‘Community’ is essential to Dr. Jay Alley. Whether working to beautify and maintain a 100-year-old shared space owned by the city in his neighborhood or serving at his Church, he enjoys involvement with others. For example, he organized fellow residents who ‘took over,’ with permission of the city, the shared space near his house because they didn’t maintain the landscaping. He says he enjoys getting outside and gardening, which was a way to keep this shared area and, by extension, his neighborhood beautiful. His role as ‘Verger’ at the Episcopal Church, a ceremonial position, who leads the procession and has the traditional job of protecting the bishop from petty thieves in the streets of England, is a way to participate without “committing to seminary” he says good-naturedly. The Verger's present-day role is “helping to ensure the service goes off without a hitch by assuring that the readers for the religious service are present and frequently,” he laughs, “telling people where the restrooms are.”

In his professional role in the Raleigh Radiology ‘community,’ where he has spent nearly two decades, he knows patients appreciate the time spent with them; they know that he is honest and empathetic to their health concerns, and they also value his sense of humor, which puts them at ease. In addition, Dr. Alley says he “enjoys being around the staff and colleagues. I know many radiologists from across the country, and I am so fortunate to be with the group here.” That feeling is mutual, and he shared that he was humbled to hear a tech compliment him because “he treats the staff well and has always been nice to them.” “Radiologists tend to be introverted, but I am extraverted and,” he continues, “I love being a radiologist. The actual act of being a radiologist is enjoyable; it’s like solving a puzzle.” Helping people on their journey of life is something that he does both inside and outside of Raleigh Radiology, and he truly enjoys that role.