Dr. Karthik Padmanabhan, one of the new pediatric radiology fellows at Cincinnati Children’s, has taken a unique and inspiring journey through his medical career. Originally from West Bloomfield, Michigan, Dr. Padmanabhan’s path to radiology wasn’t straightforward—but it was deeply personal and meaningful.
A Meaningful Path to Medicine
Dr. Padmanabhan describes his route to pediatric radiology as “circuitous.” Early in his life, he envisioned a career outside of medicine. However, after receiving an unexpected diagnosis and working closely with his own physicians, his perspective changed. Those experiences—seeing both the science and humanity behind health care—sparked a lasting interest in medicine.
He was particularly drawn to working with children and families, especially those facing similar medical challenges. During his internship, Dr. Padmanabhan became fascinated by radiology after witnessing the department’s vital role in nearly every patient’s care throughout the hospital.
Why Cincinnati Children’s
When deciding where to complete his fellowship, Dr. Padmanabhan was drawn to Cincinnati Children’s for its world-class reputation and collaborative environment. “I chose Cincinnati Children’s because of the opportunity to take part in the exceptional care that occurs here, train among like-minded colleagues, and learn from experts in pediatric imaging,” he says.
He also heard glowing reviews from former fellows who praised the program’s supportive culture and the opportunities for hands-on learning. “Working at the hospital has been an amazing experience so far,” he adds. “Even though I’ll always have a little bias as a Michigander, I’ve really enjoyed exploring everything Cincinnati has to offer!”
Life Beyond Medicine
Outside of his clinical work, Dr. Padmanabhan enjoys a variety of hobbies. He loves traveling—most recently visiting Albuquerque for the famous Hot Air Balloon Fiesta—and spends his downtime reading, playing the violin, and watching football. The last book he read was The Ministry for the Future by Kim Stanley Robinson, and his most recent TV binge was the Star Wars series Andor.
Looking Ahead
From his formative experiences as a patient to his growing expertise as a physician, Dr. Padmanabhan’s journey to pediatric radiology reflects both compassion and curiosity. His commitment to learning, teamwork, and patient-centered care makes him an exciting addition to the Cincinnati Children’s Radiology fellowship program.
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.
Meredith Towbin is a freelance copy editor and writer. She has copyedited the Department of Radiology’s blog since it launched. She also works as a copy editor for the home improvement website BobVila.com. Her writing has been featured on HuffPost as well as other writing sites.
