UNC Radiology is excited to welcome back Dr. Joshua Wallace, Associate Professor in the Musculoskeletal Imaging Division. For Dr. Wallace, this is more than just a career move—it’s a homecoming.
“I wanted to be part of a team that provided excellent clinical service and took a lot of pride in what they’re doing,” he says. “I know several people still on faculty at UNC who were mentors of mine, and I was really excited to get the chance to work with them again.”
Raised just north of Durham, Dr. Wallace never imagined he would spend so much of his educational and professional journey at UNC. But from undergraduate studies through medical school, residency, and fellowship, opportunities at Carolina always aligned with his passion for science, medicine, and patient care. “Every step of the way, UNC opened doors for me,” he reflects. “It always felt like the best choice.”
His path to Radiology wasn’t straightforward. Initially set on a surgical specialty, Wallace discovered Radiology late in medical school through his work with surgeons and radiologists. He even gave up a spot in a Urology residency to re-enter the match—an intimidating decision at the time. “My UNC mentors were critical in that leap of faith,” he says. “Ultimately, I matched at UNC, and it all worked out.”
Within Radiology, his interests gravitated toward musculoskeletal imaging, a natural fit given his lifelong enthusiasm for sports, exercise, and personal fitness. Having experienced his own share of sports injuries, he developed a fascination with the healing process and the ways imaging could support recovery. “Musculoskeletal imaging plays such an important role in helping people return to the activities they love,” he explains.
After years in private practice—where he served as director of medical education—Wallace returns to academia earlier than expected. “Many of my mentors had long careers in private practice before coming back to UNC,” he says. “For me, the timing just worked out sooner. I’ve always loved teaching, and UNC offers such a rich environment for medical education.”
Wallace also brings a grounded perspective for trainees considering Radiology. “When I chose this specialty, people were saying the field was dying—no jobs, too much uncertainty. Later, people feared AI would make radiologists obsolete. None of that turned out to be true. If you want to do something, do it because you love it—not because of speculation about the future.”
Outside of work, Dr. Wallace leans toward introversion but thrives in collaboration and conversation. He loves travel, particularly to Italy, where he studied abroad in medical school, proposed to his wife, and recently returned with his young daughters. “Travel is my number one passion outside of work. I love the new experiences, the planning, and the chance to see the world from different perspectives.”
At home, he stays active, plays guitar, and is often found reading sci-fi, fantasy, or personal development books. He credits much of his outlook on life to experiences that taught him resilience. “If I could give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be not to take things so seriously. Every hurdle is just a stepping stone—enjoy the process.”
And while his students, colleagues, and patients will get to know him as a thoughtful radiologist and educator, they may also be surprised to learn about his sense of humor and quirks—his kids singing along to rock songs with unprintable lyrics, his fondness for cookie dough ice cream, and his tongue-in-cheek wish for Arnold Schwarzenegger to play him in a movie about his life.
Sarcastic, introspective, and curious—three words his best friend would use to describe him—Dr. Wallace brings both expertise and authenticity to UNC Radiology. We are delighted to welcome him home.