In Focus

IN

MICHELLE DOSSA FOCUS

Michelle Dossa, Ph.D., RT(R), is an imaging leader at University Hospitals of Cleveland.

michelle Dossa, Ph.D., RT(R), serves as University Hospitals of Cleveland’s radiology director, west market. Her career journey, like that of many of her peers, followed a discovery that married her interests of patient care and technology.

Dossa explained that she attended Ohio State University focused on moving on to medical school to become a physician. Her plans changed because “organic chemistry lab and I did not get along.”

“I started to explore allied health fields and found the rad tech program there. I found the mix of patient care and technology very interesting. Over time, I completed my master’s in management and my Ph.D. in organizational leadership,” she said.

Dossa lists earning a Ph.D. in organizational leadership as her greatest accomplishment. She explained that it took six and a half years of very little sleep and lots of learning. In the end, she said that it was “incredibly challenging and worth the sleepless nights.”

Her career choice also ranks among her top decisions. Dossa said she loves her job because, “I am so fortunate to work with amazing people who band together to provide great care for our patients and each other. My work family is the best. My current role has given me a great opportunity to learn, support the team I lead and make positive change in our organization.”

“Leadership is all about building relationships, setting expectations and understanding what motivates each person to perform at the highest level,” Dossa added. “It requires taking time to get to know your team and each person’s talents/aspirations. Once you know that, you can find opportunities for

the team to shine and grow.”

Her position also gives her a unique perspective to view an exciting and challenging time in diagnostic imaging

“I’m excited to see how artificial and augmented intelligence impacts imaging. And, given the demanding business environment we are in, how imaging reacts/responds to those challenges – how we address staffing shortages, recruitment/retention, employee satisfaction,” Dossa said.

She sees a need for creative and positive leadership to navigate the challenges.

Leadership styles vary and Dossa leans on her experiences as a high school athlete.

“I played sports growing up – tennis and volleyball. My high school volleyball coach, in particular, was a great mentor. He taught me how to work with others as a team – each member playing their position, focus on fundamentals. I was the setter so anyone who knows volleyball knows you set others up for their big hits. That translates to my work as a leader today – you need to set your team up for their big hits,” Dossa said. “He also taught us how to win and lose together. Resilience when you lose and good sportsmanship when you win.”

Her parents also played a vital role in shaping her leadership style. She said that lessons about hard work and expecting a lot out of herself and others helped shaped who she is today.

“They taught me the importance of setting goals and working toward them. The importance of caring for those around you, volunteering your time and doing what is right when no one is watching,” she added.

She credits all of her mentors with teaching her the importance of humility.

“Be humble,” is a lesson she said she learned. “You do not know everything and need to have a strong team around you with many different talents. The moment you think you have this leadership thing all sewn up – that is when the bus comes and runs you over.”

Looking back, Dossa said diagnostic imaging was the perfect choice for her when she shifted her focus as an undergraduate student.

“Having been in imaging for 30 years, and in leadership for 20 of those years, I have no regrets. Imaging is an incredibly rewarding profession and I have been so blessed to meet many wonderful technologists, radiologists, nurses, etcetera throughout my career,” she said. “The best days are when you hear from a patient saying how great the care received was and you can recognize team members for that care.” •

MICHELLE DOSSA

PhD, RT(R), Radiology Director, West Market

1. What is the last book you read? Or, what book are you

reading currently? Just finished Colin Powell’s, “It Worked for Me In Life and Leadership” – great book! He shared leadership lessons he learned throughout his military and public service careers. “Take care of the troops” resonated – it is all about our people. We need to care for them and build them to be their best and they will never disappoint.

2. Favorite movie? “Goodfellas”

3. What is something most of your coworkers don’t know

about you? Not sure if they know or not, but in college I lived on an island for two summers working OSU residence and dining halls – Gibraltar Island in Lake Erie. Ohio State has a biological field station there called Stone Lab. Two very fun summers many, many years ago.

4. Who is your mentor? I’ve been fortunate to have many mentors – my parents, high school coaches, my Ph.D. chair, leaders I have worked for. Our new leadership team – vice presidents, directors and our chairs. There is something to learn from everyone we encounter.

5. What is one thing you do every morning to start your day?

Always get up on the first try and never hit the snooze button. 6. Best advice you ever received? First words my Ph.D. chair ever said to me. “I’m not interested in your uninformed opinion.” He wanted me to do my homework/research on a topic before speaking. Bring your ideas forward with supporting documentation. That advice has served me well.

7. Who has had the biggest influence on your life? My parents – they worked hard and supported me in whatever I wanted to do; valued education, honesty, and hard work. I am grateful to them every day for instilling those values in me.

8. What would your superpower be? The ability to stop time – have infinite amount of time to do everything I want to do.

9. What are your hobbies? Love being outdoors – Cleveland has great metroparks. Ohio State football of course (Go Bucks!) and always rooting for the Cleveland sports teams. Spending time with family and friends. Travel – especially to places with a lot of history. History – I love reading books about political figures and their leadership.

10. What is your perfect meal? Filet medium rare with sautéed veggies from J Gilberts. One is located in Columbus, Ohio and another in McLean, Virginia. Check them out if you are in the neighborhood.