MEDED profile
CODY QUIRK, M.D.
Cody Quirk, M.D., is currently completing his
fifth year of residency at Baylor University Medical
Center at Dallas in radiology.
I have always enjoyed anatomy and that’s a large
part of what I get to do as a radiology resident,”
said Dr. Quirk. “I have to have a thorough understanding of all parts of the body and radiology
allows me to interact with the full spectrum of
sub-specialties and service lines in addition to
exposing me to a wide range pathologies, procedures and patients. It really is all encompassing.”
Before coming to Baylor for his internship and
residency, Dr. Quirk earned his bachelor’s and
medical degrees from Texas A&M University in
College Station and completed his clinical rotations at Scott & White Healthcare in Temple. In
June 2016, following the completion of his residency at Baylor, Dr. Quirk will be moving with
his family cross country to Portland, Ore., for a
fellowship in musculoskeletal radiology.
“My ultimate goal is be involved in the teaching
of other medical students, residents and
fellows at Baylor or a similar institution,” said
Dr. Quirk. “Even at this point in my training, it’s
incredibly fulfilling to be able to interact with
younger medical students and teach them something they didn’t know. I’ve been lucky to train
with some amazing physicians at Baylor who have
really taken the time and interest to teach me not
only the correct way to conduct a procedure, but
the best way to provide patient-centered care. I
would love the opportunity to provide that same
type of training to future physicians.”
What led you to pursue a career in medicine?
Both of my parents are veterinarians and my
upbringing helped me cultivate an interest in all different fields of science. Then, in high school, I injured
my knee playing football and seeing an orthopedic surgeon sparked my interest in becoming a physician.
What makes Baylor a good place for graduate
medical education?
Baylor has a distinct culture, blending the lines of
private and academic practice in a large quaternary
care Level I trauma center. The size of Baylor Dallas
and the level of care rendered provide ample inpatient
and outpatient case volumes with diverse pathology
in the areas of transplant, oncology, neuroradiology,
musculoskeletal, cardiac and obstetric imaging. In
addition, I am exposed to some of the top experts in
every field of radiology and that provides numerous
opportunities for an in-depth education. Finally, it’s
an incredibly positive learning environment – a lot is
expected of you, but physicians really take the time
to teach and mentor the residents.
Describe your family.
I’ve been married to my wife, Tomileigh, for
four and a half years. We have a 3-year-old daughter, Ryan, and are expecting our second daughter
this December.
What lesson did you have to learn the hard way?
That I don’t always have all the answers and that
it’s ok to admit that.
What is the most influential book you’ve read?
There are two that really made an impact on me.
The first is Complications by Atul Gawande and
the second is Mountains Beyond Mountains by
Tracy Kidder.
What inspires you?
Doing the best I can for my family. Professionally,
interacting with patients is incredibly rewarding. Many
times patients are sent to us to have a biopsy or scan
and they are scared and
nervous about the procedure and what might
be found. We have the
opportunity to help
calm some of those fears
and try to put their
mind at ease. They
inspire me on a daily
basis.
DR. CODY QUIRK
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