A breast imaging radiologist shares her philosophy on making meaningful impact through patient care, mentorship, responsible AI integration, and courageous leadership in healthcare.
Her Story
About Zi (Jill)
I am a physician and radiologist specializing in breast imaging. My journey has taken me from medical school at Capital Medical University in Beijing to earning a Master of Science in Clinical Epidemiology from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, followed by diagnostic radiology residency training at Harlem Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center and fellowships in breast imaging and imaging informatics at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. I served as an Assistant Professor of Radiology at Jefferson Einstein Hospital before joining the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, where I currently serve as an Assistant Professor of Radiology and Associate Program Director for the Diagnostic Radiology Residency Program.
Beyond my clinical practice, I host RSNA Unscripted, a video interview series featured across the social media channels of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), one of the world’s largest radiology societies. Through conversations with radiology leaders about innovation, career development, and the lessons they wish they had learned earlier in their careers, my goal is to make mentorship more accessible and inspire the next generation of physician leaders. I am passionate about advancing patient care, physician leadership, and using micro-learning, storytelling, and innovation to help shape the future of healthcare.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Zi (Jill)
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the hardships I’ve faced. Challenges have pushed me to grow, become more resilient, and discover strengths I didn’t know I had. They’ve also taught me the importance of staying focused on a long-term vision, even when it requires difficult decisions or short-term sacrifices.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I received came from my grandfather. He encouraged me to take risks because he had been cautious throughout his life and regretted not taking more chances. That advice has stayed with me throughout my career. Whenever I’ve stepped outside my comfort zone and taken thoughtful risks, they have led to some of my most meaningful opportunities and personal growth.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Stay true to yourself and don’t let other people’s expectations define your path. The greatest impact comes from embracing your unique strengths and passions. If you want to create value for our society, start by being your authentic self and pursuing the work that genuinely inspires you.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest opportunities in our field is to lead the responsible clinical integration of artificial intelligence to improve patient care and transform clinical practice. At the same time, I believe we have to walk on two feet: embrace AI and emerging technologies while continuing to build meaningful human relationships with our patients, colleagues, and care teams. Technology can enhance how we practice, but it cannot replace empathy, collaboration, or trust. Keep learning, invest in new skills, and focus on creating long-lasting value rather than chasing short-term rewards.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Making a meaningful impact is the value that guides both my work and my personal life. While pursuing my Master of Science in Clinical Epidemiology at the University of Pennsylvania, one lesson became deeply ingrained in me: our work should make a real difference in society. That philosophy has stayed with me throughout my career. Whether it’s caring for patients, mentoring future physicians, or advancing the responsible use of artificial intelligence, I hope to contribute in ways that improve healthcare and leave a positive impact—not only for our generation, but for our children and future generations to come. I believe true leadership is about creating lasting change that benefits our society and helps make the world a better place.
Her Content Hub
Articles by Zi (Jill)
Why Making an Impact Matters More Than Chasing Success
Why impact, not accolades, should drive your career in medicine and beyond.
Making an Impact
When people ask me what motivates me, my answer has never been a title, an award, or a promotion. It's impact.
That perspective became deeply ingrained in me while pursuing my Master of Science in Clinical Epidemiology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. One lesson stayed with me long after graduation: our work should make a meaningful difference in society. That idea has guided nearly every major decision I've made since.
As a breast imaging radiologist, I have the privilege of caring for patients during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Every screening mammogram, every difficult conversation, and every biopsy is an opportunity to make a difference for an individual and their family. Medicine has reminded me that impact is often measured not by grand gestures, but by showing up consistently for the people who trust us with their care.
Over time, I realized that making an impact extends far beyond the reading room.
Mentorship and Education
As an Associate Program Director for a diagnostic radiology residency program, I have the opportunity to mentor future physicians. Through education, I hope to help develop not only excellent radiologists but also compassionate leaders who will shape healthcare for decades to come.
That same belief inspired me to host RSNA Unscripted, a video interview series featured across the social media channels of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), one of the world's largest radiology societies. Through conversations with leaders in radiology, we discuss leadership, innovation, career development, and the lessons they wish they had learned earlier in their careers. My hope is simple: to make mentorship more accessible to physicians, regardless of where they train or practice.
Artificial Intelligence
Another area where I believe we have a tremendous opportunity to create impact is artificial intelligence.
AI is transforming healthcare, but technology alone will never define the future of medicine. I often say that we need to walk on two feet: one grounded in emerging technologies and the other in meaningful human relationships. We should lead the responsible clinical integration of artificial intelligence in ways that improve patient care while never losing sight of empathy, collaboration, and trust. Technology should amplify humanity—not replace it.
Meaningful Impact Requires Courage
Throughout my career, I have also learned that meaningful impact requires courage. Some of the most rewarding opportunities I've had came from stepping outside my comfort zone, taking thoughtful risks, and pursuing a long-term vision rather than immediate rewards. Growth rarely happens when we simply meet expectations; it happens when we are willing to create our own path.
If I could leave one message for the next generation of healthcare professionals, especially young women entering medicine, it would be this: Stay true to yourself. Don't let other people's expectations define your path. The greatest impact comes from embracing your unique strengths, pursuing work that genuinely inspires you, and using your talents in service of others.
Success may be measured in titles or accomplishments, but impact is measured by the lives we improve.
If each of us strives to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, together we can build a healthier, more compassionate, and more innovative future for generations to come.
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