’d describe her as “funny, easygoing, and slow to respond to text messages.” If she ever writes a memoir, she already has the title picked out: Not Done Yet.

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Werder—we’re lucky to have her on board!

We are proud to recognize and congratulate our faculty for their outstanding contributions and involvement in this year’s gathering:

• Dr. Gloria Salazar, served as the Program Director of the Meeting, playing a central role in shaping the scientific and educational content for thousands of attendees. Her leadership helped ensure a dynamic, high-quality program that reflected the latest advances in IR. “It was an honor to serve as SIR 2025 NASH Program Chair, thanks to the organizing committee Dr. Paula Novelli, ; our faculty, and sponsors, whose contributions have made this conference possible,” says Gloria Salazar, MD. “This conference is a testament to our shared commitment to advancing medical knowledge and improving patient care in the

• Dr. Maureen Kohi, current Chair of the SIR Foundation, was recognized for her ongoing work guiding the Foundation’s mission to support research and education that fuels the future of interventional radiology.

• Dr. David Mauro was honored with Fellowship in the Society of Interventional Radiology (FSIR)—a prestigious designation that recognizes members who have made significant contributions to the profession and the society.

• Dr. Matt Mauro received the Leaders in Innovation Award from the SIR Foundation, celebrating his distinguished career and transformative impact on the field through forward-thinking leadership and innovation.

With a strong showing of presentations, panels, and awards, șÚÁÏÍű IR’s presence at SIR 2025 reinforces our department’s position as a national leader in interventional radiology. We are grateful for our faculty’s hard work and dedication, and we look forward to their continued success in shaping the future of IR.

Emily’s journey to șÚÁÏÍű Radiology feels like a homecoming in more ways than one. Born in North Carolina and raised as a Tar Heel loyalist, her șÚÁÏÍű roots run deep — her grandmother once worked on campus cleaning out mice cages in a research lab. Young Emily would tag along and wander the halls, soaking in the buzz of campus life. Years later, she’s back — only now, she’s the one helping others make research magic happen.

“I started at șÚÁÏÍű about seven years ago and moved into Radiology full-time three years ago,” she says. But really, she’s been part of the Carolina family much longer. “My dad and his brothers all worked at the hospital. My uncle went to med school here. It just felt
 natural.”

Before jumping into research administration, Emily spent 17 years as a full-time stay-at-home mom — and yes, she’s very clear that this was absolutely a full-time job. Between leading the PTA and running a side business staging homes for realtors, she never exactly slowed down. “There was never a dull moment,” she laughs. “But I’ve always loved helping people meet their goals — and that’s what I still get to do now.”

Her role in pre-award administration is a bit like being the gatekeeper to research success — working with faculty to get new funding in place, making sure proposals follow all the rules, and keeping things (mostly) on track amidst the moving pieces. “It’s funny,” she says, “People think of contracts and grants as dry, but I find it fascinating. No two days are the same. And I love that the answer to so many questions is, ‘it depends.’ I lean into the chaos. That’s where I thrive.”

She adds with a grin, “Post-award people want everything in a tidy box. Pre-award folks? We live in the mess. And I love that.”

“Emily is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to Pre-Award management and the intricacies of the ever-changing processes and requirements from the university and the sponsor side,” says Blair Allen, Business Operations Manager. “Emily takes great pride in being relied on by our growing group of research faculty and is always ready to help. Emily has been a key driver behind the major growth of our research portfolio and presence in Radiology over the past several years, and we are so lucky to have her in our department!”

If you ever find yourself emailing Emily at 9 p.m. and wondering if she’s still working — she might be. Pre-award requires behind-the-scenes effort that often goes unnoticed. “There’s a lot of reading guidelines, triple-checking submissions, making sure the T’s are crossed. But the best part is the people. I really enjoy hearing about what’s going on in their lives, not just the work.”

In fact, one of her favorite work memories was a Zoom meeting during the height of COVID. A faculty member joined with a newborn on her shoulder. “She was so apologetic — but it was beautiful. We’re all juggling so much but still showing up for each other. That’s what I love.”

Working with Emily has been an absolute pleasure,” says Kristen Tignor, Finance Manager. “She’s incredibly helpful, consistently friendly, and always willing to lend her expertise. Emily is not only highly knowledgeable and responsive, but also remarkably flexible, adapting quickly to changing circumstances and needs in the research space. She puts forth considerable effort to stay informed on institutional/sponsor policy updates and grant submission requirements, which has been a tremendous asset to our Radiology team. Her contributions are critical to our success, and we’re truly fortunate to have her.”

Quirky, Loyal, Determined — and Maybe a Little Broadway?

Emily describes herself in one word: quirky. Her best friend describes her in three: funny, determined, and loyal. And if she had to title her autobiography? “I Don’t Know.” (We’d read that, by the way.)

