When Dr. Elijah Burton interviewed at UNC, he didn’t come with a long list of personal connections to the department—but he left knowing it felt like home.
Now an Associate Professor of Radiology in the Breast Imaging Division, Dr. Burton is bringing not only a wealth of experience from his time in the Air Force and a passion for academics, but also a deep sense of reliability, empathy, and… a very impressive board game collection (120 and counting!).
A Calling Shaped by Service—and MRI Magic
Elijah’s journey into medicine wasn’t exactly conventional. Before he even stepped foot in medical school, he was already serving in the U.S. Air Force. It was during his third year of medical school that a serendipitous encounter changed everything. Assigned to internal medicine, he consulted with a radiologist about a patient who had a cardiac MRI.
“It was all these beautiful images of the heart in motion,” he recalls. “That was my first exposure to radiology, and the technology just blew me away.”
At the time, he thought radiologists sat alone in dark rooms all day. (Didn’t we all?) But as he learned more, particularly about breast imaging, he realized it was a field that allowed for both cutting-edge tech and meaningful patient interactions. “That sealed the deal for me,” he says. “I didn’t want to give up patient care, and I didn’t have to.”
From Military Medicine to Academic Medicine
After completing his radiology residency through the military in 2020, Elijah worked as a general radiologist for four years. But breast imaging had always been his passion. After completing his military commitment, he pursued a breast imaging fellowship and hasn’t looked back.
“Academics were always the goal,” he says. “Teaching is a huge passion of mine. I’ve had mentors who shaped me in powerful ways, and I want to pay that forward to students and residents.”
UNC offered the perfect mix of proximity to family, an academic powerhouse, and—most importantly—a group of people who felt like a community from day one. “Everyone I met during my interview—from techs to faculty to leadership—was just so genuine and welcoming. I knew I could thrive here.”
A Steady Hand—and a Steady Heart—in Breast Imaging
As a breast imager, Elijah is often the first doctor patients meet when facing something unknown or frightening. It’s a responsibility he takes to heart.
“Giving patients good news is a huge pleasure,” he says. “But giving bad news… that’s never easy. You have to be present, empathetic, and really listen. Every patient responds differently. I see my role as helping guide them through that moment with care and hope.”
He’s excited about where breast imaging is heading—especially advancements in AI, MRI, and more nuanced biopsy recommendations. “I think the field is moving toward doing less when appropriate—being smarter, not just busier. Technology is helping us reduce unnecessary biopsies and surgeries.”
On Mistakes, Sci-Fi, and Superpowers
Despite his professional accomplishments, Elijah stays grounded. His advice to his younger self? “Be okay with making mistakes. It’s hard—but it’s how you grow.”
When he’s not reading scans or teaching, Elijah’s probably reading books (sci-fi and fantasy, mostly), playing board games with his wife and four kids, or listening to Revival by Reuben Bullock on repeat. (“It’s catchy—I’ve been on a pop-folk kick.”)
As a kid, he dreamed of becoming an author. And while he never finished any of the many novels he started, he sees the connection to radiology now: “I’m constantly thinking, ‘How can I make this clearer? More concise?’ Writing still matters.”
His superpower of choice? Mantis-style empathy from Guardians of the Galaxy—mainly for helping calm his four energetic kids. And if they make a movie about his life? He’s been told he resembles Paul Mescal, so let’s pencil him in for the role.
Welcome, Dr. Burton!
Whether you meet Dr. Burton in the reading room, a conference, or a game night (invite at your own risk—he’s competitive), you’ll quickly see why UNC is lucky to have him. Steady, thoughtful, and driven by a desire to serve others, Elijah brings a fresh energy to the Breast Imaging Division and a commitment to mentorship, innovation, and patient-centered care.
We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Elijah Burton to the UNC Radiology family!