Her Story
About Melissa
Melissa Mietzel, MS, is an experienced healthcare leader and Managing Director of the Michigan Radiation Oncology Quality Consortium (MROQC) at Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan. With more than 20 years of experience in clinical research and academic medicine, she specializes in radiation oncology quality improvement, research operations, strategic planning, and collaborative program management. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Human Biology from Michigan State University and her Master of Science in Medical Sciences from Wayne State University School of Medicine. In 2025, she was recognized as a PASQUAL Scholar through the Michigan Medicine Department of Quality.
As Managing Director, Melissa provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for a statewide collaborative dedicated to improving the quality and value of radiation oncology care. She leads a multidisciplinary coordinating team supporting more than 25 participating facilities through evidence-based quality improvement initiatives, data analytics, clinical workflows, and stakeholder engagement. Her responsibilities include strategic planning, budgeting, staff development, performance oversight, and collaboration with radiation oncology practices, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, and national stakeholders. Throughout her tenure at MROQC, she has helped advance quality measurement, strengthen collaborative operations, and support research dissemination and innovation.
Melissa is also committed to advancing cancer research, improving patient outcomes, and promoting evidence-based healthcare delivery. She serves as a board member of the Michigan Cancer Consortium and co-leads its Clinical Trials Workgroup, supporting efforts to improve access to and navigation of cancer clinical trials. Her professional affiliations include the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO), and she is pursuing Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. Guided by the belief that patients should remain at the center of quality improvement, Melissa values continuous learning, adaptability, collaboration, and developing future leaders.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Melissa
01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Change should not be feared because quality improvement is a continuous cycle of evolution, with patients always serving as our North Star. The Plan-Do-Study-Act cycle reinforces that improvement is an ongoing process, making every day an opportunity to learn, adapt, and make care better.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't be afraid to spread your wings and try new things, even when they feel unfamiliar. Take chances when you have a strong support system. Coaching others is incredibly rewarding, and one of my proudest accomplishments is watching team members grow into leaders while building an environment that encourages them to stay and thrive.
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