Dr. Amena Nayyer (pronounced Aa-min-a) joins Cincinnati Children’s as a Pediatric Radiology fellow, bringing with her not only clinical expertise, but also a deep commitment to improving care for children through thoughtful, evidence-based imaging.
Originally from Delhi, India, Amena describes her hometown as a city that “hums with ambition and energy.” It was there that her professional journey first began to take shape. As she explored different areas of medicine, she discovered a special connection with pediatric care. At the same time, she recognized that imaging children requires far more than simply applying adult practices to smaller patients. Pediatric radiology demands a deeper understanding, careful attention, ongoing research, and a commitment to continually advancing knowledge.
That realization sparked a desire to do more for young patients and ultimately led her to Cincinnati Children’s, one of the world’s leading institutions in pediatric healthcare and imaging. Drawn by its reputation as a research powerhouse and home to genuine pioneers in child imaging, Amena is eager to immerse herself in the hospital’s collaborative and translational environment.
As she begins her fellowship year, she brings with her a mindset centered on curiosity and growth. Reflecting on advice that has guided her journey, Amena shares: “Someone wise once told me that one need not know everything; one need only be teachable.” It’s a philosophy that perfectly aligns with the spirit of lifelong learning.
Beyond expanding her clinical and research expertise, Amena is looking forward to building meaningful relationships and creating lasting memories during her time in Cincinnati. She hopes to balance the rigors of fellowship with opportunities to explore everything the city has to offer, from hopping between Cincinnati’s libraries to sampling Graeter’s famous black raspberry chocolate chip ice cream. She’s also excited to cheer on local favorites, including the Bengals, and the Reds, and the Cincinnati Open.
Outside of medicine, Amena is an avid reader who proudly describes herself as a seasonal literature fanatic. Her most recent read, Orbital by Samantha Harvey, captivated her with its ability to transform ordinary moments on Earth into something extraordinary when viewed from the perspective of outer space. She is currently reading Butter by Asako Yuzuki, enjoying the opportunity to immerse herself in Japanese culture through literature.
When she is not reading, Amena enjoys spending time outdoors and exploring new places. One of her most memorable recent adventures was hiking The Narrows in Zion National Park. Above all, she treasures time spent with family and friends—and with her two beloved pet cats, who made the journey with her from India.
As Amena begins this exciting chapter at Cincinnati Children’s, she brings a unique combination of intellectual curiosity, compassion, and enthusiasm for discovery. The pediatric radiology community is fortunate to welcome a fellow who’s as committed to advancing the field as she is to making meaningful connections along the way. We look forward to seeing the impact she will make in the year ahead.
Glenn Miñano is a media specialist in the Department of Radiology, providing graphic design, photography, printing, video services, and administration of the department’s online properties. His works have been published in several medical articles, such as the American Journal of Radiology and the American Institute of Ultrasound. He has been providing these services to the Radiology Department since 1996.
Editor: Meredith Towbin
