January 2024
Brendan Frainey, Pediatric Fellow
Hi Brendan!! Thanks for taking the time to answer some questions, I know you've been staying busy on research year.
So tell me a bit about your background and journey to Vanderbilt.
I am originally from the suburbs of Chicago. I attended Boston College for undergrad where I met my wife, Allison. After college, I headed back home and attended medical school at Northwestern in Chicago. From there we moved to Cleveland for my urology residency at the Cleveland Clinic while Alli completed her dermatology residency there as well. And now we're here! I loved my interview day at Vanderbilt and had so many mentors who had great things to say about the fellowship program here. I was ecstatic to match here.
That's awesome, and how did you decide pediatric urology was the specialty for you??
I actually discovered pediatric urology prior to medical school while doing clinical research between undergrad and medical school. I worked at Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago where I met some of my first mentors in medicine and urology. In medical school and residency, I certainly explored other specialties and subspecialties, but always kept finding my way back to pediatric urology. I really enjoy working with children and found complex patients with congenital urologic issues the most rewarding to care for during residency.
I know you've got some big career aspirations, can you tell us about what you want your ideal future practice to look like?
I am still figuring that out, but ideally, I would find an academic position where I could have a focus on spina bifida care and pediatric reconstruction. I am particularly interested in transitional urology and finding ways to more effectively bridge the gap between pediatric and adult care. I also love surgical education and working with other trainees, so I certainly want that to be part of my future practice.
How have you and your family been liking Nashville so far? Pretty different down here compared to Chicago or Boston! What have been y'alls favorite things to do??
We are loving it! The transition was not as drastic as we expected and people have been so welcoming. I have especially enjoyed being able to golf or go for a run in shorts and a T shirt well into November/December. That would not be happening in the Midwest or northeast...
We have two young kids at home – Nolan (3 years) and Zoe (11 months) - so life is pretty busy/chaotic. Research year has been great because I have been able to spend so much more time with them. We live in 12 South and love going to Sevier Park, especially for the farmers market on Tuesdays. We have also enjoyed checking out some of the local breweries with friends. Tennessee Brew Works and Fat Bottom Brewery have been favorites.
Okay rapid fire. Tell us about your:
Favorite urology case? Tie between bladder augment and ureteral reimplant
OR music of choice? Black Keys Radio
Least favorite urology consult? Asymptomatic mild hydro
Least favorite of your kids' toys? Animated Baby Shark Toy (it may not have made the trip to Nashville...)
Favorite dessert? Barefoot Contessa’s Mocha Chocolate Icebox Cake (I have a sweet tooth...)
Favorite place in the world? Tuscany, Italy
Favorite restaurant in Nashville? That is tough. There is so much good food here. My three favorites have been Iberian Pig, Rolf and Daughters, and Margot
Best cocktail in Nashville (besides Dr. Pope's old fashioned)? I really liked the old fashioned I had at Butcher and Bee (Falling Up)
Favorite Nashville tourist attraction? Cheekwood. We just went for the Christmas Lights and had the best time!
Finally, what's your favorite part about being part of Vanderbilt Urology??
While research year can be a bit isolating at times, both the pediatric and adult group have made me and my family feel so welcome right from the start. There seems to be such a great culture in the department and I’m excited to work with more of the residents and faculty next year during my clinical year!
Thanks Brendan, we loved getting to know you!!
Interview conducted by Leslie Peard, MD