For many radiologists, the path to leadership isn’t planned; it evolves organically through experience, mentorship, and opportunities. Three prominent leaders—Ann S. Fulcher, MD, Cynthia Rigsby, MD, and Alexander Norbash, MD—agree on their shared stories.
Dr. Fulcher
Dr. Fulcher, a 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. She knew at age six that she wanted to be a doctor, but 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.
Dr. Rigsby
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.
“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. Norbash
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. His career journey took him from medical school at UMKC to a residency in Pittsburgh and a 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 can do a lot of good if they are good leaders,” he said.
Advice for Aspiring Leaders
For radiologists considering leadership, all three experts emphasized the same core advice:
- Seek mentorship and sponsorship. “Find someone you can trust. And, it may be more than one person,” Dr. Rigsby advised.
- 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.
- 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.”
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.”
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.”
