Ann Simpson Fulcher, MD
 Ann Simpson Fulcher, M.D., the Chairman of the Department of Radiology at VCU's School of Medicine and VCU Medical Center is the medical center's youngest chairperson, the only woman chair of a clinical department at the School, and one of fewer than a handful of women Radiology Chairs in the nation. Yet, as impressive as those facts are, they in no way communicate who Dr. Fulcher is. Her deep concern for and interest in patients, residents and colleagues. Her inspirational work ethic. Her modest demeanor despite tremendous success.
It is said that the foundation of success is having both roots and wings. Virginia is fortunate that Ann Fulcher's roots are here. She was raised in the small town of Stuart, and received her medical education and residency training at VCU, MCV Campus, completing her medical training in 1987 and her residency in Diagnostic Radiology in 1991.
The "wings" came next. Following the completion of her residency, Dr. Fulcher was stationed at Andrews Air Force Base, where, after only one year, she was named Chair of the Radiology Department. In recognition of her contributions, Major Fulcher was awarded the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal. Her wings earned, she then returned to her roots, joining the University in 1995 as an Assistant Professor in the Abdominal Imaging Section of the Department of Radiology.
Her rise within the Department has been deservedly rapid. By 2000, she was named Associate Professor. A year later, she was Vice-Chairman of Operations for Radiology and, 18 months later, she was named Chairman of the Department.
"Her career reflects excellence in leadership, scholarship, clinical expertise, administrative ability and professional accomplishments. In addition, she has been a highly successful mentor, role model, and promoter of the professional development of women in medicine," wrote Dr. Fulcher's colleague, Mary Ann Turner, M.D., Professor of Radiology, Vice-Chair of Radiology, and 1997 recipient of the WISDM Professional Achievement award. "Ann is one of the most gifted, brightest, hardest working, best organized and energetic people I have ever known."
Since joining the University, she has been asked to share her expertise at more than 75 invited presentations throughout North America, has published more than 50 pieces in peer reviewed journals, contributed chapters to five books, and serves as the Senior Deputy Editor of Radiology.
Surprisingly, given her administrative and research loads, she also continues to see patients two days a week, and was named a "Top Doc" by Richmond Magazine. "Here, she truly leads by example," explained Laura R. Carucci, M.D., Assistant Professor of Radiology. "She is always the first one in the reading room in the morning and the last one to leave at night. She approaches her work with a meticulous attention to detail and a passion for quality. She takes time to point out important findings to her residents and students. Although clearly a leader in her field, she welcomes the opinions of her peers and instills confidence in her junior faculty."
Building residents' confidence while helping them learn, is one of Dr. Fulcher's specialties. "Every resident has a 'Dr. Fulcher moment.'" Wrote Kenneth Hite, M.D., Chief Resident, Department of Radiology. "This 'moment' consists of studying an abdominal CT or MRI scan for quite some time, confident that you have made all the findings and the correct diagnosis. She then praises you for your hard work and thoughts and then humbles you with her expertise. All of this is done without making the resident feel less about him or herself. That is what an exceptional teacher does."
"Ann embodies all of the qualities that this unique award recognizes," agreed Cecelia H. Boardman, Assistant Professor, Gynecologic Oncology. "Her support of her peers, staff and faculty outside of her own department as a mentor and role model has helped many women faculty navigate the challenging waters of academic medicine."
"Her success is based upon the triad of intelligence, work ethic and personality," agreed Robert Al Halvorsen, Jr., M.D., Professor of Radiology. "She combines the assets of being one of the brightest individuals I have had the pleasure to meet, a habit of hard work, and superb interpersonal skills, to make a great leader."
Her leadership extends far beyond the VCUHS, particularly in relation to magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) "Her work in setting up an MRCP service, popularizing this technique, and researching and reporting its capabilities has made her an internationally recognized leader in the field." Dr. Turner added.
In nominating her for the award, colleagues wrote of her "meteoric rise," called her a "superstar," and were amazed at "miraculous turn around" she engineered within the Department of Radiology. Echoing those thoughts, and hinting to even greater achievements ahead, Senior Associate Dean for Medical Education James M. Messmer, M.D., summarized: "Ann has accomplished an incredible amount in her relatively short career and, in my opinion, has only just begun."
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