Catherine Ho is a Diagnostic Radiology Resident currently pursuing the Early Specialization in Interventional Radiology (ESIR) pathway at Cottage Health in Santa Barbara. Her academic journey, clinical roles, research contributions, and community service reflect a diverse and well-rounded background in medicine and healthcare leadership. This article offers a comprehensive account of her educational milestones, clinical training, volunteer experiences, and professional achievements.
Academic Background
Undergraduate Education: UC Berkeley
Catherine Ho began her academic career at the University of California, Berkeley, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Integrative Biology between 2011 and 2015. While majoring in biology, she also pursued coursework in art, reflecting a multidisciplinary curiosity and personal interest beyond core science.
Her undergraduate years included early exposure to healthcare environments and leadership roles, particularly through her involvement in organizations like Circle K International.
Graduate School: Boston University School of Medicine
In 2016, she continued her education at the Boston University School of Medicine, earning a Master’s degree in Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies. This transitional program helped prepare her for the rigor of medical school while enhancing her clinical foundation.
Medical Degree: California Northstate University College of Medicine
From 2017 to 2021, Catherine pursued her Doctor of Medicine (MD) at California Northstate University College of Medicine. During this time, she built a foundation in clinical medicine and demonstrated a strong interest in diagnostic imaging, eventually selecting radiology as her specialty.
Clinical Training and Residency
General Surgery Internship at UC Davis Medical Center
Upon graduation from medical school, she began her post-graduate clinical training as a General Surgery Intern at the UC Davis Medical Center, where she worked from July 2021 to July 2022. This internship provided her with intensive clinical exposure to surgical procedures, trauma care, and acute care management—skills valuable in radiology, particularly for those aiming toward interventional practice.
Diagnostic Radiology Residency at Cottage Health
In July 2022, Catherine transitioned into her Diagnostic Radiology Residency at Cottage Health, where she is currently in her third year (PGY-3). She is part of the ESIR pathway, which allows for early specialization in Interventional Radiology—an increasingly competitive subspecialty combining image-guided diagnosis with minimally invasive therapeutic procedures.
Her clinical focus includes the interpretation of imaging studies across multiple modalities—X-ray, CT, MRI, and ultrasound—as well as direct involvement in image-guided interventions. As an ESIR resident, she gains additional procedural training and mentorship that lays the groundwork for a future fellowship in Interventional Radiology.
Research and Data Analysis Experience
Shriners Hospitals for Children – Northern California
Catherine spent two years (2015–2017) as a Data Analyst at Shriners Hospitals for Children in Sacramento. Her research focused on endogenous retroviruses and genome mapping. Tasks included:
- Interpreting DNA sequences using NCBI BLAST.
- Constructing gene maps to illustrate viral genome landscapes.
- Analyzing electrophoresis gels and electropherograms.
- Assisting in scientific figure creation for publications led by Dr. Kiho Cho.
This work reflects her strong foundation in biomedical research and analytical skills, particularly relevant for image interpretation in radiology.
Volunteer Service and Community Outreach
Health Educator with Peer Health Exchange
During her undergraduate years, Catherine volunteered with Peer Health Exchange from September 2013 to February 2014. She visited underserved high schools in Oakland and San Francisco, where she educated students about drug use and offered guidance on health resources. This role required communication, mentorship, and community engagement—skills that remain relevant in patient interactions and interdisciplinary care.
Hospital Volunteer at Shriners
Catherine has been a long-standing volunteer at Shriners Children’s Northern California since 2015. In this role, she organizes arts and crafts activities for pediatric patients and their families, offering therapeutic recreation during hospital visits. Her continued commitment to this volunteer role demonstrates sustained compassion and dedication to patient-centered care.
Public Health and Global Health Experience
Microclinic International – Global Health Intern
Between May 2016 and January 2017, Catherine interned at Microclinic International in San Francisco. The organization promotes community-based solutions for non-communicable diseases. While specific responsibilities from this role are not detailed, this experience likely enhanced her perspective on global health issues, preventive care, and community empowerment.
