Service, Leadership and Learning: Insights from Our 2025-26 Chief Residents
FacebookEmailLinkedinIn a recent conversation, this year’s chief residents Drs. Michael Romano, Neda Ghassemi, and Eric Lopez shared their reflections on how they balance peer relationships with leadership responsibilities, and the value and satisfaction they find in serving their fellow residents and contributing to the residency program’s success.
The Transition to Leadership
Becoming a chief resident is a significant milestone in medical training. Romano describes the experience as a whirlwind, noting that, “The volume of work required on a continual basis has been surprising. You’re never really off. You’re tethered to emails and phone calls in case an unexpected issue arises.”
Lopez echoed this sentiment, noting how quickly the three chiefs developed a team dynamic. Despite their different personalities and approaches to decision-making, they have found a balance that allows them to navigate challenges collaboratively. For Ghassemi, this teamwork has been essential. “Knowing the three of us are in this together is comforting,” she said. “We’re putting three minds together to get the best results for the residents.”
What Makes the Role Rewarding
The chief resident role is far more than administrative duties. It’s an opportunity to mentor, support, and advocate for peers. Romano, as the scheduling chief, finds fulfillment in tailoring educational experiences for residents, helping them strengthen specific areas of radiology. Lopez, who coordinates call and gadolinium shifts, appreciates the opportunity to guide junior residents as they transition into more senior roles. “It’s rewarding to provide guidance based on our prior experiences and lessons learned,” he said.
Ghassemi, who manages vacation scheduling, described the role as an act of service. “I love being able to help the residents and ensure their needs are met,” she said. “It’s humbling to work with my co-chiefs and learn from our program director, Dr. Soonmee Cha, who has been doing this for 14 years. Her dedication inspires us to give our all to the residents.”
Balancing Peer and Leadership Roles
One of the most challenging aspects of being a chief resident is balancing the dual roles of peer and leader. As peers, they empathize with the challenges their co-residents face. As leaders, they must make decisions that sometimes prioritize the needs of the department or service over individual preferences.
Ghassemi shared an example of navigating competing priorities: “In one instance, we had to find coverage for a resident attending an academic conference, which required moving people between services. It’s hard when you can’t please everyone, but you hope they trust you’re making the best decision for the program as a whole.”
The chiefs credit Dr. Cha for modeling effective leadership. “She leads from the front,” said Lopez. “She’s in the reading room with us, picking up the phone, supporting the department, and setting an example of professionalism and dedication.”
Lessons in Decision-Making and Leadership
For Lopez, one of the greatest challenges has been learning to make decisions with incomplete information. “You have to get comfortable with going with your gut sometimes,” he said. “Our co-residents trust us to make decisions, and we have to do the best we can given the circumstances.”
Romano emphasized the honor of being selected as a leader by peers. “It’s a privilege,” he said. “Even if you’re on the fence about taking on the role, it’s an outstanding opportunity to give back to the program that helped shape you.”
Advice for Aspiring Chief Residents
When asked what advice they would give to future chief residents, all three emphasized the importance of serving for the right reasons. “Do it out of love for your peers and the program,” said Ghassemi. “It’s not about climbing a ladder. It’s about empathy, patience, and the will to help.”
Lopez added, “You’re going to make sacrifices, but the role is incredibly rewarding. Trust in your ability to make decisions, and don’t let perfectionism hold you back.”
A Culture of Excellence
The chiefs are focused on maintaining the program’s emphasis on education and mentorship. Ghassemi pointed to our longstanding Doximity rank as the top radiology residency program, attributing the success to Dr. Cha’s commitment to education. “It’s a ripple effect,” she said. “The training here allows alumni to provide better patient care and pass on their knowledge to future trainees.”
“The department’s dedication to education and mentorship is a strength that sets it apart,” said Romano. “It’s something I’ve appreciated most as a resident, and it’s a testament to the culture here.”
Neda Ghassemi, MD, earned her undergraduate degree at UCLA and attended medical school at UC San Diego. She is from Newport Beach, CA, and enjoys tennis, piano, and spending time with family.
Michael Romano, MD, PhD, earned his undergraduate degree at Davidson College, and attended medical and graduate school at Boston University. He is from Fairfield, CT, and in his spare time he enjoys philosophy, meditation, programming, coffee, and neuroscience.
Eric Lopez, MD, completed his undergraduate degree at Stanford and medical school at UCSF. He is from Sacramento, CA, and is interested in health policy research, academic journal editing guitar, and reading history, sociology, philosophy, and novels.