Alumni Board Specialty Spotlight

As a breast radiologist at Cleveland Clinic, Caitlin C. Ilkanich, MD (DR’23, IMAG/B’24) balances diagnostic precision with a deep commitment to education and mentorship. A Cleveland Clinic–trained physician who completed her residency and fellowship here, Dr. Ilkanich recently stepped into a new leadership role while continuing to care for patients across the main campus and regional sites.

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Here, she reflects on her path to medicine, the rewards of teaching and the value of staying connected through the Alumni Association.

Q. What led you to a career in medicine?

A. I was always drawn to medicine because I’m passionate about helping others and I love science. I had an important mentor early on: my mom, who is a teacher. When I was deciding between becoming a teacher or a doctor, she said, “Why not do both?” That idea stuck with me. I’m the first physician in my family, and the combination of patient care and teaching is the perfect fit.

Q. What is most gratifying to you in your current role?

A. Two things stand out. One is teaching. In January, I was appointed associate program director for the diagnostic radiology residency, which has been incredibly meaningful. I work closely with residents, our breast imaging fellows and medical students.

Training the next generation of physicians is such an important responsibility, and I don’t take it lightly. It’s rewarding to mentor them, give back and help shape their careers. It also challenges me to stay current and continue growing as a radiologist.

The other is our patient population. The women we care for every day are so appreciative. Even in difficult moments like diagnosing breast cancer, patients often thank us because finding it means we can move forward with a treatment plan. Realizing the impact we can make at that moment is incredibly powerful.

Q. What motivated you to serve on the Alumni Board? How long have you served?

A. I started in September of 2025. Our chair, Peter Liu, MD (DR'15), reached out to me about the opportunity. Having trained here for both residency and fellowship and then staying on as staff, I really appreciate how much alumni have to offer. Also, I’m outgoing, I like being involved and connected, and it felt like a natural fit — especially once I was beyond my first year on staff.

Q. Who are your mentors, and how have they influenced you?

A. I’ve been fortunate to have incredible mentors. Joseph Veniero, MD, PhD (Staff’01), and Julie Ritner, MD (Staff’16), have provided endless support in education and helped me get involved in resident and fellow teaching. They’ve been instrumental in my growth as an educator.

Laura Shepardson, MD (DR’07, IMAG/B’08) and Alice Rim, MD (Staff’99), have shown me what strong leadership in medicine looks like. They lead by example and have offered tremendous guidance as I navigate my early career.

Q. What’s a work-related accomplishment you’re especially proud of, or a favorite Cleveland Clinic memory?

A. My current role is a major milestone, but matching at Cleveland Clinic for residency will always stand out. I’m from Michigan, and my husband who is not in medicine is from Cleveland. We spent five years long-distance while I was in school, so matching here was a moment of tears and joy. It meant we could finally be together, and I could train at one of the best institutions in the world. On both a personal and professional level, it was truly a win-win.

Q. What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

A. My husband and I have two daughters, ages 3 and 5, so spending time with family is huge for me. We love being outdoors — hiking, running and kayaking. I also enjoy board games like Settlers of Catan and Splendor and playing golf with my family.

Q. What advice would you share with future alumni?

A. Take advantage of the alumni network. Cleveland Clinic has such a strong and far-reaching community, and much of that potential is still untapped. No matter where you end up practicing, stay involved and connected, you never know where those relationships will lead.