Once upon a time, Emily dreamed of Broadway. A self-proclaimed big fish in the small pond of Mebane, NC, she poured her heart into ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, and gymnastics. “I was convinced I’d be Annie,” she laughs. “But then I went to a dance camp with Alvin Ailey dancers and realized… okay, I’m good. But not thatÌęČ”ŽÇŽÇ»ć.”

Her Broadway dreams gave way to a biology degree plan — until she hit the math requirements. (“No thank you.”) She found her true academic love in English, and to this day, her college books — dog-eared, highlighted, full of scribbled notes — still sit proudly on her shelves.

Outside the Office: Band Mom Life, Ulta Hauls, and Teleportation Dreams

Emily is a mom of four — with kids ranging from middle school to college — and spends most weekends racing from band competitions to family activities. “They keep us busy. It’s a full-time life.”

In her rare downtime, you’ll find her relaxing with friends, obsessing over books (she’s a self-declared book hoarder), or choosing the perfect Ulta gift for her bestie. “The worst is giving someone a gift they won’t love,” she insists. “I pride myself on getting it right. Ulta or Sephora? I got you.”

She’s also a proud dog and cat person, with one pup and two feline friends at home. “I refuse to choose. I love them all equally!”

And if she could have any superpower? No question: teleportation. “I want to blink and be on campus. Or blink and be at the beach. Traveling just takes up too much time. I want that time back!”

A Little Magic and a Lot of Heart

Emily’s energy is infectious, her work ethic unmatched, and her passion for helping others is what truly sets her apart. Whether she’s wrangling deadlines, troubleshooting grant guidelines, or reminiscing about “Annie” and Mrs. Weasley’s magical cleaning spells, one thing is clear: she brings heart — and humor — to everything she does.

So next time you pass her in the hallway or shoot her an email about a grant, just know: behind that cheerful tone is a dance-loving, detail-crushing, wand-wishing wizard of research who’s probably already three steps ahead — and loving every minute of it.

Born and raised in northeast Brazil, Fernando grew up in a small town where his father was a local physician and a pillar of the community—the kind of doctor who held consultations in the family garage. From watching his dad care for neighbors to seeing patients drive up to the house for help, Fernando was inspired early by medicine’s power to build trust and serve a community. And though young Fernando once dreamed of being a professional soccer player (we mean footballer), the uncertainty on that path (“I was not that good anyway”) nudged him toward the books—and eventually, into medicine.

He landed on Radiology not through textbooks but through curiosity. “During my rotations, whether it was OB/GYN, Internal Medicine, Neurology, or Orthopedics, we would have a patient and a question, and everyone kept saying, ‘Let’s go to Radiology and ask what they think,’” he recalls. While the dark rooms full of quiet, hyper-focused professionals may have seemed mysterious to others, Fernando saw them as the brains of the operation . “It was like they always had the answers.” For a self-described “learner,” that kind of role was magnetic.

After completing a fellowship in MSK Radiology, Fernando and his family spent a year in Ann Arbor, Michigan—a beautiful place, he notes… except for the whole winter thing. “Coming from northeast Brazil, it was rough,” he laughs. “I needed a place with less snow and more sunlight.”

Fernando spent the last six years in Brazil working in private practice. While he enjoyed the experience both professionally and personally , “ What I found missing in private practice was that constant push to grow academically,” he explains his search for an academic position. “I missed the energy of the reading room—being surrounded by residents and fellows, exchanging ideas, and diving into challenging cases. Those collaborative moments didn’t just help me grow—they elevated everyone around me.”

Enter șÚÁÏÍű. A warm climate, a warm welcome, and a laid-back, family-friendly environment made it feel like the right move. The decision became even more evident when he met șÚÁÏÍű MSK Chief Dr. Girish Gandikota. “Feelings matter,” he says. “And I felt like this was the right place.”

Now settled in Chapel Hill with his wife and two energetic daughters—seven-year-old Julia and three-month-old Marina—Fernando juggles family life, clinical work, and the occasional jog to clear his head. Between school runs and scanning images, he dreams of one day having the superpower of teleportation: “Breakfast with my mom in Brazil, then back in time for a noon lecture at șÚÁÏÍű. Perfect.”

If you run into Fernando in the hallway (or maybe just spot him sprinting after his kids at the playground), you’ll notice his warm demeanor and insatiable curiosity. He calls himself a “learner,” and it shows in his commitment to academic medicine and his deep reflections on life and work. His most significant piece of advice to his younger self? Invest more in human relationships. His biggest hope for Radiology’s future? That people will embrace AI not with fear but with excitement and see how it can enhance our role in patient care—not replace it.

As for his favorite food? Spaghetti. “You can’t be in a bad mood when you’re eating spaghetti,” he says. We’ll take that as medical advice.

