From the Reading Room to Leadership: Lessons from the Top
Three radiologists share perspectives on attaining leadership positions
This is the first in a series of articles about the experiences of radiologists in leadership.
Radiologists stepping into leadership roles may not always follow a traditional path, but their technological expertise, collaborative mindset and broad understanding of health care systems make them uniquely positioned to take on high-level administrative roles.
Three prominent leaders—Ann S. Fulcher, MD, Cynthia Rigsby, MD, and Alexander Norbash, MD—share their respective journeys from the reading room to leadership, offering insights, challenges and advice for those considering the move.
The Path to Leadership
For many, the path to leadership isn’t planned—it evolves organically through experience, mentorship and opportunities. Dr. Fulcher, tenured professor and chair of the Department of Radiology at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine in Richmond, grew up in a small Virginia town and knew at age six that she wanted to be a doctor. Leadership was never her explicit goal.
“I never had on my to-do list becoming chair of radiology,” she admitted. “I was very, very happy being an abdominal radiologist, teaching residents, doing my clinical work and doing research.” But as opportunities arose, Dr. Fulcher embraced them, ultimately becoming department chair in 2003.
Similarly, Dr. Rigsby, chair of the Department of Medical Imaging at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, did not actively seek leadership. After completing her medical training, followed by subspecialty training in pediatric radiology, Dr. Rigsby joined Lurie Children’s, where she steadily took on greater responsibilities.
“I didn’t have as my goal to be a leader. I guess that came organically as part of being in the department that I was in,” she said.
Dr. Rigsby credits strong female mentors with helping her recognize that leadership was possible. “As a leader, my job is to make sure the people who are working for me can come into work excited about what they do and feel that they can make a difference,” she said.
For Dr. Norbash, dean of the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) School of Medicine, the idea of medicine was planted early, but not necessarily with thoughts of leadership. He grew up in a small Missouri town where his mother was a schoolteacher and his father was the town’s general surgeon. Dr. Norbash’s career journey took him from medical school at UMKC to a residency in Pittsburgh and fellowship at Stanford University in California.
“I started out focused on being the best interventional neuroradiologist I could possibly be. Then I began wondering—what else is next for me in terms of developing myself?” he said. “At an early stage, I realized that the individuals who have leadership positions play a disproportionate role in terms of the influence they have over others, and they can do a lot of good if they are good leaders,” he said.
The Radiologist’s Advantage in Leadership
Radiologists may not be traditional choices for hospital administration, but their broad exposure to medical specialties gives them a unique advantage.
“We interact with surgeons, pediatricians, medicine physicians, psychiatrists—every specialty,” Dr. Rigsby said. “We are the doctor’s doctor.” Additionally, radiologists’ diagnostic mindset and ability to integrate technology into patient care make them strong strategic thinkers. However, they often must overcome the perception that radiologists are primarily technicians rather than clinicians. “We are not just technocrats—we’re exceptional clinicians who guide medical decisions across specialties,” Dr. Norbash emphasized.
Advice for Aspiring Leaders
For radiologists considering leadership, all three experts emphasized the same core advice:
• Take on incremental leadership roles. Start with committees, section chief roles or hospital responsibilities before aiming for top leadership.
• Seek mentorship and sponsorship. “Find someone you can trust. And, it may be more than one person,” Dr. Rigsby advised.
• Be clear about your skills and gaps. Identify weaknesses and actively work to improve them.
• Balance career and personal life. “While you’re seeking professional fulfillment, your primary focus still has to be your family and your loved ones,” Dr. Norbash said.
• Be willing to promote yourself. “We’re taught that life is a meritocracy—if you deserve it, you’ll get it. But in reality, you have to beat your own drum,” Dr. Norbash added.
• Stay focused on the bigger picture. “It’s always been for me about caring for the kids. That’s why I’m here,” Dr. Rigsby said. “Providing the best care for children also means taking excellent care of my staff—because those go hand in hand.”
Ultimately, passion is essential.
“If you cannot find enthusiasm in what you’re doing, you’re not going to be an effective leader in that space,” Dr. Norbash said.
Despite their successes, all three encountered challenges. Dr. Fulcher recalled how leadership required a mindset change.
“You have to have reached a point in your career where you are no longer necessarily advancing your own career first and foremost, but you’re willing to give your time and efforts to other people to advance their careers,” she said. “To be successful in any leadership role, you have to recognize that it’s a team effort. You cannot do it alone, and you should not try to do it alone.”
Imposter syndrome surfaced for Dr. Norbash when he was promoted at a young age.
“I remember walking into my chair’s office saying, ‘I feel like an imposter. Everyone in my division is older, more experienced, and more knowledgeable than me,’” he recalled. His chair reassured him, saying, “Nonsense, you’re doing a fine job.”
For those ready to take the next step, Dr. Rigsby offered encouragement.
“I’ve always had the mantra— you have to chase your dreams. And I’m living my dream now. If being a leader is your dream, go after it.”
For More Information
Read previous RSNA News articles on radiology leadership:
- For Positive Results in the Radiology Workplace, Train the Leaders in Social Integrity
- RSNA Makes Strides in Narrowing Radiology Gender Gap
- Leaders Find New Ways to Inspire Next-Generation Radiologists