University Hospitals Radiology Director, Academic Market Michelle Nocera, MBA, CRA, CIIP, RT (R)(CT)(M) serves in Cleveland, Ohio. She sees a “limitless potential for diagnostics” in the imaging field. A field in which she excels as a leader.
Her imaging career began when a couple of great friends in the nursing field guided Nocera to radiology.
“When I began radiology school and started my clinical rotations, is the moment I fell in love with the field,” she explains. “Radiology offered many opportunities to grow and expand my knowledge. I started studying and achieving certifications in different modalities. Those accomplishments began my career path in radiology.”
Nocera continues to enjoy a successful career in imaging, but her greatest achievement is of a more personal nature.
“My greatest accomplishment is becoming a parent of two lovely children. My children changed my world. You cannot even imagine how much your heart can be filled with love,” she said. “I have an 11-and 15-year-old who keep me busy, and we have a lot of fun together.”
She loves her children and her job.
“Almost all patients have some type of imaging test in the course of their medical care. Radiology employees touch many lives and the results will impact the patient’s experience. Being able to be a part of that is very special and rewarding,” Nocera explained when asked why she loves her job. “Patient care and patient experience is one of the reasons I went into the field. I also love that the technology in radiology is continually changing and advancing. I love the challenge of
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constantly learning something new.”
“When I started in the radiology field, I realized imaging is truly the eyes of medicine – the different modalities, the ability to make a positive impact in a patient’s life, and the growth potential,” she added. “Now that I am in leadership, I can use my skills to help lead my employees to be the best they can be for our patients and themselves – I cannot imagine a more rewarding job.”
She describes her approach as “servant leadership.”
“Helping cultivate people to support their learning, development and growth fosters a sense of belonging, open communication and engagement not only with the leadership team but with all employees,” Nocera said. “I enjoy working with teams to create methods to improve their processes. Getting our employees involved and having them engaged and take ownership in effective and efficient end results is satisfying.”
Her leadership style is no doubt influenced by the mentors who have motivated, empowered and stimulated her growth over the years.
“I have had many mentors throughout my career. In my first full-time radiology job, my manager, Keith Marchand, pushed me to do my best in all areas, learn multiple modalities, have an understanding of what is involved with state inspections and ACR. He inspired me to always learn and grow and that I had the capability and possibility to excel in the field of radiology,” Nocera explained.
It was the belief others had in her along with shared wisdom that propelled her career.
“His encouragement led me to my next job and the growth opportunities my leaders in that organization offered me. The support I received from the leaders and radiologists was priceless. I learned how to become a better leader, listen to people and engage others to be better,” she said. “Because of all the support and guidance from my multiple mentors, I was able to help mentor a few people to further their careers in either leadership or informatic roles.”
Another exciting aspect of her career is “looking for challenges.” She said she is excited about the future of the field of radiology.
She is also excited about her “amazing husband and two wonderful children.”
“My daughter loves gymnastics and has been involved in the sport since she was 3. My son plays football and is currently a defensive end on the high school team. Sports keep us extremely busy,” Nocera said. “As with any family involved in sports, our schedules (both work and school) are always busy. Our weekends are focused on family time. We like to go to the movies, family game night and out to dinner. Doing things with our extended family is enjoyable and we get together often.”
Nocera thrives at work and at home with a supportive cast, but she seems to enjoy helping others just as much as her colleagues and family members enjoy assisting her. •
