Anu Brixey, MD joined the Section of Thoracic Imaging as an associate professor in September 2025.
While living in Portland and practicing as a pulmonary and critical care physician for four years, Dr. Brixey decided to retrain as a radiologist. She completed her residency in diagnostic radiology and a fellowship in cardiothoracic imaging at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) in 2019, after which she stayed on as faculty for six years. During her latter three years, Dr. Brixey primarily worked at the Portland VA affiliated with OHSU where she created a cardiac imaging program and served as the chief of cardiac imaging and chief of ultrasound at the VA. Given her love for teaching and trainee education, Dr. Brixey also served as the VA site director for the OHSU radiology residency program.
Where are you from?
I grew up in Sacramento, California, but through medical training for both myself and my husband, I have ended up living in nearly every region of the US (Midwest, East Coast, South, Southwest, and Pacific Northwest).
Why did you choose radiology?
While practicing as a pulmonologist, I had to look at chest CTs every day for my clinic patients and I found over time that this was my favorite part of the day. Using clinical information with radiology images to solve the patient’s puzzle and determine a diagnosis leads to the greatest satisfaction. As a radiologist, I have found that my interactions with clinicians and radiology colleagues in discussing interesting cases is the best part of my job.
What are your professional interests?
My professional interests include interstitial lung disease and the pathophysiology of pulmonary embolism. Working with trainees and educating them on the importance of using clinical information in formulating a diagnosis and radiology report are of great interest to me given my clinical background.
Why did you choose to work at UW–Madison?
I was drawn to the strong academic focus of the thoracic imaging section at UW–Madison through my exposure at thoracic radiology conferences. I admire the professional collaboration at UW, the collegial atmosphere, and the high standard for patient care.
What are your hobbies?
My hobbies include trail running, hiking, watching college football, cheering for my son playing goalie for his high school water polo team, cheering for my daughter at her swim meets, wine tasting with my husband Clark (also a radiologist!), and dabbling in pickleball and golf.