UNC Radiology is proud to welcome Dr. Kingsley Asiedu, who joins us as an Assistant Professor in the Division of Emergency Radiology. Known for his warmth, energy, and commitment to teaching, Dr. Asiedu brings a dynamic presence to the department as he begins his academic career in Chapel Hill.
Finding His Place in the Triangle
Though originally from Ghana in West Africa, Dr. Asiedu has made the Triangle home over the past five years. After completing his residency and a fellowship in neuroradiology at Duke, he knew he wanted to remain in the area he had come to love. What ultimately drew him to UNC was the spirit of community.
“What really sealed it for me was that I felt there was just a great sense of community among the people I met in the department and the division. It extended beyond radiology into the broader hospital environment—everyone I encountered was collaborative and welcoming.”
Encouragement from a former colleague also made the choice easy. “I reached out to Dr. Mariana DeFreitas, who trained at Duke as well and is now at UNC. She spoke so highly of her life here, and her enthusiasm was contagious.”
The Appeal of Academics
For Dr. Asiedu, teaching has always been central to the practice of medicine. He thrives on the exchange of ideas, whether it’s with a patient, a fellow physician, or a trainee.
“Teaching is one of the core components of being a physician that often doesn’t get enough emphasis. There’s always dialogue, and in every conversation, you’re learning from each other. Mentoring residents and students adds so much richness to the clinical work I do—it keeps me engaged and inspired.”
This passion for teaching is one of the reasons he chose an academic career, where he can pair his broad clinical expertise with mentorship and education.
From Ghana to Medicine
Dr. Asiedu’s journey into medicine began with early personal experiences of healthcare. Growing up in Ghana, he saw how limited access could affect families, and after moving to the U.S. at age seven, he noticed the stark difference.
Still, becoming a physician wasn’t a straight path. Initially a pre-pharmacy major, he worked as a pharmacy technician during college. But after shadowing physicians at the University of Cincinnati and diving deeper into biology and health sciences, his calling became clear.
“I loved science, but what fascinated me most was how knowledge of atoms and molecules could translate into improving someone’s health. That intersection of science and human connection pushed me toward medicine.”
Why Radiology?
The breadth and depth of radiology’s scope drew him in.
“Radiologists need to know something about every disease from an imaging perspective. That’s incredibly challenging, but it’s also rewarding. I love being the ultimate consultant—whether I’m discussing a case with an OBGYN, neurosurgeon, neurologist, or general surgeon, I get to play a role in helping a broad spectrum of patients.”
This ability to connect across specialties was exactly the kind of variety and intellectual challenge he was seeking.
Advice for Future Radiologists
Dr. Asiedu remembers his first radiology rotation as a medical student well.
“I was completely overwhelmed when I saw my first cases. But a senior resident took the time to walk me through them, and that hands-on experience was transformative.”
He encourages students to engage actively during their rotations—joining tumor boards, observing radiologists in different clinical settings, and reflecting on whether they enjoy the breadth of pathology the specialty requires.
“If you’re someone who loves learning about many different diseases and pathologies, radiology may be a great fit.”
Beyond the Reading Room
Colleagues will quickly discover that Dr. Asiedu values connection and humor in his work.
“I’ve always prided myself on creating a warm, fun environment where people can be themselves. In the ER, where things are stressful and busy, fostering openness and laughter makes everything better.”
Outside of medicine, he enjoys hiking, jogging, and listening to podcasts like Freakonomics. He describes himself as a “hard-working” person who also values balance—and lately, that balance has included exploring new restaurants with friends. A self-professed foodie, his favorite comfort dish is Amala and Ewedu, a rich Nigerian soup he recently had at a wedding.
If given a superpower? He’d choose teleportation. “Flying takes too long, and there are too many risks,” he laughs.
Looking Ahead at UNC
As he begins this next chapter, Dr. Asiedu is eager to dive into both his clinical and teaching roles.
“I’m excited to be an attending and to work with the residents here at UNC. This is a new phase of my journey, and I’m looking forward to it.”
With his passion for teaching, dedication to patients, and ability to bring joy to even the busiest ER setting, Dr. Kingsley Asiedu is a welcome and inspiring addition to the UNC Radiology community.