Her Story
About Alicia
Alicia (Vella) Rayder serves as Director of Radiation, CT, Health Information and Referral Services at Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY, where she provides leadership in oncology care, imaging services, and clinical operations. With more than 16 years of experience in healthcare, Alicia has built a career focused on patient advocacy, compassionate care, and clinical excellence. Her areas of expertise include oncology, hematology, critical care nursing, advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), radiation services, and healthcare leadership. She is dedicated to ensuring patients receive safe, personalized, and high-quality care throughout their treatment journey. Alicia began her nursing career in 2010 as a Registered Nurse in the Medical Intensive Care Unit at Upstate Medical University, where she developed a strong foundation in critical care. She later earned her Master of Science in Family Nurse Practice from SUNY Upstate Medical University and became an Adult Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP). During her tenure at Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY, Alicia advanced from Nurse Practitioner to Nursing Manager and ultimately to Director of Radiation, CT, Health Information and Referral Services. She is recognized for her ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, improve healthcare operations, mentor professionals, and enhance the patient experience. She contributed to the development and implementation of a geriatric oncology program, bispecific and radiopharmaceutical program at Hematology Oncology Associates of CNY. Her commitment to advancing oncology care is further demonstrated through her contributions to research and educational presentations focused on supportive oncology and targeted cancer therapies. Alicia attributes her success to curiosity, consistency, and collaboration. She's always been willing to learn, take on challenges, build strong relationships, and focus on improving systems rather than simply maintaining them. Inspired by her family’s healthcare background, she has remained committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and their families while continuing to pursue professional growth, including future goals of earning an MBA. Outside of her career, Alicia enjoys spending time on the water, preparing meals for family and friends, and bringing people together. She believes in maintaining strong personal connections and bringing the same values of empathy, honesty, and care into both her professional and personal life.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Alicia
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my dedication, unwavering commitment, and genuine passion for the work I do. I believe that consistently showing up with integrity, compassion, and a commitment to making a positive impact has been instrumental in my professional growth. I am also incredibly grateful for the encouragement and support of my family, friends, mentors, and colleagues, whose belief in me has provided the foundation and motivation to achieve my goals and continue striving for excellence.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received came from an exceptional physician who was not only a co-founder of my organization but also became a trusted mentor throughout my career. His guidance, knowledge, and willingness to share his experiences helped me grow both as a healthcare provider and as a leader. He encouraged me to continue learning, remain dedicated to my patients, and approach every challenge with confidence, compassion, and integrity. His mentorship has had a lasting impact on my professional journey and the way I lead and support others in healthcare.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the healthcare industry is to recognize that the opportunities available to them are limitless. Healthcare continues to evolve, creating meaningful pathways for those who are passionate about making a difference. I encourage women to pursue areas that align with their interests, remain open to growth, and embrace every opportunity to learn and develop their skills. The ability to provide guidance, deliver compassionate care, and build genuine relationships with patients is one of the most rewarding aspects of this profession, and the impact we make in people’s lives is truly meaningful.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest challenges I face in my field is balancing the responsibilities of leading multiple departments while ensuring I provide strong support to my teams, our patients, and the broader community. Healthcare leadership requires dedication, adaptability, and the ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining a high standard of care. At the same time, I strive to be fully present in my personal life, especially as a wife and mother of two children. Finding balance between my professional commitments and my family responsibilities is an ongoing journey, but one that continues to strengthen my leadership, resilience, and ability to support others.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are integrity, honesty, compassion, empathy, and genuine care for others. I was inspired by my family to develop a servant’s heart and carry that mindset into my role in healthcare. These values guide the way I support my patients, my team, and my community, reminding me of the importance of treating every person with respect and understanding. I find great fulfillment in knowing that my work allows me to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others and provide care and support when it matters most.
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