Resident Spotlight

As the incoming co-chief resident, Dr. Caroline Germany looks forward to interacting more and making a difference with her co-residents and junior residents, particularly in the supportive atmosphere she has found at Vanderbilt. Though she once envisioned herself to be a surgeon, she discovered that the problem solving and patient interaction involved in neurology was her true calling. On her days off, you’ll find her horseback riding, reading, or spending time with her husband, friends, and pets.  Tell us a little about your background.

Looking back at the route that led him to his path in neurology, Dr. Alan Salgado notes the great influence he received from his father, who is also a neurologist and educator. Recent advances in neurology—from improved medications to genetic breakthroughs—offer new treatments for patients that Dr. Salgado is excited to offer as he continues a career focused on neuromuscular disorders. The following interview took place in the midst of March Madness—a thrilling time of year for this college sports fan!

Though she started in the field of neuroscience research, once Dr. Kim Lee experienced working directly with patients and their families, her career's focus turned toward acute care and vascular neurology. The fast pace nature of hospital residency may seem dizzying at times, but Dr. Lee says when she is able to step back and reflect, she realizes just how much she has learned along the way. Following residency, she'll return to her “favorite city in the world”—New Orleans—where she plans to dive into the richly diverse culture the city offers.

Just a few months in to his second year of residency, Dr. Matthew Meriweather, experienced an “aha” moment when he realized just how much he had already learned in such a short time. These small accomplishments along the way, plus the friendships he has built with his classmates, have stood out to him as the highlights of his time in residency. Dr. Meriweather and his wife, who is an OB-GYN resident at St. Thomas Midtown, love that Nashville is a city that feeds their love of sports, music, food, and nature during their time off. 

Dr. Evan Johnson took what many might consider a nontraditional path to medicine. Earning a master’s degree, working, and starting a family prior to medical school sounds daunting for many students and residents, but for Dr. Johnson, these experiences have kept him grounded during the typically stressful years of training.  When not working, studying, or reliving his youth with his two sons, Dr. Johnson spends time training for marathons and enjoying his vast vinyl collection. 

One of the things that attracted Dr. Emily Jaeger (PGY-4) to neurology is her interest in communicating very complicated systems—like the brain—in a way that patients and their families can understand. This love for people probably explains why she loves Vanderbilt so much too; the collegial atmosphere and close friendships with her co-residents have inspired her throughout residency.

Dr. Elizabeth (Liza) Franco, came to medicine through music. Her background as a competitive pianist drew her attention to neuroscience, especially the connections between the brain and music and the possibilities of music therapy. Now Chief Resident for the Neurology Department (2020-2021), Dr. Franco reflects on the path that led her to neurology, life as chief resident in the era of COVID-19, and why Vanderbilt is such a good fit for her, her husband, and their 10 month old Australian Labradoodle, Mo. Tell us about your background.