Eastern Radiologists is thrilled to welcome Simone Montoya, MD, a neuroradiologist, who joined our practice in July 2021. We are delighted to have you with us, Dr. Montoya!

How are you and your family enjoying North Carolina? Have you transitioned well to Greenville?  

We’ve spent the past several years up North in larger metro areas, so Greenville’s more temperate climate and smaller size are very appealing – it’s so nice not to have to walk to work in the snow and slush! My workdays are spent in a dark room, so if the weather’s good we’ll find any excuse to be outside, and we love how both the ocean and mountains are just few hours away. Also, I’ll put vinegar on anything, so I’m totally down with the Eastern Carolina BBQ scene!

What led you to choose Neuroradiology?

The role of imaging to investigate issues of the brain, spine, head, and neck is often crucial for diagnosis and treatment – these are areas that are especially difficult to examine and treat because of their complex anatomy and interconnectivity. People may think that we work alone, but as a neuroradiologist I am constantly interfacing with colleagues and clinicians. There’s also that little twinge of excitement when I read a scan and find that clue that brings everything together – like I’m the first to solve the mystery!

What has been one of your favorite work experiences so far?

Global outreach and education are two passions of mine, and I have had the privilege to combine these by working with the first postgraduate radiology training program (akin to residency) in Zambia. Everyone should have access to healthcare, including medical imaging since it’s such an essential part of how we practice medicine, yet many countries are yet to develop expertise in this area. We spent a month in the capital city of Lusaka and had an amazing experience working with physicians in training, as well as others from the U.S. who had come on similar endeavors. Zambia is a beautiful country with wonderful people and I would recommend a trip to Victoria Falls to anyone who might have the opportunity and is looking to see a true natural wonder.

Why Eastern Radiologists?

It’s been a long journey to become a neuroradiologist, and I wanted a job where I could be the best version of myself. We serve essentially all of ENC and then some – it’s an incredibly diverse population that has interesting pathology and that deserves the highest quality of care that comes with subspecialty focus. As Director of Education, I’ve been working with folks at the medical school to incorporate more imaging into the curriculum. My interests are well-aligned with the mission of ECU Brody SOM, and it is my opinion that Radiology is an integral part of primary care, so I am very excited to teach the physicians who will be serving this community in a few years. Working at Eastern Radiologists has given me an incredible opportunity to both serve the community’s clinical needs and practice as a clinician-educator, which is truly the best of both worlds.

You have a day off with some free time…what will you be doing? 

We live in a lovely close-knit neighborhood that was established in the ’50s – one of the first in Greenville. We walk our neighborhood nearly daily and always run into someone up for a chat, which is refreshing after years of anonymity in the city. We’ll then head to a vintage furniture store, antique shop, or arts festival – it’s our way of exploring the area while learning about the culture and history of the mid-century era with which we’ve become somewhat enamoured – and while we’re out I’ll look up a new place to eat (another way to get to know the area). However, if it’s a weekend between March and November then there’s a 50/50 chance of a Formula 1 event, and then our plans typically revolve around the race weekend!