So next time you pass Dr. Mendes Filho in the reading room or the cafeteria, say hi—just don’t challenge him to a foot race unless you’re ready to lose to someone who spends his downtime running after two toddlers.

Welcome to șÚÁÏÍű, Fernando. We’re thrilled you’re here (and we promise—no snow in the forecast).

For more information about Dr. Mendes check out his profile.

This study highlights the importance of early childhood in brain development. By analyzing over 1,000 resting-state fMRI scans from children aged 0 to 6, researchers created developmental charts showing how brain networks connect and change over time. These charts revealed key milestones and showed that differences from typical patterns are linked to cognitive abilities in infants. The findings suggest that brain connectivity charts could help track healthy brain development.

When Dr. Rom Ferre steps into the Radiology Department at the University of North Carolina (șÚÁÏÍű), he is not just starting a new job—he is fulfilling a journey years in the making. A journey that began in France, bridged through Canada, and is now landing in Chapel Hill, where he will join as an Associate Professor in the Breast Imaging Division.

A Passion Ignited by Technology and Patient Care

Dr. Ferre’s love for radiology is not just about images on a screen; it’s about evolving technology and patient-centered care. From the moment he was introduced to digital breast tomosynthesis and now contrast-enhanced mammography, he was captivated.

“I have never been bored with radiology,” he says with a laugh. “New technologies keep emerging, and we must constantly evolve our knowledge. Having the right tools makes all the difference in diagnosis and patient outcomes.”

Why șÚÁÏÍű? A Longstanding Connection

șÚÁÏÍű’s reputation for cutting-edge research and its collaborative environment drew Dr. Ferre in back in 2017 when he first met Dr. Cherie Kuzmiak. The visit left an indelible impression.

“I was like a boy in a candy store,” he recalls. “The facilities, the equipment—it was amazing! I knew I had to be part of this.”

To make that happen, he navigated the rigorous U.S. Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) steps and strengthened his connections with șÚÁÏÍű through research collaborations with Dr. Kuzmiak. Over the years, this built a bridge of trust and camaraderie, ultimately leading to his current appointment.

Breast Imaging: A Complex, Yet Rewarding Specialty

For Dr. Ferre, breast imaging offers a perfect blend of challenge and reward.

“The breast may seem like a simple organ, but its pathology varies immensely,” he explains. “Diagnosing requires a combination of mammography, ultrasound, and MRI. The real beauty is in correlating these images with pathology after a biopsy. It’s like solving a complex puzzle.”

Beyond technology, his approach is deeply humanistic.

“You have to listen to your patients,” he emphasizes. “They know their bodies. Trusting them and digging deeper can make all the difference in detecting breast cancer early.”

The Path to Medicine

Dr. Ferre’s journey to medicine was driven by a fundamental desire to care for others.

“As a physician, you shrink your vast medical knowledge into something focused on each patient’s unique condition. Adapting to each individual is the most challenging and rewarding aspect of the job.”

Growing up on the Atlantic coast of France, with roots in Brittany and Bordeaux, he later moved to Montreal for his fellowship. Canada became an essential stepping stone, not only for his medical career but also for his personal growth.

Academic Medicine: A Never-Ending Quest for Knowledge

Stagnation is not in Dr. Ferre’s vocabulary. Academic medicine fuels his drive for lifelong learning.

“Publishing and researching keep me updated,” he says. “When you contribute to new techniques and recommendations, you’re growing a tree from a seed. Seeing that tree flourish in the form of published work is incredibly rewarding.”

He is especially eager to involve residents and fellows in research, hoping to instill the same passion for discovery in the next generation of radiologists.

An Optimistic Spirit, Ready to Contribute

As he prepares to settle into his new role at șÚÁÏÍű, Dr. Ferre is eager to collaborate.

“I’m very blessed by all the efforts șÚÁÏÍű made to bring me here,” he shares. “I hope to meet expectations and contribute through research, teaching, and advancing new technologies.”

Outside of work, his heart longs for the ocean.

“I love walking by the sea,” he says. Nature helps me reset.”

Dr. Ferre describes himself in one word: optimistic. And with his enthusiasm, expertise, and commitment to patient care, his future at șÚÁÏÍű looks incredibly bright.

Welcome to șÚÁÏÍű, Dr. Ferre—we can’t wait to see all that you accomplish!

For more information about Dr. Ferre, please read his full profile. 

]]> /radiology/2025/04/the-data-sleuth-the-many-facets-of-thad-benefield/ Tue, 01 Apr 2025 12:00:27 +0000 /radiology/?p=7740 Read more]]> Thad Benefield is not your average statistician. By day, he meticulously sifts through decades of cancer screening data, endeavoring to make messy data more accurate to advance medical research. By night (or, more accurately, in the early hours of the morning), he is in the gym, pursuing his passion for powerlifting. Somewhere in between, he’s chasing after his energetic daughter, savoring spicy foods, and devouring horror novels.

