Taking the Lead 73: Ann S. Fulcher, MD The Dash Between: Service, Leadership, and a Life in Radiology

From her Mayberry‑like childhood in rural Virginia to pioneering MRCP and leading one of the nation’s largest academic radiology departments, Ann S. Fulcher, MD, Chair of Radiology at Virginia Commonwealth University, has built a career defined by service, integrity, and curiosity. In this episode, she sits down with host Geoffrey Rubin, MD, MBA, FACR, for a warm and deeply personal conversation tracing her journey from the influence of a WWII veteran father who taught her the value of duty and compassion, to the mentors who guided her toward abdominal imaging, to the unexpected leadership opportunities that emerged during her military service at Andrews Air Force Base. Dr. Fulcher reflects on becoming a department chair earlier than she ever imagined, the lessons she carried from the Air Force into academic medicine, and the evolving challenges facing radiology’s leaders today. She shares candid insights about building a cohesive culture across expanding clinical sites, sustaining research and education amid workforce pressures, and the responsibility leaders hold to champion quality and care in an increasingly productivity‑driven environment. Beyond radiology, Dr. Fulcher discusses the life‑changing role photography has played in her well‑being - awakening creativity, restoring balance, and even uplifting colleagues and patients during challenging times. Her reflections on mentorship, purpose, and “what you do with your dash” offer a moving reminder of the impact a single career can have. Engaging, humble, and full of heart, this conversation explores what it means to lead with clarity, compassion, and authenticity while never losing sight of the joy in the work itself. Production support for this episode of this RLI “Taking the Lead” podcast has been provided by the Virginia Radiological Society, a statewide professional organization dedicated to improving the health of patients and society by making imaging safe, effective and accessible to those who need it. Visit for more information. Behind the Mic: Dr. Fulcher is an avid traveler and passionate photographer, often combining both hobbies on adventurous trips that involve hiking and early mornings. She has explored nearly 50 countries, with favorite destinations including Chilean Patagonia for photographing pumas, Easter Island, Cuba, Tanzania, Norway’s Lofoten Islands, Svalbard, Brazil’s Pantanal, and India. Initially planning a career in Internal Medicine with a subspecialty in Allergy, she discovered her love for diagnostic problem-solving in radiology during medical school. Her favorite cuisine is ribs, and on a rainy day, she enjoys processing photographs.

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Taking the Lead 73: Ann S. Fulcher, MD The Dash Between: Service, Leadership, and a Life in Radiology is an episode from Leadership Insider by Radiology Leadership Institute.

This episode is 123:02 long.

This episode was published on Dec 23, 2025.

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