What does it take to build a meaningful and sustainable career in radiology?
For Dr. Erin Gomez, the answer starts with curiosity, mentorship, and a willingness to embrace uncertainty.
In the latest episode of The Joys of Radiology, host Dr. Gautam Agarwal sits down with Dr. Gomez, Assistant Professor of Radiology and Program Director of Diagnostic and Molecular Imaging Residencies at Johns Hopkins, to discuss her unconventional path into medicine, the future of radiology education, and the lessons she's learned as a physician, educator, and leader.
From Engineering and NASA to Radiology
Before entering medicine, Dr. Gomez studied mechanical engineering and worked on aerospace projects connected to NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Her original goal was to build a career in human spaceflight.
When changes in the aerospace industry forced her to reconsider her path, she turned toward medicine. It was during medical school that she encountered radiology for the first time and immediately recognized similarities between engineering and imaging.
The ability to visualize complex anatomy in three dimensions, solve problems, and think spatially drew her to the specialty. What began as a career pivot ultimately became a calling.
The Importance of Mentorship in Radiology
Throughout the conversation, Dr. Gomez highlights the profound impact mentors can have on a physician's career.
A single mentor introduced her to radiology and helped shape the trajectory of her professional life. Today, as a residency program director, she is committed to paying that mentorship forward by helping trainees discover their own interests, strengths, and opportunities for growth.
Her story serves as an important reminder that careers are often shaped not only by individual ambition but also by the people willing to invest in the next generation.
Finding Joy in Radiology
In an era where discussions about physician burnout often dominate headlines, Dr. Gomez offers a refreshing perspective on what creates fulfillment in medicine.
For her, joy comes from several sources:
- Helping patients receive better care
- Watching learners experience breakthrough moments
- Contributing to multidisciplinary teams
- Continuing to learn and grow professionally
Rather than waiting for fulfillment to appear, she believes physicians must actively seek and recognize moments of meaning throughout their work.
What Makes a Great Career in Radiology?
One of the most memorable lessons from the episode centers on career selection.
A mentor once advised Dr. Gomez to pursue the area of radiology she "sees in color"—the subspecialty that feels most engaging, interesting, and energizing.
For her, that became female pelvic imaging and high-risk obstetric imaging.
The advice extends beyond subspecialty selection. Whether choosing a residency, fellowship, first job, or leadership opportunity, physicians often thrive when they pursue work that naturally sparks curiosity and enthusiasm.
The Future of Radiology Education
As a residency program director, Dr. Gomez is particularly excited about the role artificial intelligence could play in medical education.
Rather than replacing educators, she envisions AI helping personalize training by identifying knowledge gaps, recommending educational content, and tailoring learning experiences to individual residents.
This type of precision education could allow programs to deliver more targeted support while helping trainees develop expertise more efficiently.
Work-Life Balance vs. Work-Life Integration
The discussion also explores one of the most important challenges facing physicians today: sustainability.
Dr. Gomez describes how she prioritizes family, establishes clear boundaries, and intentionally protects time outside of work.
Rather than viewing work and life as competing forces, she advocates for work-life integration—recognizing that physicians bring their identities, values, and relationships with them into every environment.
This perspective allows for a healthier and more sustainable approach to career development.
The Advice Every Trainee Needs to Hear
The episode concludes with a powerful message for medical students, residents, fellows, and early-career physicians:
Run toward fear.
Whether it is pursuing a leadership role, applying for a competitive opportunity, asking for help, or confronting a challenging topic, growth often exists on the other side of discomfort.
According to Dr. Gomez, the things that scare us are frequently the things we simply do not understand yet. By facing them directly, we expand our knowledge, develop confidence, and create new opportunities for ourselves.
Listen to the Full Episode
About Dr. Erin Gomez
Dr. Erin Gomez is an assistant professor of Radiology at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, MD where she is the program director of the diagnostic and molecular imaging residencies.
She was recently named the Stanley S. Siegelman, MD rising professor in Radiology. Dr. Gomez is interested in medical student and radiology resident education as well as MRI of the female pelvis and high-risk obstetric imaging.
