Dr. Ertl-Wagner is Radiologist-in-Chief of the Department of Diagnostic & Interventional Radiology at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada. She holds the Derek Harwood-Nash Chair in Medical Imaging and is Senior Associate Scientist in the Neurosciences & Mental Health Program of the SickKids Research Institute. Dr. Ertl-Wagner is a Professor in the Department of Medical Imaging of the University of Toronto.

Dr. Ertl-Wagner’s clinical interest lies in the field of pediatric neuroradiology, including tumor imaging, imaging of neuroinflammatory and metabolic disorders, neurovascular imaging, and pediatric head & neck imaging. Her research is characterized by an interdisciplinary approach with a focus on magnetic resonance imaging research, imaging-based Artificial Intelligence, and translation of research into clinical settings. Dr. Ertl-Wagner is on the editorial board of several renowned scientific journals and serves on multiple committees of national and international scientific societies. She has received numerous awards for her research and teaching.

What qualities make a good research mentor?

First and foremost, I consider it important for a good research mentor to inspire and to ignite a genuine passion for research in their mentees. Effective mentors encourage mentees to think critically, solve problems independently, and take ownership of their projects. Being approachable is equally essential; a mentor should be welcoming and supportive, making themselves available for guidance and open conversation. It is also important to recognize that each mentee is unique, and mentorship needs to be tailored to the individual mentee. Good research mentors support mentees in developing both research and professional skills, helping them network, publish, and prepare for future careers.

How do you effectively balance time for research and clinical obligations?

That’s a tough question as there is always too little time 😊 Effectively balancing research and clinical responsibilities requires strong organizational skills and thoughtful prioritization. It is essential to be realistic about your time commitments and workload to sustain a healthy and productive balance. Proactive communication with colleagues about your availability, regularly reviewing and adjusting your schedule, and allowing flexibility for unexpected clinical or research demands are also key to managing both areas successfully.

What are some of the hardest challenges you’ve noticed amongst those starting off in practice after training?

Radiologists entering independent practice after completing their training often encounter a range of challenges as they navigate the transition from trainee to attending physician. This shift involves adapting to new expectations, increased responsibilities, and greater autonomy. Common difficulties include managing time effectively across clinical duties, research initiatives, and educational commitments; handling interpersonal and professional conflicts; and sustaining a healthy work–life and personal life balance. Developing strategies to address these areas early on can help foster resilience, professional growth, and long-term career satisfaction.

What are your tips for making and delivering effective presentations?

Delivering effective presentations begins with understanding your audience. Tailor your content, tone, and level of detail to match your audience’s background and expectations. Radiology is inherently visual, so your slides should feature high-quality images. Avoid clutter—each slide should focus on one concept or case with limited text. Arrows, annotations, or contrast adjustments can be used to highlight findings. Incorporating clinical cases can make your presentation more engaging and relatable. Where possible, encourage participation through questions, polls, or brief discussions. Last but not least, rehearse your presentation to ensure smooth flow and timing – it does make a difference.

What strategies do you recommend for organizing a resume/CV for academic promotion?

When preparing your dossier, résumé, or CV for academic promotion, clarity and organization are essential. Your goal should be to make it easy for the review committee to quickly understand and appreciate your achievements—without having to search for key information. Use clear headings and consistent formatting to structure your document logically. Highlight your contributions across clinical, research, educational, and administrative domains, and be sure to demonstrate your impact at the local, national, and international levels. Where possible, quantify outcomes, showcase leadership roles, and include evidence of innovation or influence in your field.

What habits do you wish you had developed early in your career in balancing home life with work life, and what are your tips for others?

Early in my career, I wish I had placed more emphasis on setting clear boundaries between work and personal time. In academic radiology where clinical demands and academic responsibilities often overlap, it is easy to let work spill into evenings and weekends. Developing habits that protect personal time is essential not only for well-being but also for long-term professional sustainability.
Here are a few strategies that you can consider (but I openly admit that even after all those years it is not always easy…):

• Don’t forget your own well-being: Prioritize adequate sleep, regular exercise, and mental wellness practices—these are foundational to maintaining your energy, focus, and resilience. Investing in your well-being not only enhances your ability to perform effectively at work but also allows you to be fully present in your personal life. Over time, these habits contribute to greater satisfaction, reduced burnout, and a more balanced career trajectory.
• Schedule your personal time with intention: Try to treat your personal time with the same respect as your professional commitments. Block off time for family, hobbies, and rest, and protect it.
• Learn to say no thoughtfully: Be selective about additional responsibilities, especially when your schedule is already full. Admittedly, this can be challenging.
• Create routines that help you mentally shift from work to home life: Whether it’s a walk, a workout, or simply turning off notifications, these rituals help reinforce boundaries and reduce burnout.
• Communicate transparently: Let others (including your colleagues and your loved ones) know your schedule, your availability and your limits.
• Reflect and adjust regularly: Periodically assess what is working and what is not working for you. Adjust your schedule, commitments, and habits as needed to stay aligned with your personal and professional goals.