January 2025
Megan Stout, MD
I know you went to undergrad in Nashville. What is it like being back here almost 10 years later? What are some of your favorite things to do in Nashville
It's kind of surreal being back! I have so many memories from my time at Lipscomb, and many of the people in those memories either stayed around Nashville or happened to return to the city around the same time I did. I've been able to catch up and reminisce with all of them the last few months, however in some ways it feels like I came back to a different city. Nashville has grown so much!
I am slowly branching out to new neighborhoods and restaurants (including my current neighborhood, The Nations/West Nash), however I still have my old go-tos from college I like to frequent. The Well, Frothy Monkey, and Rosepepper Cantina are still current favorites.
That's awesome. Can you tell me a bit about your journey to Vanderbilt? How did you decide pediatric urology was the specialty for you?
Of course! I think heading into residency I kind of knew I was interested in pediatric urology, because one of my mentors in medical school that introduced me to urology in the first place was a pediatric urologist. Part of the reason I was also drawn to Ohio State for residency was its affiliation with a large, independent children's hospital and pediatric urology department.
My interest was then confirmed when I was able to rotate at Nationwide Children's Hospital during residency. I developed a lot of great relationships with the attendings there, so when it came to selecting a good fit for fellowship, they helped guide me in that process. One of my mentors, Dr. Christina Ching, trained here for her fellowship. I look up to her a lot in career/research aspirational goals, so it made sense that I too was drawn towards Vanderbilt for my next step in training.
I know you've got some big career aspirations, can you tell us about what you want your ideal future practice to look like?
Of course! I would love to be practicing at a large academic center, with supportive colleagues to collaborate on cases and research endeavors with. Ideally, I will be able to perform larger complex cases with a focus on pediatric urologic oncology in collaboration with the pediatric surgeons at whichever institution I am at. Longterm, I would love to be a residency program director one day and involved with medical education.
You recently got married this year. Congrats! Can you tell us about your partner and what they do?
Thank you! My partner is also in medicine as a member of the Air Force. He recently matched into Cardiothoracic Surgery at Ohio State, so I guess we will be Buckeyes for a little bit longer!
Okay rapid fire. Tell us about your:
Favorite urology case? Retroperitoneal surgery in general: pyeloplasty, partial or simple/radical nephrectomy
OR music of choice? Hipster or Hip Hop BBQ pandora stations
Least favorite urology consult? Gross hematuria/CBI management (much less in peds!!)
Favorite food? Pizza
Favorite place in the world? A fall Saturday in Lexington, KY
Favorite restaurant in Nashville? 51st Deli?? I need to explore still, taking suggestions!
Favorite drink/cocktail? Spicy margarita
Favorite Nashville tourist attraction? The Batman (AT&T) Building!
Tennessee or Ohio State in the college football playoffs? Woof - I am nervous about that entire side of the bracket, but I am going with OSU (I am also a UK fan, so naturally must root against UT)
Finally, what's your favorite part about being part of Vanderbilt Urology??
I love being surrounded by the best of the best in our field every day! I learn so much from those around me, whether it be through case discussions in conference or during grand rounds lectures. The opportunities for mentorship and education here are endless.
interview conducted by Brendan Frainey, MD