
Ep. 581 IR Physicians as Key Decision-Makers in Health Systems with Dr. Howard Chrisman
Oct 14, 2025
Join Dr. Howard Chrisman, the President and CEO of Northwestern Medicine, as he shares his inspiring journey from aspiring veterinarian to a leading figure in interventional radiology. He emphasizes the crucial role of mentorship and self-awareness in healthcare leadership. Discover how he navigates the intersection of clinical and administrative worlds, addresses specialty bias, and fosters collaboration. The discussion also explores the transformative impact of AI on radiology and offers insight into the evolving roles of physicians in health systems.
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Longstanding Mentor Relationship
- Dr. Howard Chrisman met Sabine Dhand in 2006 and mentored her through research and early IR exposure.
- Their long-term relationship included personal favors like setting up Wi‑Fi named 'Dr. Legend' and shaped career paths.
From Pre‑Vet To CEO
- Howard describes his path from aspiring veterinarian to interventional radiologist to CEO, citing mentors and an MBA.
- He credits mentors like Drs. Volga Zang, Nemchek, and Eric Russell plus family support for enabling his rise.
Lead With Self‑Awareness And Listening
- Develop deep self-awareness and listen empathetically to diverse viewpoints to lead effectively.
- Surround yourself with people smarter than you and include them in decisions to breed success.
