Woman hosting a podcast

RLI Taking the Lead Podcasts

Episode 50: Charles D. Williams, MD, FACR, FAAP



Leading from the Heart


November 17, 2022

In this very special episode, host Geoffrey Rubin, MD, MBA, FACR talks with Charles D. Williams, MD, FACR, FAAP, past president of Radiology Associates of Tallahassee and member of the practice for 48 years. A pediatric radiologist by training, Dr. Williams has been tremendously active in supporting the Florida Radiological Society and the American College of Radiology for many years, earning gold medals from both organizations.

Born and raised in Moultrie, GA, he graduated from Mercer University in 1962, earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia in 1966 and completed his internship and residency in General Practice at the Medical Center of Central Georgia. After serving as Captain in the United States Air Force Medical Corps from 1968 to 1970, Dr. Williams went on to complete a residency in Diagnostic Radiology at Baylor College of Medicine in 1973, serving as Chief Resident in 1972‐73.

As detailed in his two books, “Simpler Times” and “More Simpler Times,” his family and community played an enormously important role in his ability to move from tenant farmer to physician. Those books, along with his contribution to “Chicken Soup for the Country Soul,” were fundraisers for the We Care Program, which provides medical care for the indigent and is sponsored by the Capital Medical Society Foundation in Tallahassee, FL.

Dr. Williams has a remarkable set of life experiences and stories to share, so find a comfy seat and settle in. And who knows, maybe he will even read you a story!

View episode transcript » (Coming Soon)

Charles D. Williams, MD, FACR, FAAP

Charles D. Williams, MD, FACR, FAAP, was born at home in the country in Colquitt County between Moultrie and Berlin, Georgia, on March 24, 1940. Grandma nicknamed him "Pedro" and she was the same person who named her boys Millard, Dillard, and Willard. Pedro was born little and poor but loud and proud.

With the help from the good folks in Moultrie, Pedro attended Mercer University receiving his AB in 1962. He then earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia in 1966. He did his internship and residency in General Practice at the Medical Center of Central Georgia.

Full Bio »

Did You Know?

I [Dr. Williams] was born at home in 1940 in South Georgia to sharecropper parents. Dad could not read or write. We did not at that time have electricity and mama cooked on a wooden stove. They weren't educated but they knew how to give a dollars worth of work for a dollars worth of pay.They did have common sense and great values. They gave me plenty of love and encouragement.

Fortunately, my parents pushed me to get an education and get out of those cotton fields. Grandma wanted me to go off to college and get a "dilemma" to hang on my wall. Thank goodness for scholarships and the good folks from Moultrie, Georgia. They saw things in me that I didn't see in myself. Education has allowed me to live a life I never dreamed of.

I have received multiple honors and awards in my lifetime but my biggest honor was when my wife, Pat, agreed to marry me. My wife has been my biggest supporter and cheerleader.

I enjoy writing about growing up in the South as tenant farmers. This included monthly articles such as "Literacy Ain't Ever'thang" for 20 plus years for the Capital Medical Society, articles quarterly for the Florida Radiological Society, and articles for the Florida Medical Association. More recently I've been writing down to earth articles for ACR Senior and Retired Section.

My articles have been placed in 2 books called Simpler Times and More Simpler Times. Also, I wrote for Chicken Soup for the Country Soul which is now out of print. My books were a fundraiser for the We Care Program, which provides medical care for the indigent and is sponsored by the Capital Medical Society Foundation.

I enjoy speaking as a dinner speaker and have done so in 40 something states. I have given motivational talks to high schools and churches.

Along the way my wife and I have made many dear friends. Time, friends and family are very valuable. Memories are our treasures here on earth and we have many precious memories.

Got an idea for a podcast?
Submit your suggestion

Listen on iTunes

Now you can get the RLI Taking the Lead Podcast on iTunes. Subscribe today and never miss a new episode!
Go to iTunes

Listen with Spotify

Now you can get the RLI Taking the Lead Podcast on Spotify. Subscribe today and never miss a new episode!

Go to Spotify

Resident & Fellow Scholarships



The RLI has scholarships available for residents and fellows for the annual RLI Leadership Summit as well as several ACR Chapter Scholarships.


See scholarship offerings »