When Dr. Blaine Mischen talks about medicine, there’s a spark in his voice — part curiosity, part passion, and part deep-seated belief in the impact a physician can have on a patient’s life. As the new Associate Professor of Radiology and Chief of the Division of Molecular Imaging and Therapeutics (MIT) at UNC, he brings with him not only years of expertise in nuclear medicine and radiotheranostics but also a heartfelt connection to North Carolina and a clear vision for the field’s future.
For Dr. Mischen, joining UNC Radiology was both a professional opportunity and a homecoming. “I grew up in Asheville, went to Wake Forest for undergrad, and Duke for medical school. My wife went to the University of North Carolina for law school. We were here for close to 10 years — our first child was born here, and our best friends live here,” he shares. “When the position opened, I asked my two family if they wanted to move backto North Carolina. They said, ‘Yes, absolutely, let’s go!’”
That family decision aligned perfectly with his admiration for the culture that Chair Maureen Kohi, MD, has cultivated at UNC Radiology. “The department has such a collaborative, forward-thinking atmosphere, and there’s incredible potential for growth in radiotheranostics,” he says. With resources like the Biomedical Research Imaging Center (BRIC) producing its own research isotopes, Dr. Mischen sees a fertile environment for innovation.
A Lifelong Calling
Medicine wasn’t just a career choice for Dr. Mischen — it was a calling. “I’ve wanted to be a doctor for as long as I can remember,” he says. With a grandmother who was a World War II nurse, a mother who is a nurse, and a father who is a PA in cardiovascular surgery, his upbringing was steeped in healthcare. But it wasn’t just science that drew him in — it was the human connection.
“I remember going to the grocery store with my dad and watching patients thank him for his care. I thought, ‘That’s what I want — to know my patients and make a difference in their lives.’”
Discovering Radiology — and the Puzzle of Nuclear Medicine
While traditional radiology focuses on anatomy — identifying what’s there and what’s not — nuclear medicine captured Dr. Mischen’s imagination because it dives deeper into physiology.
“Nuclear medicine is like solving a puzzle every day,” he says. “You’re looking at how things move in the body, where they go, and whether they’re supposed to be there. You combine the imaging with a patient’s medical history and correlative imaging studies to understand the whole picture.”
Radiotheranostics, the fusion of targeted imaging and targeted therapy, is one of his greatest professional passions. “It’s the ‘see what you treat, treat what you see approach,” he explains. “We can personalize treatment in ways that were impossible even a few years ago.”
Looking Ahead: PET, Radiotheranostics, and AI
Dr. Mischen sees the next wave of breakthroughs coming from disease-specific PET tracers — from prostate cancer and neuroendocrine tumors to Alzheimer’s research — paired with therapeutic applications that directly target what the scans reveal.
He’s also excited about the role artificial intelligence could play in diagnosing complex neurodegenerative disorders, not to replace radiologists, but to augment their ability to differentiate subtle patterns that shape treatment.
An Educator at Heart
If there’s one thing that drives Dr. Mischen as much as advancing the field, it’s teaching.
“Residents are the reason I get up in the morning,” he says with a smile. “I love watching them go from uncertainty to that moment when it clicks. Academic medicine allows you to shape the next generation of radiologists — and to make sure the field continues to advance.”
Beyond the Hospital
Outside of work, Dr. Mischen is — in his own words — a “family man.” He enjoys movie nights, traveling with his wife and daughters, supporting their athletic and artistic pursuits, and even indoor rock climbing with his eldest. He has a quick sense of humor and a love of connection — whether it’s with colleagues, patients, or friends.
Fast Facts About Dr. Mischen
- One word to describe himself: Inquisitive
- If he could have a superpower: Photographic memory
- Last meal: Medium-rare ribeye with extra cheesy mac and cheese (yes, despite being vegetarian now)
- Life motto for future doctors: “Experience as much as you can so you’re happy with your chosen field.”
- Movie about his life: An animated movie starring Bandit from Bluey.
With deep North Carolina roots, a passion for innovation, and a commitment to teaching, Dr. Mischen is ready to lead UNC’s Molecular Imaging and Therapeutics division into a future where diagnosis and treatment are more precise, more personalized, and more impactful than ever before.