A passion for helping others led to a career in healthcare for Brian Smith, B.S.R.S., RT(R)(CT), CRA, radiology director at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Kaufman.
But he learned teamwork, discipline and how to handle highly explosive situations during his four years in the U.S. Air Force.
“Brian has been a tremendous addition to the team at Texas Health Kaufman,” said Kelton Jeffery, D.H.A., MBA, professional support services officer. “His past experiences have shaped him into a servant leader who fiercely advocates for his staff, and that approach has had a meaningful impact on his team, their work and the hospital as a whole.”
Smith, who has 16 years of radiology experience, started at Texas Health as radiology manager at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas and has been in his current role at Texas Health Kaufman since April 2025.
Here’s more about him, in his words:
What did you want to be as a kid, and how did you ultimately choose healthcare?
As a kid, I never had one consistent career in mind and changed it all the time. If you had asked me in high school, I would have said I wanted to be a professional musician or race cars. I eventually leaned toward a field focused on technology, and my passion for helping others ultimately led me to healthcare. Radiology is a bit of a hidden gem, and I’m grateful I found my way here.
Describe your job. What is your workday like?
No two days look the same, and honestly, that’s part of what I enjoy. Most mornings start with checking in on how the department is running: patient volumes, equipment status and whether the team needs anything. From there, my day is a mix of supporting my team, problem-solving on the fly and working with other departments to keep imaging flowing smoothly. A big part of my job is being present, supporting the team and making sure our patients get the care they deserve while keeping a strategic eye on how we can continue to grow for them.
What is your favorite part of your job, and what is the biggest challenge?
My favorite part is the people. I get to work with an incredibly talented group of technologists, leaders and clinicians, and seeing them do what they do best every day is genuinely inspiring. When someone grows in their role, solves a tough problem or goes above and beyond for a patient … that’s the good stuff.
The biggest challenge? Healthcare moves fast, and imaging demand just keeps increasing. Balancing volume, staffing, equipment and patient expectations can be a daily juggling act. But those challenges push me to think creatively and keep improving the way we serve our patients.
What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
People are often surprised to learn that before I worked in healthcare, I was a nuclear weapons specialist in the Air Force. So, I went from handling bombs to handling operations, staffing and workflow issues. Some days, the bombs were actually the easier job. 😉 That experience taught me teamwork, discipline and how to keep calm when things get a little explosive … all skills that come in handy in Radiology, too.
How do you do your life’s best work at Texas Health?
I do my best work by creating an environment where my team can do their best work. For me, leadership is about removing barriers, listening and ensuring people feel valued. When the team is supported, the patient experience, safety and quality naturally follow.
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