AI in healthcare remains largely aspirational, requiring strong expert leadership for meaningful adoption. Radiographers’ clinical & technical skills uniquely position them to lead AI adoption. However, do radiographers feel confident and prepared for what they envision AI leadership to involve? What barriers do they face to consider such roles?

Findings: Radiographers currently interpret AI leadership mainly as operational, practice focused work. They face substantial barriers to stepping into broader leadership roles, including limited education, little hands on AI experience, and weak organisational support. Addressing these barriers is essential to embed radiographers within the AI ecosysem.