Medical Imaging Matters

Can a strong team culture improve patient care, and even help solve staffing challenges?

In this episode of Medical Imaging Matters, AHRA Executive Director Jason Newmark sits down with Jake Poore, cultural architect and former Disney leader turned healthcare consultant; Lisa Wood, CRA, executive director at Hancock Health and AHRA Education Foundation board member; and Sherry Manuel, chief commercial officer for imaging at GE Healthcare. 

Our guests discuss how to build culture with intention rather than going through the motions and why purpose-driven leadership helps reduce burnout and turnover. You’ll hear how empowerment and small moments of connection can strengthen relationships, transforming outcomes for staff and patients.

Plus, get a sneak peek at an exciting new AHRA program launching in 2026, sponsored by GE Healthcare and the AHRA Education Foundation, featuring monthly leadership and culture-building sessions with Jake Poore.

Culture is more than just a buzzword — it’s a critical element of patient care and organizational success. Whether you’re in the C-suite or on the front lines, tune in for strategies to create a workplace where people feel connected, valued, and ready to show up as their best selves.

Get in touch with our guests
 Jake Poore via LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/jakepoore
Lisa Wood via email at [email protected] 
Shari Manuel via email at [email protected] 

AHRA: The Association for Medical Imaging Management provides medical imaging professionals with education, training, insights, and community expertise to grow as healthcare leaders.

Founded in 1973, our professional organization is a catalyst for healthcare improvement by setting the standard on quality care, innovative use of technologies, and best practices in medical imaging management.

Learn more and connect with us at ahra.org.

In this episode of Medical Imaging Matters, AHRA Executive Director Jason Newmark sits down with Scott Dziuk of IntelePeer and Justin McKay of Radiological Care Services to explore how two innovative companies are making an impact in the medical imaging space. From AI-powered patient communication to full-service x-ray garment solutions, they share how authentic relationships, AHRA engagement, and a service-first mindset helped them grow their businesses and connect meaningfully with healthcare leaders. 

AHRA: The Association for Medical Imaging Management provides medical imaging professionals with education, training, insights, and community expertise to grow as healthcare leaders.

Founded in 1973, our professional organization is a catalyst for healthcare improvement by setting the standard on quality care, innovative use of technologies, and best practices in medical imaging management.

Learn more and connect with us at ahra.org.

In this episode of Frame by Frame: Rethink Imaging, host Chris St John welcomes Dr. David Larson, director of the AI Development and Evaluation Lab at Stanford University School of Medicine, to explore how peer learning is redefining radiology quality.

Dr. Larson shares a collaborative model built on feedback, learning, and improvement — offering practical insights for structuring peer learning programs, fostering psychological safety, and integrating AI without losing the human connection that drives better care.

Tune in to learn how peer learning can transform your department’s culture and elevate patient care.

AHRA: The Association for Medical Imaging Management provides medical imaging professionals with education, training, insights, and community expertise to grow as healthcare leaders.

Founded in 1973, our professional organization is a catalyst for healthcare improvement by setting the standard on quality care, innovative use of technologies, and best practices in medical imaging management.

Learn more and connect with us at ahra.org.

Hosted by AHRA Executive Director Jason Newmark, this Medical Imaging Matters episode features a conversation with 2025-2026 AHRA President Wesley Harden, and Brenda DeBastiani, past president of AHRA. Through personal stories, they explore how mentorship, volunteering, and authenticity have shaped their careers and leadership paths. 

Wesley shares his journey from badge-scanning volunteer to AHRA President, emphasizing the importance of being yourself and embracing discomfort as a path to growth. Brenda reflects on her evolution from an X-ray tech to AHRA President, driven by passion and the support of mentors. 

The episode highlights AHRA’s unique culture — a family-like network where professionals support each other, share knowledge, and build lasting relationships. From annual meetings to local events and online forums, AHRA offers countless ways to get involved, learn, and lead.

AHRA: The Association for Medical Imaging Management provides medical imaging professionals with education, training, insights, and community expertise to grow as healthcare leaders.

Founded in 1973, our professional organization is a catalyst for healthcare improvement by setting the standard on quality care, innovative use of technologies, and best practices in medical imaging management.

Learn more and connect with us at ahra.org.

In the latest episode of Medical Imaging Matters, AHRA Executive Director Jason Newmark talks with Shannon Health Assistant Director of Outpatient Imaging Melissa Ramos, CRA, about her career path from the radiology file room to initiating a leadership development program.

