The partnership between Philips and the RLI continues to build connections between new and seasoned leaders.
By Meghan Edwards, freelance writer, ACR Press
In 2025, the Philips Emerging Leader RLI Scholarship program, a partnership between the Radiology Leadership Institute® (RLI) and Philips Healthcare, awarded scholarships to 10 residents and fellows who have demonstrated a strong interest in leadership and commitment to shaping the future of radiology. Recipients received a full scholarship to attend the RLI Summit, an array of other RLI programs and entry into a Philips-led cohort-based executive mentorship program.
The scholars have been hard at work since the Bulletin last caught up with them. As part of the program, they participate in master classes on important topics such as generative AI, workflow innovation and the business of radiology. These sessions allow the scholars to connect with leaders across both industry and medicine. Moozhan Nikpanah, MD, one of the scholarship recipients, shared how valuable she has found the classes. “Hearing how leaders at different levels approach and analyze these topics has expanded how I think about strategy, communication and supporting teams through change,” Dr. Nikpanah noted.
The scholars also attended the RLI Summit, learning alongside radiologists at every stage of their careers. Nikpanah remembered a comment that particularly defined the Summit for her: “Leadership is not defined by titles, but by the passion to create lasting impact and the ability to inspire a team to work towards shared goals,” she stated.
Leadership is not defined by titles, but by the passion to create lasting impact and the ability to inspire a team to work towards shared goals.
That sentiment also resonated with Dana H. Smetherman, MD, MPH, MBA, FACR, CEO of the College. “I think the more seasoned attendees benefitted from that connection just as much as the trainees. It’s inspiring to be around these young people who are so excited about learning new things. Experienced leaders learn just as much as our trainees,” she says.
For award recipient Mark Hamilton, MD, the Summit offered both education and opportunity. “The RLI Summit was a great opportunity, both for learning and networking. Not only did I get a better understanding of government policy and financial training, but I was able to meet and connect with leaders from the ABR and the ACR.”
Connections and collaboration are at the heart of this program, from the partnership between Philips and the RLI, to the connections that trainees will make because of participation. This program allows industry leaders and radiologists to interact in a completely different way than is typical, says Smetherman, and those partnerships are crucial for the future of medicine. Further, this is one of the reasons why more partnerships like the Philips Emerging Leader RLI Scholarship program should exist. She says, “To help our patients succeed, everyone in healthcare — from clinicians to industry partners — needs to be working together. Hearing and understanding each other’s perspectives and learning how our interests align can help us discover how we can all win together.”
Adds Martijn van Steennis, global chief medical officer for diagnostic imaging at Philips, “Partnerships like these bridge the gap between the traditional clinical education we receive as physicians and the real-world competencies that leaders need. They give residents early exposure to innovative processes, help them develop technical and strategical skills as well as instill a leader’s mindset.” And these connections are already helping the program participants succeed — Nikpanah has been invited to participate in a Becker’s podcast hosted by Philips on the evolution of imaging informatics, and Hamilton will now serve on a committee advising on the initial certification exam.
Mentorship is also one of the ways the program is fostering connections. “Mentorship is foundational to a diverse and strong leadership pipeline. It provides these leaders with a trusted space to explore challenges, receive personal feedback and refine their identities. It also ensures that high potential individuals, regardless of their background, have access to the insights, encouragement and sponsorship they need to lead themselves at a certain moment in their career,” says van Steennis. Hamilton recently met his mentor, a project manager for AI, and is very excited. “He’s so positive and upbeat. He has a lot he can teach me and I’m looking to learn from him how to be a bigger player in radiology,” Hamilton reports.
Throughout 2026, participants will continue their leadership journey through mentorship sessions, more master classes, and ultimately, a capstone project reflecting what they’ve accomplished. Ultimately, the hope is that participants will evolve into mentors themselves, says van Steennis.
And the collaboration will continue. Philips and the RLI will continue their partnership for another round of cohorts. “There’s a synergy between RLI’s goal in developing future radiology leaders and Philips’ goal of advancing imaging and workflow innovation, and we’re already seeing value from it,” says van Steennis. “We’re watching participants grow into agents of change within their departments and seeing how leadership development affects not just the resident, but their entire institution. By extending this partnership, we’re not just sustaining the momentum we’ve created, but we’re scaling it — reaching farther and building a sort of network that supports long term leadership development.”
Residents and fellows interested in applying for the 2026 Philips Emerging Leader RLI Scholarship program can review the criteria, eligibility and application requirements. Submissions are being accepted now through Feb. 20, 2026.
A Side of Radiology You Rarely See
Unfamiliar to many rising and practicing radiologists, its impact is profound in the world of imaging for diagnosis and treatment planning.
Read more
Finding Gratitude Amid Chaos
This holiday season, shift your focus from what separates us to what connects us â kindness, compassion and belonging to something bigger than ourselves.
Read more
Decoding the 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule
While the final version of the rule delivers modest nominal increases, the efficiency adjustment introduces challenges for radiologists.
Read more
