
My name is David Schmitz, and I am one of the Pediatric Radiology fellows. I primarily grew up in Terre Haute, Indiana, a medium-sized town originally named by French fur traders along the banks of the Wabash River. The way we pronounce “Haute” today may offend and horrify native French speakers everywhere. Still, near their old settlement I was fortunate enough to enjoy a balanced upbringing with plenty of opportunities to play sports, eat delicious sweet corn, and learn from thoughtful role models.
Over time, I developed an interest in the life sciences and decided to apply that interest directly in medicine. I stayed in Indiana to study biology at the University of Notre Dame, attend medical school at Indiana University, and complete a transitional year at IU Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie. I then went on to Columbus, Ohio, where I completed my diagnostic radiology residency at The Ohio State University. I chose pediatric radiology because I found the work to be especially meaningful, collaborative, and willfully upbeat, and it maintains the cool factor, which is inherent in all radiology. I chose Cincinnati Children’s because I heard fantastic reports from former fellows, and I wanted exceptionally high-quality training to do my job as well as possible.
In my free time, I enjoy being outdoors and staying physically active. I also enjoy music, and I dabble in singing and playing the piano. At the time of this writing, I am halfway through watching the movie Dances with Wolves for the first time. I chose the extended version, and I am currently taking an extended intermission.