Faculty Spotlight: What’s Your Y?

To get to know each other, better, our newsletter features one of our exemplary faculty members who we’ve asked to reflect on their “why”–or what inspires them. Today, Linda Broyde Haramati, MD, MS, professor and chief mentoring officer, Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging shares her passions, professional aspirations, and other inspirations.

What drew you to your area of expertise (clinical or research)?

I was drawn to radiology because of its key role in solving complex diagnostic puzzles and its need for integrating knowledge from many disciplines of science and medicine to achieve true clinical outcomes. My subspecialty, cardiothoracic radiology, plays a critical role in collaborating across multiple facets of patient care.

The joys of mentoring appealed to me as a junior faculty member, and I love working with trainees and colleagues to develop projects and shape career trajectories. It’s gratifying to work together to align their unique skills, talents, and passions with their aspirations.

Tell us about a mentor that has been an influence in your career? What’s one piece of advice from your mentor you would like to share with medical students or incoming faculty members?

John H.M. Austin, MD, my fellowship director in thoracic imaging at Columbia University Medical Center, was a key professional mentor. I learned from him the crucial importance of establishing both a mechanism and habit that sustains lifelong learning as a physician. He exemplified the essential role of radiologists as integral members of clinical care teams, shaping my approach to collaboration and patient-centered radiology.

Why did you choose Yale for your clinical/research career aspirations?

I joined the faculty at YSM because of its exceptional commitment to mentoring, a passion of mine and the focus of my non-clinical professional contributions. As chief mentoring officer for the Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, I have the privilege of fostering a culture of mentorship on a broader scale. Our initiatives include developing structured faculty mentoring programs, facilitating personalized mentee-mentor matches, and hosting mentoring mingles to build meaningful connections.

If given the chance to have dinner with three people, living or dead, who would you choose and why?

I would have dinner with Moses the prophet, Leonardo da Vinci, and Marie Curie, providing an opportunity to learn and be enthralled by a group of multi-millennial, multi-talented and fascinating dining companions.

• Moses: despite his unparalleled leadership and accomplishments, was uniquely known for his humility, a rare quality in this social media age. I believe this trait is at the core of being a life-long learner and mentor.

• Leonardo Da Vinci: a true polymath–extraordinary artist, anatomist, scientist, and inventor. I can only begin to imagine what I would learn!

• Marie Curie: known for her research in radioactivity and Nobel Prizes in Physics in 1903 and Chemistry in 1911, also played a key role in health care. She served as director of radiology services with the during World War I, where she developed mobile X-ray vans, improving care for the wounded. Her anecdotes during dinner would be enlightening and inspirational. We can all do so much more than we think we can.

What’s your passion outside the classroom/hospital setting?

Spending time in nature brings me immense joy, whether on an adventure or simply in my own neighborhood or garden. Being outdoors isn’t just a passion, I believe it’s essential. Nature provides the space to pause, reflect, and think deeply, elements so important in both medicine and life. It has allowed me to foster creativity in both my academic research and all areas of my life.

Taking moments to step away helps clear the mind, and in our technologically advanced world, is more important than ever. We all need time to think, and nature offers the perfect setting.