Anand Lalaji MD is the co-founder and CEO of The Radiology Group, a company at the forefront of integrating artificial intelligence and advanced imaging technologies into modern healthcare. Born in Hell’s Kitchen, New York City, and later raised in Queens and Long Island, Lalaji’s journey has been shaped by a deep appreciation for science, medicine, and problem-solving. His father, a nuclear engineer, and his mother, an OB/GYN, instilled in him a relentless work ethic and an insatiable curiosity.
Lalaji pursued his education at The Bronx High School of Science, where his passion for learning flourished alongside his interests in varsity baseball, volleyball, and music. He later attended Binghamton University, followed by SUNY Downstate Medical Center for medical school. His medical training included an internship at Chestnut Hill Hospital (University of Pennsylvania), a radiology residency at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and a musculoskeletal radiology fellowship at Wake Forest University.
Beyond his groundbreaking work in radiology, Lalaji is an advocate for philanthropy, supporting women’s leadership in elite sports, mental health initiatives, and research for pancreatic cancer, ALS, and pediatric cancer. A firm believer in continuous learning and teamwork, he embodies a leadership style rooted in innovation, resilience, and purpose.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My day starts early, usually with a workout to clear my mind and set the right tone for the day. I then review the latest developments in radiology and AI-driven healthcare solutions, staying ahead of the curve. Mornings are filled with strategic meetings—whether with my team at The Radiology Group, healthcare partners, or AI specialists working on diagnostic advancements. Productivity for me is about focus. I prioritize tasks based on impact and ensure that I delegate effectively, allowing me to work on what truly moves the needle.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I start by questioning the status quo. Why are we doing things this way? Is there a better, faster, more accurate method? Once an idea takes shape, I collaborate with experts, whether it’s radiologists, AI developers, or data analysts. The key is iteration—testing concepts, gathering feedback, and refining until we arrive at a scalable solution. I also believe that execution is just as important as ideation. A great idea means nothing if you don’t take action.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The role of AI in radiology excites me the most. The ability of machine learning to assist in detecting diseases faster and more accurately than traditional methods is a game-changer. AI will not replace radiologists but will augment our ability to diagnose conditions earlier, personalize treatment plans, and improve overall patient outcomes.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
I maintain a ruthless prioritization of tasks. Every morning, I identify three key objectives that will drive the most impact that day. If it’s not urgent or important, I don’t let it consume my time. I also carve out deep focus blocks with zero interruptions, allowing me to fully engage with complex challenges.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t be afraid to fail fast and pivot. When I was younger, I wanted everything to go perfectly. Now, I understand that setbacks are part of growth. The faster you learn from failure and adapt, the quicker you’ll find success.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe perfection is the enemy of progress. Many people think you need everything to be flawless before launching an idea or making a decision. I’d rather execute at 80% and improve along the way than sit on an idea waiting for the perfect moment that never comes.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
I make time for critical thinking. We live in an era of information overload, but few people actually take time to sit, think, and strategize without distractions. I block out time to think through problems deeply rather than just reacting to them.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I step away and engage in something completely different—whether it’s sports, music, or just being outdoors. Snowboarding, golf, or even playing the drums allows me to reset mentally. Stepping away often leads to my best ideas and problem-solving breakthroughs.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
I surround myself with people who are smarter than me. Hiring the right talent, trusting their expertise, and empowering them to lead has been instrumental in scaling The Radiology Group.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early in my career, I underestimated the power of delegation and took on too much myself. It led to burnout and slowed growth. I learned to build a strong team and trust them. Now, I focus on high-level strategy while letting my team execute.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A real-time AI-driven second opinion tool for radiology. Patients should have access to an instant AI-powered analysis of their imaging before seeing a doctor. This could bridge the gap between patients and specialists while improving accuracy and accessibility.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Slack is a game-changer. It keeps my teams aligned, reduces email clutter, and allows for real-time collaboration no matter where I am.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
“The Hard Thing About Hard Things” by Ben Horowitz. It’s an honest, unfiltered look at leadership, making tough decisions, and navigating the chaos of running a business.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently watched The Social Dilemma. It was fascinating and concerning at the same time—highlighting how algorithms shape our decisions and the ethics of technology. It made me reflect on how AI, if used responsibly, can be a force for good in healthcare.
Key learnings
AI in radiology is the future – it won’t replace radiologists, but it will enhance accuracy and efficiency in diagnostics.
Perfection slows progress – it’s better to execute quickly and improve than to wait for everything to be flawless.
Delegation is crucial – trusting and empowering a strong team leads to faster growth and better decision-making.