Anand Lalaji is the kind of person who likes to look ahead. He’s not just focused on what’s happening now—he’s thinking about what’s possible. That mindset has shaped his life, his work, and the way he leads in the world of healthcare.
Lalaji is the co-founder and CEO of The Radiology Group, a company based in Atlanta, Georgia. He’s also a radiologist, trained to read and interpret medical images like MRIs, CT scans, and X-rays. But he’s not your typical doctor. He sees radiology not just as a medical specialty, but as a platform for innovation.
“Radiology is a mix of science, technology, and real human care,” he says. “It’s where you can use data to make a difference in someone’s life.”
A Childhood of Curiosity
Lalaji was born in Hell’s Kitchen, a tough neighborhood in New York City. He later moved to Queens and then Long Island. His parents were both accomplished professionals—his father was a nuclear engineer and his mother was an OB/GYN.
“I grew up in an environment where education and hard work were expected,” Lalaji says. “That shaped how I think and approach challenges.”
From an early age, Lalaji was curious about how things worked. He loved science and problem-solving. He went to The Bronx High School of Science, where he played sports and music while keeping up with a demanding academic schedule.
“Music and sports kept me balanced,” he says. “They taught me discipline and teamwork.”
He went on to earn his degree from Binghamton University and his medical degree from SUNY Downstate Medical Center. He trained at Chestnut Hill Hospital and completed his radiology residency at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He finished his studies with a fellowship in musculoskeletal radiology at Wake Forest University.
Building Something Better
After years of medical training, Lalaji wanted to build something more than just a career. He wanted to help fix the system from the inside out. That’s when he co-founded The Radiology Group.
His idea was simple: combine smart technology with skilled people to make healthcare better.
“Radiology isn’t just about reading images,” Lalaji says. “It’s about making a real difference in people’s lives through early detection and accurate diagnoses.”
At The Radiology Group, Lalaji and his team use artificial intelligence (AI) to help doctors work faster and more accurately. But he’s quick to point out that AI is not a replacement for people.
“AI can be a great tool,” he says. “But it needs to be used carefully. We still need doctors to understand the full picture.”
Learning to Let Go
Like many leaders, Lalaji admits that he made some mistakes early on. He says he used to try and do everything himself. Over time, he learned to trust others and focus on what really matters.
“The lesson I learned was the power of trust,” he says. “You have to build a strong team and then let them lead.”
He believes in hiring people who are smarter than him and giving them space to grow. He also believes in the value of curiosity, humility, and learning something new every day.
“You never stop growing,” he says. “Every experience teaches you something.”
Giving Back Matters Too
Outside of his company, Lalaji spends a lot of time supporting causes that mean something to him. He’s involved in mental health work at Wake Forest University. He also supports research for pancreatic cancer, ALS, and pediatric cancer.
“These causes are personal to me,” he says. “I want to do my part to help families affected by these diseases.”
He’s also passionate about sports and leadership. His foundation supports women’s volleyball and other elite sports programs that help young athletes build confidence and resilience.
“Sports teach confidence and resilience,” he says. “We want to help young athletes develop these skills.”
A Clearer Future
For Lalaji, the future of radiology is all about blending people and technology. He wants to see a world where healthcare is faster, smarter, and more accessible.
“We’re just scratching the surface of what’s possible,” he says. “The intersection of technology and medicine is where real progress happens.”
He also believes that healthcare innovation must stay grounded in compassion and care.
“Progress isn’t just about new tools,” he says. “It’s about using those tools to help people live healthier lives.”
Final Thoughts
Anand Lalaji doesn’t chase attention. He’s more interested in solutions. His journey—from a curious kid in New York to a CEO in Atlanta—shows what’s possible when you mix intelligence, heart, and vision.
As he continues to push radiology forward, he remains focused on the basics: learning, listening, and making a difference.
“I just want to build things that matter,” he says. “If we can make healthcare a little better each day, then we’re doing something right.”
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