Celebrating a Legacy of Leadership: Dr. Christopher Tillotson’s Remarkable Journey at CRL
After more than three decades of distinguished service, Dr. Christopher Tillotson, a pioneering force at Consulting Radiologists, Ltd. (CRL), marks the end of an extraordinary career in radiology. As CRL’s first dedicated musculoskeletal imaging radiologist, Dr. Tillotson joined the practice in 1989, helping transform a modest 18-physician practice into one of the region’s premier radiology groups.
Dr. Tillotson’s journey in medicine began with his undergraduate studies at Stanford University, followed by medical school at Harvard Medical School. After completing his surgical internship at Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle, he pursued his residency in Diagnostic Radiology and fellowship in Musculoskeletal Imaging at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.
During his tenure at CRL, Dr. Tillotson served as President from 2014 to 2020, leading the practice through significant growth and technological evolution. Under his leadership, CRL expanded to include 70 board-certified radiologists serving 22 partner hospitals and clinics while providing teleradiology services to over 100 healthcare facilities across Minnesota and surrounding states.
His contributions to radiology earned him numerous accolades, including recognition as one of Minnesota’s Top 100 Influential Health Care Leaders in 2016. In 2021, he was awarded the prestigious Fellow of the American College of Radiology (FACR), an honor bestowed on only 10 percent of college members, recognizing his significant accomplishments in private practice leadership and development.
Dr. Tillotson has been a witness to and catalyst for remarkable changes in radiology. He began his career when images were saved on hardcopy film and has helped guide the practice through the digital revolution, including the implementation of advanced CT and MRI technologies. His vision for physician-led leadership has been instrumental in CRL’s success, particularly in navigating the rapidly changing healthcare landscape while maintaining independence and excellence in patient care.
Originally from North Dakota, Dr. Tillotson has balanced his professional achievements with a rich personal life centered around his wife, two sons, and church community. An avid outdoorsman, he finds joy in managing his farm, where he spends time planting, harvesting, woodcutting, and maintaining the property.
As Dr. Tillotson steps into retirement, he leaves behind a legacy of innovation, leadership, and dedication to the field of radiology. His optimistic outlook for the future of radiology and his commitment to physician-led healthcare have helped shape CRL into the thriving practice it is today. His colleagues and the entire CRL family wish him the very best as he begins this new chapter of his life.