While leadership science and its practical application initially felt unfamiliar, it has become central to both my personal growth and my approach to contributing to the profession.
Alexander M. Norbash, MD, MS, FACR
A big part of my success is due to the opportunities provided by the ACR. The College has enabled me to remain engaged and contribute in meaningful ways.
Through ACR and the colleagues I’ve met over the years, I’ve learned to build on my own experience to help develop physicians who are collaborative, forward-thinking and committed to improving healthcare.
What do you think makes radiology uniquely different from other specialties?
In the days of daily film rounds, radiologists had frequent face-to-face interactions with referring physicians, and we were known as “the doctor’s doctor.” We were highly visible, providing answers and guidance in real time. With the advent of PACS, radiologists have become less visible to our physician colleagues, even as imaging has become central to almost every patient’s care. In many ways, we are now becoming society’s doctor.
Radiology is remarkably diverse. We are not defined solely by the physician interpreting a chest X-ray. We are the breast imager counseling patients, the interventional radiologist implanting a thoracic aortic stent graft, the molecular imager developing a new therapeutic radionuclide and so much more. Throughout its history, radiology has embraced technological innovation and translated those advances into better patient care. Strong leadership has played an equally important role in helping the specialty grow, adapt and expand its impact.
We are by nature change agents. We are driven by discovery and continually looking for ways to improve patient care. This spirit of innovation unites an incredibly diverse group of individuals and subspecialties and to me, that shared commitment to learning, innovation and service is what makes radiology such a remarkable profession.
How did you get involved with the RLI and who can benefit from its thought leaders?
When we formed the RLI, our primary focus was on mid-career radiologists seeking new skills to expand their influence within their practices, organizations and the specialty. Many were preparing to lead a practice, become more active in organized radiology or take on administrative responsibilities. We envisioned the RLI as a central resource for professional growth at that stage of a career.
One of the most rewarding surprises was the strong participation of trainees and early-career radiologists. By engaging physicians earlier in their careers, we're helping them develop the skills, perspective and professional networks that will serve them throughout decades of practice. Their long-term connection to the ACR and its resources has the potential to shape not only their own careers but also the future of the specialty
Even as our careers progress, we as radiologists take chances and try new things while committed to education for a lifetime. What has become clear is that the RLI benefits radiologists at every career stage. Early-career physicians gain skills and confidence they can leverage over time, while experienced radiologists continue to find new opportunities to grow, adapt and contribute in meaningful ways. Lifelong learning is one of the defining characteristics of our profession. You never know how those subtle professional zigs and zags and additions will turn out and how much you stand to gain from those opportunities. This inquisitiveness and curiosity contribute in part to the excitement and fulfillment of our careers.
What would you tell people who are serious about getting on a leadership track?
First, pursue relevant and specialized knowledge with intention. If you want to grow in a particular area, recognize that there is a body of knowledge to acquire. If you're interested in business, learn the language of business. Read business publications, study how organizations make decisions, understand financial models and business cases, and consider formal coursework or even an MBA if it aligns with your goals. The same principle applies to leadership. These skills require curiosity, planning and a commitment to lifelong learning.
Equally important is building a strong professional network. Surround yourself with people who have experience in areas you want to pursue. Your professional network can serve as examples of success, challenge you to think differently and help you elevate your performance. Ultimately, professional growth is about making the greatest contribution you can with the knowledge, skills and relationships you cultivate. To me, that's at the heart of effective leadership.
Interview by Chad Hudnall, senior editor, ACR Bulletin
