Join NYU Radiology
Tim in full gear in front of an F/A-18
What are your hobbies outside of work these days?
GREG: I still work out several days a week, but I don’t fence anymore, even though most of my teammates train in NYC. Sometimes, I drop by practice just for old times’ sake, but I need a break from doing it.
TIM: Home improvements.
What is the most misunderstood aspect of being a fencer?
A fighter pilot ?
GREG: People always wonder if you can get hurt — though you definitely are trying to hit your opponent, the blades are not stiff, nor are they sharp.
TIM: People think flying an F/A-18 is an unbelievable adrenaline rush, but as a pilot, you don’t want it to be like that. You want to be prepared for everything and nothing should surprise you. How did you get interested in radiology?
GREG: In medical school, I did a rotation at MGH, and I met Dr. Jack Wittenberg, who took me under his wing. He loved his work, and he strongly encouraged me to think about a career in radiology.
TIM: During my clinical rotations, I realized the most important part was radiology rounds. Radiology encompassed everything, and as a radiologist, you get to interact with everyone. I liked the idea of being the guy clinicians come to for information.
What has been the most challenging aspect of your first year in radiology?
GREG: I think that first call night in the Bellevue ER reading room, when the phone is ringing like crazy, you’re 30 studies behind, and then a trauma slot rolls in — that was definitely challenging.
TIM: There is an enormous amount of information to know!
Tim at the controls. Running a fluoroscopy machine isn't as exciting as landing
an F/A-18 on an aircraft carrier.
Greg with other members of the 2004 Olympic team in Athens.
What was most surprising to you about your first year at NYU?
GREG: I have really enjoyed getting to know my co-residents at NYU, which is not necessarily a surprise, but definitely a huge plus.
TIM: The collegial environment. Everyone has been supportive and they really go out of their way to teach. I guess I was expecting noon conference to be a little more intense, to be put on the spot more.
Was it difficult going from the everyday “rushes” of your past life to sitting in a dark room all day?
GREG: Part of me misses the adrenaline rush that comes with competing, and of course the international travel. But I think my new life is very stimulating, just in a different way.
TIM: Day to day, I don’t really miss flying because I really enjoy what I’m doing and am focused on learning radiology.
What is the common link between being an Olympian/ fighter pilot and a radiologist?
GREG: I think both require a lot of focus and discipline. I’m actually trying to bring my past experiences into research here. I’m involved in a research project, under the guidance of Dr. Mark Schweitzer and Dr. Ravi Regatte, scanning the femurs of my Olympic fencing teammates, to look at some of the changes that occur in muscle, trabecular bone, and cortical bone in response to high levels of mechanical stress.
TIM: The best pilot is thorough and methodical, using checklists to make sure he doesn’t forget to do anything. I find the same is true in radiology, where it’s important to use a checklist when looking at every case.
Practicing ultrasound skills on fellow resident Ross Mondshine. Greg has
findings pointed out to him by ultrasound technician Lola Horvath, L.R.T.
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