Leading by Example and Leading With Impact

The Radiology Leadership Institute® (RLI) is committed to helping radiologists grow not only as professionals but also as physician leaders. Through a variety of offerings — including leadership development courses, scholarships and awards — the RLI works to broaden the path to success. One of these awards is the RLI Impact in Leadership Award, recognizing an individual whose participation in an RLI course or program was integral to the successful completion of a specific project or initiative at the individual’s practice or institution. This year’s winner, Yu-Hui Huang, MD, MS, MS, leveraged learnings from RLI courses to enhance her leadership skills and bring her 3D visualizing and printing project to life. Huang sat down with the Bulletin to discuss her work and how what she learned from the RLI helped her achieve her goals.

How were you introduced to the RLI and its leadership offerings?

I’m incredibly grateful to my residency program leadership, Tara Holm, MD, and Noelle Hoven, MD, for introducing us to the RLI. As a first-year radiology resident in 2020, they encouraged us to attend the Resident and Young Physician Leadership Program at the RLI Summit, which opened my eyes to the broader dimensions of leadership in radiology.

Which RLI courses had the greatest influence on your leadership journey?

I was fortunate to attend both the Resident and Young Physician Leadership Program at the RLI Summit in 2020 and the Kickstart Your Career workshop in 2022, thanks to the support of my department. At the summit, the “Design Thinking” course reshaped how I approach problem-solving in healthcare while “Leadership Development” encouraged me to examine my leadership style and how to effectively collaborate across disciplines. These experiences helped me think more strategically and with greater empathy about leading through change in complex environments.

What inspired your project, and how did 3D printing and visualization play a role in meeting the need?

The project centered on developing personalized 3D anatomical models for patients with complex conditions. Drawing on my background in biomedical visualization and clinical anaplastology, I saw an opportunity to bridge gaps in patient understanding and interdisciplinary communication. Many patients felt overwhelmed by their diagnoses, and even experienced providers faced challenges conveying intricate anatomical and surgical plans. 3D visualization and printing became a powerful medium for visual storytelling, improving patient engagement and facilitating better clinical collaboration.

How did your RLI experience help shape or guide this project?

The RLI helped me think beyond the technical execution and focus on sustainability and impact. It taught me how to engage key stakeholders, align the project with shared institutional goals and effectively communicate its value across audiences. It shifted my mindset from “this is a great idea” to “this is how we integrate it meaningfully into our system.”

Looking back, what has been your biggest takeaway from both your RLI experience and completing your project?

Leadership is rooted in listening, persistence and purpose. You don’t need a formal title to drive meaningful change. The experience reinforced how even small, focused efforts can create significant impact when grounded in collaboration and a shared commitment to improving care.

How has completing this initiative — and receiving the Impact in Leadership Award — affected your professional growth or visibility as a leader?

The recognition has been deeply affirming and has sparked new collaborations, particularly with teams focused on clinical innovation and education. It also brought broader visibility to the role of 3D visualization and printing in patient-centered care, which I hope will inspire others to pursue creative, interdisciplinary approaches. On a personal level, it reaffirmed that meaningful change often begins with curiosity and a commitment to service.

What would you say to other radiologists considering participating in RLI opportunities?

I’d encourage them wholeheartedly. Whether you’re just starting out or already envisioning a specific change, RLI offers a supportive environment to grow, connect and lead authentically. It’s less about having a formal title and more about learning how to turn ideas into action and cultivate positive change in your corner of medicine.