Thad’s journey to his current role at the șÚÁÏÍű Epidemiology Research Team (ERT) is a testament to both chance and dedication. Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he arrived at șÚÁÏÍű in 1994 as an undergraduate with a keen interest in mathematics and science. Unlike many students who waver between majors, Thad knew from the outset that biostatistics was his calling. “I saw this wonderful major called biostatistics and thought, hey, that sounds great,” he recalls. That instinct served him well—he earned his master’s degree in the field and even pursued PhD coursework before life took him on a slightly different path.

Mastering the Art of Data Sleuthing

After some time outside academia, Thad found his way back to șÚÁÏÍű through a chance encounter with a former professor who needed assistance. One project led to another, and before long, he found his home in the Department of Radiology, where he has been an integral part of ERT.

As a self-described “data sleuth,” Thad specializes in managing and analyzing extensive datasets related to breast, lung, and liver cancer screenings. With data dating back to 1994, inconsistencies and missing values are inevitable, but Thad thrives on the challenge of making sense of it all. His work extends beyond just data sleuthing; he plays a crucial role in statistical modeling for research papers, grant proposals, and linking internal data with broader sources like Medicare claims and state cancer registries.

“Thad has been working with our group since I joined the team over 5 years ago and continues to be a wonderful colleague,”  says Lindsay Lane, Radiology Epi Research Project manager. “Thad is thoughtful, dependable, and will take the time to explain his reasoning in a way that the entire team can understand. He is always willing to step in and offer help or guidance to others on the team.”

A Passion for Powerlifting and Spice

While he loves his work, Thad acknowledges that his interests stretch far beyond statistics. One of his biggest passions—powerlifting—has been a part of his life since he was 14. “I was very avid about competing,” he says, though severe elbow arthritis hassidelined him from competition. Despite this setback, he continues to train regularly, embodying the discipline and resilience that define both his professional and personal life.

Another passion? Food—specifically, spicy and eclectic cuisines. Whenever he visits a new city, he seeks out obscure ethnic restaurants, always in pursuit of the next fiery dish. If you ever need a recommendation for a hole-in-the-wall eatery with bold flavors, Thad is your guy.

Family First

Beyond his personal interests, Thad is a devoted family man. He welcomed his daughter just as the COVID-19 pandemic was taking hold, a twist of fate that allowed him to work remotely and be present for those early, irreplaceable moments. Now that she’s in preschool, he’s back on campus a couple of days a week, balancing work and fatherhood with remarkable ease. He also has two stepsons, further enriching his family life.

Lessons from the Journey

Reflecting on his journey, Thad shares some wisdom: “I wish I had taken things a little less seriously and had more fun when I was younger.” Always mature beyond his years, he sometimes wonders if he missed out on the carefree experiences of youth. Still, his career trajectory has reaffirmed an important lesson—finding work you truly love makes all the difference. After an unfulfilling stint in the pharmaceutical industry, he realized that academia was where he truly belonged. “In academia, you have more time to learn new things,” he explains. The opportunity for continuous learning, flexibility, and intellectual stimulation is what keeps him engaged.

Inspired by Arnold Schwarzenegger

If Thad could sit down with one person, alive or dead, he would choose Arnold Schwarzenegger. He admires the former bodybuilder-turned-actor-turned-politician for his relentless drive and ability to excel across multiple fields. Through sheer hard work, he came to America penniless, barely speaking English, and became a huge success in multiple endeavors.  That admiration makes sense—Thad himself embodies the same multifaceted determination, applying his “strong-willed” nature (his word of choice to describe himself) to every aspect of his life.

And if Hollywood ever came calling for a film about his life? “People used to say I look like Vin Diesel, so I guess I would go with that,” he laughs.

Always Striving for the Best

Whether he’s uncovering critical trends in cancer research, lifting weights, exploring new cuisines, or chasing his daughter around the playground, Thad Benefield is always pushing himself to be the best version of himself. If his autobiography ever hits the shelves, it would bear a fitting title: Determined Happiness .

It’s a philosophy that has served him well—and one that continues to shape his ever-evolving journey.

Diagnostic Radiology

Alexander Antigua Made Anne Burnett Marion School of Medicine at TCU	Pinyu Chen Wake Forest University School of Medicine	Alexandra Glenn University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
Benjamin Gray University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine	Austin Moore University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine	Diana Nguyen University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine
Maharshi Pandya Carle Illinois College of Medicine	Karan Ravi University of Central Florida College of Medicine	Ryan Stockard Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah

Interventional Radiology

Evangeline Arulraja Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine

Sydney Clark Indiana University School of Medicine

Rohit Nagaraj Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University