Ramos reflects on her early days in medical imaging, her transition into mammography, and the leadership roles she’s taken on over the years. She shares how mentorship, continuous learning, and professional involvement — including AHRA’s Leaders of Choice program — have shaped her approach to leadership.

The conversation also covers the leadership training program Ramos developed at Shannon Health, which has grown from a pilot group to a broader initiative supporting dozens of new leaders. She offers practical insights on building confidence, navigating imposter syndrome, and creating space for others to grow.

Editor’s note: Read more about Ramos’ work developing a leadership training program at Shannon Health in her article “Leaders of Choice Spotlight: How I’m Building a Leadership Training Program.”

AHRA: The Association for Medical Imaging Management provides medical imaging professionals with education, training, insights, and community expertise to grow as healthcare leaders.

Founded in 1973, our professional organization is a catalyst for healthcare improvement by setting the standard on quality care, innovative use of technologies, and best practices in medical imaging management.

Learn more and connect with us at ahra.org.

Hosted by Jason Newmark, Featuring Josh Block and Bill Algee, CRA, FAHRA 

In the latest episode of Medical Imaging Matters, AHRA Executive Director Jason Newmark sits down with leadership pros and longtime AHRA members Bill Algee and Josh Block to unpack what it really means to lead in today’s healthcare landscape. 

This conversation dives deep into the real challenges and rewards of leadership in medical imaging. Josh breaks down his three Es framework — equip, encourage, empower — and how it shapes thriving teams. Bill shares candid stories about learning from mistakes, building trust, and why vulnerability is a leadership strength. 

From navigating generational shifts in the workplace to creating cultures where people feel seen, heard, and valued, they offer fresh, practical insights that will resonate whether you're leading a department or just starting to find your voice as a leader.

Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode   

• Connect With Josh Block on LinkedIn
• Connect With Bill Algee on LinkedIn

AHRA: The Association for Medical Imaging Management provides medical imaging professionals with education, training, insights, and community expertise to grow as healthcare leaders.

Founded in 1973, our professional organization is a catalyst for healthcare improvement by setting the standard on quality care, innovative use of technologies, and best practices in medical imaging management.

Learn more and connect with us at ahra.org.

Negotiation — it’s a skill that’s often thought of when ironing out a deal or getting the best price on a piece of equipment. In reality, however, negotiation is an act that happens every day in our professional and personal lives and is a hallmark of a strong leader. 

Tune in as AHRA Executive Director Jason Newmark sits down with Dr. Josh Weiss, a leading expert in negotiation, to unpack the fundamentals of this practice and how it applies to the world of medical imaging. 

Joining them is AHRA President Mario Pistilli, to offer his perspective on honing this critical skill. He draws on his personal experience, as well as his current role as the executive director of imaging services at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. 

From understanding the role of emotion in negotiation, to ways active listening plays a key role, the pitfalls of compromise, and more, this episode will leave you with several a-ha moments you’ll want to put into practice right away. 

Interested in learning more from Dr. Weiss? Join us Saturday, August 2 for his pre-conference workshop ahead of the AHRA Annual Meeting in Las Vegas. This hands-on workshop is designed for professionals of all levels, offering proven strategies and small group exercises. 

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Joshua Weiss, PhD, is the cofounder of the Global Negotiation Initiative at Harvard University, a Senior Fellow at the Harvard Negotiation Project, and the director and creator of the Master of Science degree in Leadership and Negotiation at Bay Path University. 

Mario Pistilli, DBA, FACHE, FAHRA, CRA, CNMT, is the AHRA 2024-2025 president and executive director of imaging services at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode   

• Connect With Dr. Weiss on LinkedIn
• Connect With Mario Pistilli on LinkedIn
• joshuanweiss.com 
• 2025 Annual Meeting Workshop, Re “Imaging” Negotiation
• 2025 Annual Meeting Registration 

AHRA: The Association for Medical Imaging Management provides medical imaging professionals with education, training, insights, and community expertise to grow as healthcare leaders.

Founded in 1973, our professional organization is a catalyst for healthcare improvement by setting the standard on quality care, innovative use of technologies, and best practices in medical imaging management.

Learn more and connect with us at ahra.org.

In this episode of Medical Imaging Matters, we’re sharing an episode from Frame by Frame: Rethink Imaging, a podcast from our partners at Imalogix. 

