Resident spotlight: Harry Marshall - Excited by the progressive field of radiology
After completing his BMSc and MD/PhD degrees at Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, it made sense for resident Harry Marshall to continue his training within the growing field of radiology. Marshall explains his interest in world-class imaging in London and his empathy toward patients which fuel his passion for researching innovations that will add to the progression of radiology.
Where were you born and raised?
Born: Montreal, QC
Raised: Stratford, ON
What degrees do you have, and from what university?
BMSc – Honours Specialization, Medical Biophysics, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry
MD/PhD – Deptartment of Medical Biophysics, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry
What special interests or hobbies do you have?
I’m a music lover and enjoy drumming and playing the piano. I like to snowboard, though I don’t get out as much as I would like to. Also, nothing beats reading something completely non-medicine-related on a quiet day.
Why did you choose to pursue your residency at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry?
I had already experienced the first-rate teaching at Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry during medical school, so I knew I would receive excellent training here during residency. The radiology residents are given a lot of responsibility (for example, solo-call for the whole city) to hone their skills. Given my research interests, I was also attracted to the world-class imaging science that goes on at Western. Of course, as a bonus, I also love the city of London.
What inspires you in your work?
Imaging is pervasive in medicine. I’ve seen umpteen times how a radiologist’s interpretation of an imaging study profoundly impacts patient care. It is a privilege to be in a position to help such a variety of clinicians manage their patients’ illnesses, and that is what drives me to do my best. Also, radiology is arguably the most technology-dependent specialty. There are new innovations on a daily basis that fascinate me to no end.
What has been your greatest experience to date in your residency?
One of my patients was recently diagnosed with cancer. In the hospital, she took a turn for the worse and ended up in the ICU. When her husband arrived, he was a mess. I sat down with him and had the hardest conversation I’ve had to date in my medical career. That said, I think the conversation meant a lot to him. Though I couldn’t stop the progression of his wife’s disease, I was able to give him some comfort on one of the worst days of his life.
What do you do when you aren’t working?
I try my best to stay active by either biking or going to the gym. I also enjoy a good movie, possibly followed by a nap. Mostly though, I love spending time with my wife and our cat and dog.
