Bridging Clinical Excellence and Financial Insight

Carolina V. Guimaraes, MD, FSPR, FAAP, Professor of Radiology & Pediatrics; Vice Chair of Operations, Department of Radiology; and Division Chief, Pediatric Radiology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, contributed this piece. 

Throughout my career, I have participated in several leadership programs that focused primarily on leading people and teams. While those skills remain essential, effective leadership in today’s healthcare environment requires much more. I enrolled in the American College of Radiology® (ACR®) RLI Leadership Accelerator course with a clear objective: to develop a stronger understanding of the financial and business dimensions of Radiology.

I recognized that long-term success in modern healthcare depends on physicians understanding how operational decisions, reimbursement models, and strategic planning directly influence patient care and the sustainability of radiology practices. The  RLI Leadership Accelerator offered a structured and efficient way to build these competencies while learning alongside peers facing similar challenges.

The course delivered practical frameworks for understanding radiology finances, including how to understand key revenue streams. Equally valuable was the continued emphasis on leadership fundamentals such as communication, change management and stakeholder alignment, which complemented the leadership skills I had developed previously. Through interactive discussions with fellow participants and exceptional faculty, we worked through real-world scenarios with emphasis on empathy, influence, clarity and collaboration.

Another impactful takeaway was the importance of data-driven decision-making. The course highlighted how aligning clinical priorities with financial realities enables radiologists to advocate more effectively for quality care while maintaining financial stewardship. This alignment empowers physicians to engage meaningfully in strategic conversations with other institutional leaders.

I have already begun applying these insights in my own practice, and now I feel more confident reviewing financial reports, participating in resource allocation discussions and contributing to workflow optimization initiatives. This experience didn’t just expand my knowledge – it strengthened approach to leadership and reinforced my belief that financial literacy is a critical tool that enables radiologists to move from reactive participants to proactive leaders.

As healthcare continues to evolve, I believe radiologists who embrace these competencies will be better equipped to guide their teams, influence policy and ensure the sustainability of our practices. As my leadership journey continues, I’m confident that the financial and strategic insights I’ve gained will have a lasting impact on the field of radiology and the patients we serve.