RSNA Member Spotlight: Gretchen E. Green, MD

What or who sparked your interest in radiology?

During medical school at Brown, I initially thought I would pursue emergency medicine. But during a radiology elective, a radiologist asked me to list pathology of the terminal ileum—and I gave a differential diagnosis with around 14 different explanations for the imaging findings. The attending radiologist looked at me and said, “You’re not an ER doc. You’re going to be a radiologist.”  

I realized he was right. That same attending then gave me Lucy Frank Squire's slide-based radiology course to study, and after every day's rotation I would race back to the hospital to complete more modules. Being able to use physics and energy to see into the human body was an absolute revelation to me. 

I was fortunate to have incredible mentors at Brown, Yale and Harvard who helped me identify my strengths and find such a perfect match in radiology.

I was drawn to radiology’s unique blend of technology, anatomy and problem-solving. It was the field where I felt I could have the broadest impact—working across specialties to diagnose disease, guide treatment and educate patients. Importantly, as a radiologist in women’s imaging, I wanted to be the face of patient-centered radiology—proving we’re not just in dark rooms behind computers but are instead actively partnering with patients and fellow physicians to improve care.

Radiology gave me the tools to see clearly—literally and metaphorically—which became a foundation for the rest of my career. 

What has been your best professional accomplishment?

Becoming the first woman physician commercial astronaut was a tremendous milestone—not just personally, but symbolically. It represented the merging of medicine, education and adventure.

But I’m equally proud of founding The Expert Resource, where I teach physicians to apply their radiology and clinical skills as expert witnesses. Helping doctors gain clarity, confidence and new purpose, while ultimately improving patient care, is one of the most meaningful ways I’ve built on my radiology career.  

As a fellow in Women’s Imaging at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, I co-authored the first of two breast imaging textbooks—the second was written and published later during my time as an attending physician—and later served as a reviewer for RSNA annual meeting education exhibits.

And as a breast imager, I was always proud to champion radiology as a visible, patient-facing specialty. I wanted patients to feel seen and heard—to understand that radiology isn’t hidden, but central to their care. 

What has been the biggest challenge you have faced in your career?

The biggest challenge was learning to give myself permission to pivot. Leaving a successful clinical practice to pursue education, entrepreneurship and eventually spaceflight required letting go of familiar identity markers. 

Radiology taught me to synthesize information and navigate complexity—skills that helped me step confidently into new roles. I now coach others to do the same, including physicians seeking fulfillment beyond traditional clinical work.

I teach physicians how to launch and build expert witness businesses that put their clinical training to work in a new way.  

What RSNA resources do you use to assist you with your professional development and in your daily practice?

I served as a RadioGraphics breast imaging panel reviewer for RSNA annual meeting education exhibits, an experience that deepened my commitment to high-quality teaching. RadioGraphics is also an invaluable resource in the medicolegal world because of how effectively it visually conveys complex radiology topics, helping radiologists explain imaging findings to lawyers, juries and judges.  

The RSNA annual meeting has always been a cornerstone for learning and professional connection. RSNA’s resources have shaped my understanding of both imaging and impact. 

Is there any crossover between your career in radiology and your passion for space travel?

Absolutely. Radiology trained me to interpret subtle signs, communicate with clarity and make decisions under uncertainty—all essential for spaceflight. As a radiologist, I built expertise in anatomy, technology and safety; as an astronaut, those skills helped me train, fly and now teach others about space.

I'm honored to be a Fellow of both the American College of Radiology and the American Association for Women Radiologists, reflecting a lifelong commitment to advancement and inclusion within organized medicine.  

Space has always been a dream, but also a lens through which I’ve shaped my goals, leadership and service. My academic background in the history of women in medicine also gives me a deep appreciation for how historical perspective shapes new experiences.

As a women’s imaging radiologist, I was proud to show that radiologists can lead from the front, not just behind the screen. We are the doctor’s doctor, yes; but we’re also advocates, educators and visible contributors to team-based, patient-centered care. I am truly fortunate to have been at the beginning stages of imaging technology influencing patient care—and now, part of how technology is opening up exploration of the universe.

Whether in the reading room or on a rocket, I’ve always been driven by the same goal: to explore, educate and elevate others. 

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