Publications and Creative Work
Circle K International – District Publications Editor
As an undergraduate, Catherine served as the District Publications Editor for Circle K International between 2014 and 2015. Her contributions included:
- Creating layouts and illustrations for The Sunburst, the organization’s newsletter.
- Conducting Adobe software workshops (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).
- Coordinating content with editorial teams across California, Nevada, and Hawaii.
This role reflects her proficiency in digital design and communications—skills that may complement medical presentations, academic publications, and radiology case reports.
Early Clinical Support Roles
Dental Assistant Experience
From 2012 to 2014, Catherine worked as a Dental Assistant at Angeline Lam D.D.S. in Davis, California. She managed room setup, sterilization procedures, and financial tracking through QuickBooks. This experience in clinical environments helped her develop early familiarity with patient care protocols and administrative processes.
Focus on Interventional Radiology
Interest and Future Trajectory
As part of the ESIR pathway, Catherine is laying the groundwork for a career in Interventional Radiology—a specialty that uses image guidance to perform minimally invasive procedures such as biopsies, angioplasties, and embolizations. It combines knowledge of anatomy, pathology, and imaging physics with procedural expertise.
Her foundation in surgery (internship), diagnostic imaging (residency), and data analytics (research) makes her a strong candidate for IR fellowship and long-term success in the field. Through this training, she will be equipped to address conditions ranging from cancer to vascular disease using non-surgical techniques.
Technical Proficiency and Medical Informatics
Catherine’s background suggests proficiency in data systems, including tools such as NCBI BLAST, gene mapping software, and digital design programs. These competencies align with modern radiology, which increasingly involves digital image manipulation, PACS systems, AI-supported diagnostics, and quantitative imaging techniques.
As radiology departments evolve with technology, Catherine’s comfort with both data interpretation and graphic representation may support her participation in informatics, clinical trials, or even machine learning research in medical imaging.
Integration of Creativity in Clinical Practice
Her artistic inclination, evident in her college coursework and publication design work, offers a unique perspective in a field dominated by visuals. Radiology is not only about interpreting data but also about identifying subtle patterns and anomalies in complex images. A strong visual-spatial skillset can enhance image analysis, case presentations, and procedural planning.
Moreover, her engagement in creative projects for hospitalized children reflects an ability to connect with patients beyond clinical roles, reinforcing the human aspect of medical care.
Professional Identity and Work Ethic
Colleagues and mentors often value radiology residents who combine technical knowledge with adaptability and reliability. Catherine’s progression through multiple institutions and her ability to balance research, service, and clinical training demonstrate both initiative and resilience. She has worked in high-demand environments—academic centers, children’s hospitals, public health organizations—and continues to contribute meaningfully in each space.
Her sustained involvement at Shriners and her participation in education and outreach suggest a sense of purpose and long-term dedication to healthcare equity.
Summary and Future Outlook
Catherine Ho’s career in radiology is built on a solid academic foundation, diverse clinical experiences, research fluency, and a consistent commitment to service. As she progresses through her Diagnostic Radiology Residency at Cottage Health and prepares for advanced training in Interventional Radiology, her multifaceted skillset will serve her well in clinical and academic settings alike.
Her future may involve:
- Fellowship in Interventional Radiology
- Continued involvement in pediatric or global health projects
- Research in radiogenomics or AI-assisted diagnostics
- Mentorship and education in imaging science
Her trajectory illustrates how a combination of technical skill, early career exploration, and community focus can shape a purposeful and well-integrated medical career.
FAQs
1. What is Catherine Ho’s current medical specialty?
Catherine Ho is a Diagnostic Radiology Resident on the Early Specialization in Interventional Radiology (ESIR) pathway.
2. Where is Catherine Ho completing her radiology residency?
She is currently a resident at Cottage Health in Santa Barbara, California.
3. What is Catherine Ho’s educational background?
She holds an MD from California Northstate University and previously studied at Boston University and UC Berkeley.
4. Has Catherine Ho conducted medical research?
Yes, she worked as a data analyst at Shriners Hospitals, focusing on genome analysis and retrovirus research.
5. What are Catherine Ho’s long-term career goals?
She aims to specialize in Interventional Radiology, performing image-guided minimally invasive procedures.
