Bianca Randall, M.H.A., manager of pharmacy emergency department operations, loves her job, which includes juggling many projects, but the System Services Diversity Action Team is close to her heart.
“As soon as I saw the announcement on the intranet for the DAT, I was eager to get involved,” Randall said. “I wanted to participate to give a different perspective, be a voice for all and to be a part of a group of diverse, beautiful individuals and to have open, honest conversations. We can listen and learn from each other and share our experiences with others.”
Randall, who joined Texas Health in 2018, said the DAT meetings so far have been productive: “Everybody was so willing and transparent with their stories — we need communication, effective listening and education around different diverse groups to open up the door to that conversation and those experiences.”
Randy Ball, Texas Health chief pharmacy officer, said he first worked with Randall when he was director of pharmacy at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth.
“After I moved to Central Pharmacy, she brought her skills, talent and dedication to our team here,” Ball said. “She is capable and absolutely willing to take on any challenge that comes her way.”
Randall took time out from a busy day to share more about herself:
What did you want to be as a kid, and how did you ultimately choose your career?
As a kid, I always wanted to be a teacher, like my grandparents. My three siblings and stuffed animals were my students! That idea morphed once I began picking up prescriptions for my family members at the pharmacy. I recall that the pharmacy staff weren’t very happy to be there, and because of that I wanted to be the positive change. I walked into that local pharmacy, which was part of a national chain, was hired and they trained me to be a pharmacy technician. I worked as a pharmacy tech for six years total, there and at Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital and Texas Health Fort Worth. I went back to school to get my Master of Healthcare Administration degree, because I knew many great leaders and realized that positive change begins with a strong leadership team.
What does a typical workday look like?
The days are never the same, which keeps it fun and challenging. Most of my days are in meetings, analyzing data and financials or planning for the future of pharmacy. I also enjoy interacting with and mentoring my team and colleagues. I have a list of tasks that I plan on getting done, but often other items come up between meetings. There are always projects being implemented that keep me on my toes and ready to take on the next challenge. We have a great team at Texas Health Medical Support, which is the central pharmacy for all the system’s wholly owned hospitals.
What’s your favorite part of your job, and what is the biggest challenge?
My favorite part of working at Texas Health Medical Support is coming to work every day and being able to use my God-given talents to the best of my ability. I truly love my job, am thankful for the opportunity and I am blessed to be able to be a part of the team. The biggest challenge is juggling all of the projects, but that’s all a part of the fun. I enjoy being a part of the strategy and implementation behind the projects, such as the pharmacy kiosks inside Texas Health Breeze Urgent Care facilities and the Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship Program. I’m excited about this program, because it provides an opportunity to those who may be interested in pharmacy but don’t know where to start. I was once that person, so that resonates with me.
What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
Ich spreche ein bisschen Deutsch (I speak a bit of German). I took German all four years of high school and two years in college because I wanted to be different. I’ve still never been to Germany!
Why are you involved in the Diversity Action Team, and why would you encourage others to get involved?
I was previously co-chair and chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee with the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE). It’s something very dear to my heart because everyone should be treated fairly. We are all different in many ways and thank goodness we are or the world would be quite boring!
