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RLI Taking the Lead Podcasts

Episode 43: Nicole B. Saphier, MD


Headshot Dr. Saphier

Leading with Grit


February 24, 2022

Raised in Scottsdale, AZ by her father, an attorney, and her mother, a licensed counselor who works with children victims of abuse, Nicole B. Saphier, MD, Assistant Professor at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Weill Cornell Medical College and the Director of Breast Imaging at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center New Jersey sites, is no stranger to hard work.

From the long, arduous hours required to participate in the extreme sports of gymnastics and stunt cheerleading in high school, working in a hair salon at the age of 14 and going on to earn her pharmacy technician certification at 16, to her determination to balance medical school and single motherhood, she is the epitome of grit, determination and confidence.

Since completing her fellowship in 2013, Dr. Saphier has had a meteoric rise in national prominence serving as a regular contributor on Fox News and Fox Business programming, writing two books, leading advocacy efforts to achieve breast density legislation in both Arizona and New Jersey, running for political office, serving on her township's health board and serving as a member of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)'s Advisory Committee on Breast Cancer in Young Women.

Don’t miss this inspirational conversation to learn more about how Nicole B. Saphier, MD is leading with grit and making a difference.

View episode transcript »

Nicole B. Saphier, MD

Dr. Nicole Saphier is a board-certified diagnostic and interventional radiologist with advanced fellowship training in Breast and Oncologic Imaging, Assistant Professor at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Weill Cornell Medical College and the Director of Breast Imaging at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center New Jersey sites. In addition to her clinical, research and healthcare advocacy roles she is a known media contributor sharing her knowledge and opinion on a wide range of current events.

Did You Know?

Dr. Saphier has been married to endovascular neurosurgeon Paul Saphier for 10 years. Together, they have three sons and two dogs, Indy (white lab) and Woodley (Bishon Poodle). Dr. Saphier’s family tries to travel at least once a quarter, whether it’s playing in the sand on a warm beach or hitting the ski slopes out West, they love it all.

Outside of work, the Peloton is Dr. Saphier’s favorite way to decompress and let a little steam off. She’s also a huge fan of psychological thriller fiction reading.

When asked about other career paths considered before radiology, Dr. Saphier said she was drawn to radiology because it allowed her to not limit herself to one organ system. Being a radiologist, you are empowered to identify and interpret disease throughout the entire body. Before deciding on radiology, she had contemplated trauma anesthesia but marrying a surgeon she decided she would prefer to have a more predictable schedule to allow her to grow her family.

Dr. Saphier’s other favorites include Thai food and anything else with a little spice, Casa Dragones blanco tequila with lime and Jacques Selosse Champagne for special occasions, and board games, tournaments and movie matinees with her family on rainy days.

Book Recommendation

Most recently, Dr. Saphier read , by Angela Duckworth, 鈥榓 good read explaining how talent and hard work come together to create greatness.鈥

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