Taking the Lead 71: Christine B. Chung, MD: Walking Among Giants: Leadership, Mentorship and Innovation

In this special episode honoring the legacy of William G. Bradley Jr., MD, PhD, FACR, sponsored by the California Radiological Society Foundation, host Geoffrey Rubin, MD, MBA, FACR, sits down with Christine B. Chung, MD, Chair of the Department of Radiology at UC San Diego and President-Elect of the International Skeletal Society, for a rich and inspiring conversation on leadership, mentorship, and innovation in academic medicine. From her upbringing in a small town in Wisconsin to leading one of the nation’s most innovative radiology departments, Dr. Chung reflects on the early encouragement from her grandmother that set her on the path to medicine. With warmth and clarity, she shares the pivotal role of mentors such as Donald Resnick, MD, FACR, and Bill Bradley Jr., MD, PhD, FACR, and her philosophy of intentional, personalized mentorship. In this wide-ranging discussion, Dr. Chung offers candid insights on the challenges of building a research career, the importance of creating space for creativity and inclusion in academic environments, and the value of professional networks. She also speaks to the impact of career planning and the ongoing process of reinvention throughout her career. Along the way, she offers powerful advice for radiologists at every career stage: find your passion, build your community, and embrace opportunities to grow - both professionally and personally. No matter where you are in your career, this episode offers a thoughtful exploration of resilience, reinvention, and the enduring value of community in academic medicine. Behind the Mic! Dr. Christine Chung married in 2023 and has two fantastic girls from her first marriage and two fur babies (dogs). Her daughters are 20 and 16 years old and her fur babies are 2.5 years and 11 months old! Dr. Chung loves traveling with her family. Together, they’ve been to six continents. Throughout all her travels, her top three favorites are: the safari which was amazing to be the ‘visitor’ for the animals in their own habitat; Israel with the amazing religious history; and Athens seeing the acropolis/sophistication of ancient civilization. In college, Dr. Chung ended up with a French major due to all of the French classes she took as a fun departure from science throughout her undergrad career.

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Taking the Lead 71: Christine B. Chung, MD: Walking Among Giants: Leadership, Mentorship and Innovation is an episode from Leadership Insider by Radiology Leadership Institute.

This episode is 139:21 long.

This episode was published on Aug 22, 2025.

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