Mauricio Castillo, MD, FACR, Matthew A. Mauro, Distinguished Professor of Radiology Retires, Leaving Behind an Impactful Legacy
With bittersweet emotions, we announce Mauricio Castillo, MD, FACR, is retiring. His last day is June 30, 2024. The department and the neuroradiology division will deeply feel Dr. Castillo’s retirement, but it is a well-deserved respite for him.
Mauricio Castillo was born in Guatemala. He obtained his medical degree from the University of San Carlos. After 18 months as a Research Fellow at MD Anderson Hospital in Houston, he completed a residency in Diagnostic Radiology at the University of Miami, followed by a 2-year Neuroradiology Fellowship at Emory University in Atlanta. He returned to the University of Texas in Houston before being recruited to UNC Radiology in 1992 by the Department’s third Chair, Dr. Joseph K.T. Lee. Dr. Castillo took the helm as UNC’s Neuroradiology Division Chief on Day 1, serving for over 28 years.
Over three decades, his approach to academic radiology established Dr. Castillo within the institution and his field and earned him numerous top leadership posts and honors, among them: UNC Neuroradiology Division Chief; UNC Neuroradiology Fellowship Program Director; two-time Charles A. Bream Teaching Award recipient; President and Gold Medalist – American Society of Neuroradiology; President and Gold Medalist – American Roentgen Ray Society (ARRS); Editor in Chief – American Journal of Neuroradiology; American College of Radiology – Fellow / first Jackson Education Fellow; ARRS Figley Editorial Fellow, and Co-founder – American Society of Pediatric Neuroradiology (ASPNR). In 2022, he served as President of the Symposium Neuroradiologicum, the world’s oldest neuroradiology meeting, and is a diplomate of the American Board of Radiology with a certificate of Added Qualifications in Neuroradiology. In 2023, he was honored with the UNC Academy of Educators “Lifetime Teaching Award.”
“Mauricio’s retirement marks the end of an era for our division. His leadership, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to excellence have profoundly shaped our practice and culture. His scholarly, societal, and editorial accomplishments have greatly benefited the field at large. Mauricio’s legacy will continue to inspire us, and we are committed to carrying forward the values he championed,” says Carlos Zamora, Neuroradiology Chief.
Dr. Castillo’s contributions to education, patient care, and research are unparalleled. He has published nearly 700 articles and 30 books, has been a visiting professor at more than 50 institutions, and delivered 1200 invited lectures. His impact extends beyond UNC, as the Neuroradiology fellowship he led has trained over 70 ACGME-approved fellows and hosted over 100 visiting scholars.
“Dr. Castillo exemplifies the finest qualities of UNC, leaving an indelible mark on countless residents, fellows, researchers, and clinical colleagues locally and globally,” says Dr. Lauren Burke, Executive Vice Chair. “Renowned for his grace, expertise, and approachability, he has profoundly shaped our community and beyond. Working alongside him has been a privilege, and we deeply appreciate his lasting influence.”
In 2016, Dr. Castillo was named the James H. Scatliff Distinguished Professor of Radiology. Castillo’s natural leadership abilities gave heed to the style of Dr. Scatliff, the Department’s second Chair and a beloved leader and educator at UNC School of Medicine for 50+ years. In February 2021, Mauricio Castillo, MD, FACR, was named the first Matthew A. Mauro, MD, Distinguished Professor of Radiology. Approved by the University’s Board of Trustees in January 2021, Castillo’s appointment culminated in UNC Radiology’s five-year campaign toward endowing and selecting a highly esteemed faculty member with the field and institutional expertise to advance UNC Radiology’s tripartite mission of advancing patient care, education, and research. When named to his second distinguished professorship honoring the Department’s fourth Chair, Dr. Castillo stood unquestionably among UNC Radiology’s top faculty radiologists over its almost 70-year history.
“UNC Radiology is eternally grateful to Mauricio for his commitment to clinical excellence, outstanding educational efforts, and scholarly accomplishments,” says Dr. Maureen Kohi, MD, Chair and current Ernest H. Wood Distinguished Professor. “His unwavering dedication, innovative approach, and passion for trainee education have profoundly impacted our community and set a high standard for future generations. He will be greatly missed.”