Name & Credentials (MD, DO, MBBS, etc.): Asha Sarma, MD
Professional Title(s): Assistant Professor, Staff Pediatric Neuroradiologist
Institution or Practice: Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Where did you complete the following?:
Undergraduate: Dartmouth College (Hanover, NH)
Medical School: University of Utah School of Medicine (Salt Lake City, UT)
Radiology Residency: Brigham and Women’s Hospital (Boston, MA)
Fellowship(s): Boston Children’s Hospital (Pediatric Radiology, Pediatric Neuroradiology)
# Years in Practice: 2 # Years as ASHNR member: 6
Primary research, clinical, or educational interest(s): I am fascinated by embryology and development, and love learning about pathologies that shed light on developmental processes. That must be why I ended up in “Kiddie Land,” as Dr. Curtin calls it. I aspire to work on more projects related to medical student radiology education and quality improvement. The best parts of my job are collaborating with colleagues in other fields and teaching and mentoring medical students, residents, and fellows!
What do you look forward to most about the ASHNR Annual Meeting? I enjoy gaining so much really practical knowledge from the many luminaries in our field, and also getting to know them as people. All are so humble and personable, and I am always impressed with their willingness to share both their professional and personal perspectives. I also really look forward to connecting with my friends and colleagues from residency and fellowship who are very active in the ASHNR, as well as meeting others from around the world.
Do you have a particular ASHNR member or mentor that you admire (and why)? There are so many individuals to admire in the ASHNR. I particularly admire Dr. Cally Robson, who has been an amazing mentor and sponsor to me since residency. I also really appreciate all of those who participated in the mentorship program at the last ASHNR meeting in Scottsdale. I have carried so much advice forward from that session and am still thinking about it one year later. Finally, Drs. Paul Bunch and Courtney Tomblinson, my friends who put so much thought, time, and energy into the programs they are passionate about. They inspire me!
What is your favorite (anatomic) part of the head & neck? So hard to choose just one! But the greater sphenoid wing is the wind beneath my wings (#HamantaschenSign).
What was your childhood dream job? I love media and love to write. I really wanted to be a journalist. I still hope that someday I will get to do science writing for a non-medical audience!
What is one thing people might be surprised to know about you? In spite of initial reservations, I have started to develop a genuine appreciation for country music, mainly thanks to my kids’ “Aunt Dolly”. I have to confess, I always did enjoy the movie, “A Smoky Mountain Christmas”.