Tune in as Olav Christianson, vice president of clinical strategy at Imalogix, joins host Chris St. John to break down upcoming mandatory reporting measures for CT radiation dose and image quality. 

With deep experience in medical physics and direct involvement in the foundations of this CMS measure, Olav shares expert insight on steps to ensure your practice is ready for mandatory reporting in 2027, translation software needs, and implementation strategies.

Frame by Frame: Rethink Imaging is a podcast that delves into the fascinating world of radiology, offering a fresh perspective on medical imaging and its impact on patient care and healthcare outcomes. The podcast, hosted by Chris St. John, aims to bridge the gap between complex radiological concepts and the curious mind, from seasoned professionals to radiology enthusiasts.

Olav Christianson is the vice president of clinical strategy at Imalogix, bringing over a decade of experience in medical physics and clinical consulting to the field of radiation dose monitoring and image quality analysis.

AHRA: The Association for Medical Imaging Management provides medical imaging professionals with education, training, insights, and community expertise to grow as healthcare leaders.

Founded in 1973, our professional organization is a catalyst for healthcare improvement by setting the standard on quality care, innovative use of technologies, and best practices in medical imaging management.

Learn more and connect with us at ahra.org.

In this episode of Medical Imaging Matters, AHRA Executive Director Jason Newmark sits down with Nathan Baugh of Capitol Associates and Melody Mulaik of R3 to discuss the regulatory and legislative landscape in healthcare and its effects on medical imaging. 

Tune in as they share their expertise on complex issues, from the reduction of government spending to the potential effects on Medicare and Medicaid, updates around remote scanning and MRI safety codes, and more. 

As two members of AHRA’s Regulatory Affairs Committee and experts in this space, Nathan and Melody offer a thoughtful primer for medical imaging leaders to stay informed and understand the implications of recent regulatory and policy activity.

Nathan Baugh is a principal at Capitol Associates Inc., and a member of the AHRA Regulatory Affairs Committee.  

Melody W. Mulaik, MSHS, CRA, FAHRA, is the chief operating officer of R3 (RCCS, Regents Health Resources, and RC Billing). She is a current member and past chair of the AHRA Regulatory Affairs Committee. 

Resources Mentioned in This Episode   

·       AHRA Regulatory Affairs website

·       Capitol Insights Newsletter

·       MR Remote Scanning Guidance Document

·       AHRA Forum

·       Radiology Management

·       AHRA 2025 Annual Meeting

AHRA: The Association for Medical Imaging Management provides medical imaging professionals with education, training, insights, and community expertise to grow as healthcare leaders.

Founded in 1973, our professional organization is a catalyst for healthcare improvement by setting the standard on quality care, innovative use of technologies, and best practices in medical imaging management.

Learn more and connect with us at ahra.org.

Medical Imaging Matters, a podcast from AHRA, is pleased to bring you a special episode focused on artificial intelligence (AI) and the ways it is transforming patient-centric care.  

Learn how Dr. Alexander McKinney and Dr. Jean Jose from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine are leveraging this technology to transform workflows in their outpatient center and uncover patients’ needs for acute care in the moment. 

Plus, they’ll share how they gained buy in from hospital administration to implement AI, considerations for vetting partners, and the value this tool brings to the profession at large. 

Ready to dive into the world of AI? Tune in to learn how this emerging technology is shaping the future of radiology.

This episode was produced in partnership with and is generously sponsored by Aidoc.

Aidoc is at the forefront of clinical artificial intelligence (AI), empowering healthcare teams with the right information at the right time to enable quicker diagnoses and better patient outcomes. 

Powered by the Aidoc aiOS platform, Aidoc’s AI works seamlessly behind the scenes, ensuring no patient falls through the cracks while allowing clinicians to focus on what matters most. Aidoc and AI are not just the future of healthcare — they’re changing how healthcare is practiced today.

Learn more at https://www.aidoc.com. 

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Dr. Alexander McKinney is the chair and professor of the department of radiology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. 

Dr. Jean Jose is professor of radiology and associate vice chair of IT at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. 

Jason Newmark is the executive director of AHRA and host of this episode. 

AHRA: The Association for Medical Imaging Management provides medical imaging professionals with education, training, insights, and community expertise to grow as healthcare leaders.

Founded in 1973, our professional organization is a catalyst for healthcare improvement by setting the standard on quality care, innovative use of technologies, and best practices in medical imaging management.

Learn more and connect with us at ahra.org.