UCSF Health Radiology Business Affairs Manager Devin Dixon, CRA, R.T.(R)(CT)(MR), entered the realm of diagnostic imaging because he wanted to be like his parents and help people. He is doing that and more based on the strong nomination ICE Magazine received to highlight his work.
“I am writing to enthusiastically nominate Devin, our dedicated radiology business manager, for a feature in ICE Magazine. Devin’s unwavering commitment to fostering learning and development in radiology leadership makes him an exceptional candidate for recognition,” writes Alpana Patel Camilli, Manager of Interventional Radiology & Neuroendovascular Surgery University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Health. “Devin has consistently demonstrated a passion for supporting various modalities within radiology, striving to enhance understanding and bridge knowledge gaps among team members. His efforts go above and beyond, particularly in areas where expertise may be lacking, showcasing his dedication to the continuous improvement of our radiology department.”
“What sets Devin apart is not only his deep knowledge of the field but also his remarkable ability to communicate complex concepts in an accessible and engaging manner. Team members appreciate Devin’s openness, honesty and commitment to working with integrity, creating a positive and collaborative work environment,” the nomination continues. “In addition to his role as a business manager, Devin actively contributes to the professional growth of his colleagues, creating a culture of continuous learning and improvement. His leadership style inspires confidence, and his initiatives have a tangible impact on the overall success of our radiology team.”
Camilli adds, “We believe that featuring Devin in ICE Magazine would not only highlight his outstanding contributions but also provide valuable insights and inspiration for radiology professionals across the industry. We are confident that his story will resonate with your readers and contribute to the ongoing dialogue about excellence in radiology leadership.”
Dixon explains his entry into the field of diagnostic imaging.
“At a young age, I knew I didn’t want to go to a four-year college. My mother worked in a hospital setting and my father was a volunteer firefighter. I knew I wanted to help people as a career, but landed on radiology after an exploratory careers class that led me to a health occupations course in high school,” Dixon says. “After getting my feet wet with multiple health care experiences, it furthered my interest in radiology due to its many mini career paths with different modalities with different technologies that are ever changing.”
After a successful start to his career, Dixon faced a shift right as the COVID-19 pandemic started.
“In the beginning of 2019, I was able to reinvent myself. I transitioned from a clinical MRI supervisor role into a newly created role as business affairs manager. Our radiology department is roughly 500 FTEs across technologist, nurses, schedulers, radiology IT, and various other roles. The role was new, and it allowed me the opportunity to learn and support managers, supervisors, and front line staff in ways that I would have not been able to before,” Dixon says. “Together we’ve been able to accomplish many highly successful continuous improvement projects through budget driven initiatives.”
He loves his job, especially how no two days are the same.
“Every day is different. When I was in a clinical role, every patient presented a unique experience and challenge on how to get the best images possible. I loved to nerd out on MRI physics and manipulate inputs to balance signal and noise,” Dixon explains. “Today, I get to play with numbers, but now they are focused on budgets and KPIs across all of radiology. Today, I may be working on a proforma for a new imaging center, tomorrow I may be working on a business contract for patient parking.”
Dixon explains that he tries to motivate and inspire the people that he works “for” on a daily basis.
“I work for my staff. If I can meet them where they are, lift them up, and engage them, then as a team we can move forward in the same direction in an effective and efficient manner,” he says. “Another method I employee is that I want to educate them to take my job. By doing so, it promotes professional development and diverse skill sets across the team.”
When asked what else he wants to share with ICE Magazine readers, Dixon says, “Challenge yourself and don’t be afraid of failure. If you’re thinking about reading that book, volunteering at a community garden, or jumping to a new scary job, do it. Don’t let the fear of being bad at something get in the way. After you get your feet under you, you’ll do great.”
1. What is the last book you read? “Noise: A Flaw in Human Judgment”
2. Favorite movie? “Pulp Fiction”
3. What is something most of your coworkers don’t know about you? I’m a dog person at heart.
4. Who is your mentor? Unofficially Kim Berry. She’s been a very positive influence to challenge me in my workflow processes and professional development.
5. What is one thing you do every morning to start your day? Feed the cats, make coffee, read the news, then take a deep breath to start the day.
6. Best advice you ever received? Adapt and overcome
7. Who has had the biggest influence on your life? My mother. She’s a gem!
8. What would your superpower be? To be in the NBA
9. What are your hobbies? Gardening, fantasy sports (it’s a great way to talk trash to old friends a few months out of the year), and woodworking
10.What is your perfect meal? It’s hard to pick just one, but having a ribeye steak cooked medium rare, mashed potatoes with gravy, roasted brussels sprouts with an ice-cold beer overlooking the ocean on an outdoor patio sounds pretty perfect.
