Lifelong Learner Driven to Teach

Dr. Mauricio Solano
Section head, diagnostic imaging service, Henry & Lois Foster Hospital for Small Animals
Associate professor, Department of Clinical Sciences

What is your hometown and/or where did you spend your adolescent years?
I was born and raised in Colombia, South America, and moved to the U.S. when I was in my mid 20s.

What inspired you to become a veterinary radiologist and professor?
I had a drive to learn more than what vet school taught me, which was just the beginning of a lifelong quest for knowledge in sciences. I discovered I had some innate ability to teach while I was working as an anatomy teaching assistant at the University of Georgia. I realized I also like teaching because it was the best way to help students (giving me a sense of service) and master any given subject. You learn best by teaching.

What do you most enjoy about working at Cummings School?
Its environment fosters a sense of community and innovation. I grew up professionally with Cummings School, joining when we both were young and with little to show. I was allowed to contribute along with my colleagues to morph our fledgling school into what we are today. Now that we have accumulated some experiences, we both are now reaping the benefits of this nurturing environment. 

What is your passion (professionally and/or personally)?
Teaching remains a passion. Helping a new generation of radiologists to learn our craft does not get old. Personally, I enjoy cycling and kayaking. I commute by bicycle when the weather permits. Though a weekend when I do nothing is also very appealing.

What might someone be surprised to learn about you?
I am a MAMIL (middle-aged man in lycra) … a term used in the cycling community to describe an old guy that rides a bike … not a pretty sight.

Tell us about your pets.
Our most recent were a flock of about 15 budgies (parakeets). After buying one, it seemed lonely, so we bought a second. Nature took over and we ended up with a professional flying cage and a true flock of flying pets. They were noisy and messy, but a lot of fun. Currently we have no pets, which is a code phrase for ‘freedom to travel.’