Brian Jellison, MD

Brian Jellison, MD is a former Diagnostic Radiology resident. His interests include advanced neuroimaging techniques and neurointerventional procedures, with specialized experience in spine therapies. Currently, he practices as a part of the Northwest Radiology group in Indianapolis, Indiana. Dr. Jellison shared insight from his time with us and career.

What are your areas of interest? Are there any achievements you would like to share?

I serve on my group’s Board of Directors and am the Managing Partner of Finance. As the Medical Director of Outpatient Imaging, I also oversee our multi-location outpatient imaging. In addition to my clinical interests, I have interests in philanthropy and real estate. I started a nonprofit with my wife to engage the city elderly through urban farming. For years, I also was the Chairman of Plaza Entrada Holdings in Santa Fe, New Mexico focused on triple net lease property acquisition and management.

In reflection, how would you say your training at UW-Madison helped you in your career?

Learning how to rebound from defeat was the most important lesson from my training. After residency, you will make mistakes with your staff, your patients, at tumor board. You may get sued. And when you do, you still have to work that day. You still have to do your best for your patients and then at home for your family. You have to rebound from defeat. So why not learn how to rebound from defeat early when you are in training? Residency is a nest. Go through the pain early and develop the ability to rebound so you’re prepared when you leave the nest.

What advice would you share with prospective and current trainees at UW-Madison?

1. Be kind. Radiology is a small world.

2. Invest in UW’s retirement plan as a trainee because nothing beats time in the market.

3. Live like you’re broke for three years after completing training to payoff any student loans.

4. Because most new hires (that’s right, most) don’t stay at their first post-training job, rent until you become a partner. Then you can buy a home.

5. After you become a partner, buy one cash-flowing rental property every three years and you’ll have the financial freedom to retire after 52.