When Jose E. Rodriguez graduated high school, he wasn’t sure what career path to follow. A trip overseas to live with his sister and brother-in-law in Germany helped set his course toward what would become a distinguished career in medical imaging.
“I knew I wanted to work in healthcare,” Rodriguez said. “I walked through the local clinic and asked staff members for advice. Ten out of 11 people pointed me to radiology.”
After speaking with a radiologic technologist, he was convinced. Rodriguez entered the field by enlisting in the U.S. Army as an E-1 Radiology Specialist, a decision that launched what would become a 25-year journey dedicated to clinical excellence, leadership and advocacy.
Today, Rodriguez serves as director of radiology clinical operations at the University of Kansas Health System and as an adjunct instructor for Southwest University at El Paso, where he helps train the next generation of radiology leaders.
Lifelong Commitment to Excellence
Rodriguez holds a master’s degree in healthcare administration with a concentration in quality management, a bachelor’s in radiologic sciences, and numerous advanced certifications, including Certified Radiology Administrator (CRA), Certified Healthcare Finance Professional (CHFP), and Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ). He is also ARRT-registered in radiography, computed tomography, and quality management.
Throughout his career, Rodriguez has held leadership roles in numerous professional organizations, including the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT), the American Healthcare Radiology Administrators (AHRA), and the Radiology Administration Certification Commission (RACC), where he currently serves as a commissioner, secretary, and co-chair of the CRA Job Task Analysis Committee. He is also a past president of the Texas Society of Radiologic Technologists.
Advocacy as a Legacy
Rodriguez counts his advocacy efforts as his greatest professional accomplishment.
“My greatest accomplishment is every current and future technologist, leader, and policy I’ve influenced,” he said. “Even when there’s no direct recognition, knowing that I’ve helped shape the profession is what matters most.”
Rodriguez’s leadership philosophy was shaped early during his Army leadership training, where he learned that integrity, accountability, and hard work are the cornerstones of success. His approach centers around mentorship, growth, and creating a cohesive, patient-centered culture.
“I believe in leading by example and building a team that feels valued and supported,” he said. “Every discussion, whether it’s with a 40-year veteran or a new graduate, is a learning opportunity.”
Rodriguez is passionate about mentoring but notes the biggest challenge is being asked. “There are so many experienced leaders willing to mentor if someone would just ask,” he said.
He volunteers his time mentoring through platforms like the AHRA Mentor Program, milmentor.com, and alumni networks, encouraging new leaders to believe in themselves even when self-doubt creeps in.
“No one feels completely ready for the next role,” he said. “Trust in your decisions, learn from your mistakes, and remember – you know more than you think you do.”
Lessons from Personal Tragedy
Rodriguez’s commitment to patient-centered care deepened following a personal tragedy in 2020 when one of his twin daughters passed away after a car accident.
“Sitting in the ICU, making life-altering decisions while trying to hold it together, I experienced firsthand the impact of compassionate healthcare,” he said. “Every physician, nurse, housekeeper, technologist – every role mattered. That experience reaffirmed why we must give our best to patients and families at their most vulnerable.”
His daughter’s organ donation saved two lives that day, a testament to the values of service and sacrifice that Rodriguez carries with him both personally and professionally.
Looking to the Future of Imaging
Rodriguez sees artificial intelligence (AI) and innovation as critical tools to address the growing staffing shortages facing the imaging field.
“AI will reshape education, workflows, and clinical processes to meet patient needs more efficiently,” he said.
He’s also inspired by the rising leaders in the field, mentioning several names as future stars, including Brooke Lockridge, David Poon, Jose Melendez, Leah Hudkins, Lisa Welch, and Rachel Thiesse-Yount.
Beyond the Workplace
Rodriguez balances his professional passion with family life, hobbies, and self-care. He’s a devoted husband and father, a Marvel movie enthusiast, and starts every morning with a necessary dose of caffeine. He also credits much of his leadership approach to the influence of mentors, family, and spiritual leaders who instilled in him the values of compassion, patience, and humility.
Asked for the best advice he ever received, Rodriguez doesn’t hesitate: “Always lead with integrity, humility, and a heart for others.”
1. What is the last book you read? “The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership” by John C. Maxwell
2. What is your favorite movie? Any Marvel Cinematic Universe film
3. What is your morning routine? Caffeinate first – brain function second
4. What is the best advice you have received? Always lead with integrity, humility, and compassion.
15. What isyour biggest life influence? Unwavering examples of compassion and patience
