Shalina Ali knew at a young age that she had a passion for helping others, sharing her knowledge and getting to know people.
“There’s so much you can learn just by starting a conversation with someone,” said Ali, a clinical lab assistant and phlebotomist at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Southlake. “I absolutely love my patients! Everyone is so kind and has such incredible stories to tell. To me, my patients aren’t just name and date of birth. They become a family member.”
Ali’s caring and friendly attitude is clear to patients and co-workers alike, said Craig Humphrey, M.P.H., CPH, CIC, manager of Infection Prevention/Laboratory at Texas Health Southlake.
“Shalina has a wonderful personality and a huge heart,” Humphrey said. “She has a good relationship with everyone, not just in her department but the entire hospital. Every patient Shalina interacts with is treated with dignity and respect, and she cares for her patients like they are her own family. She explains to patients what she is doing, asks how they are feeling, and sincerely listens to them.”
Ali’s dedication extends beyond her department, Humphrey said.
“On numerous occasions, she has been called by other departments to assist with patients that others consider a difficult draw,” he said. “She also volunteers to cover weekends when the need arises, she assists with getting new employees set up and trained on equipment, and she’s a member of both the Diversity Action Team and the Employee Experience Team.”
Learn more about Ali and what motivates her to come to work each day.
What did you want to be as a kid, and how did you ultimately choose your career?
As a kid, I wanted to be a teacher. I had my heart set on a career where I could share my knowledge with others. My in-laws live with me, and helping to take care of them made me realize that if I can help two people, I can help more. I have been in the medical field for 13 years.
What’s your greatest challenge at work, and how do you overcome it?
Sometimes, certain things can get lost in translation, whether that’s within the same department or throughout the hospital. It’s important to remember we cannot read each other’s minds. Here at Texas Health Southlake, we support each other through thick and thin.
What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
Some would be surprised to know I am currently working toward a bachelor’s degree in elementary education while balancing my career and being a full-time mom and wife. I also teach an early childhood development program on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Has your department found ways, big or small, to improve efficiency or care? What are some of them?
In the lab, we do our best to make sure we allow our patients to get enough sleep before waking them up for morning labs. Whether that means waiting just a little longer for some to wake up or just using fewer lights in the rooms, we want all our patients to be comfortable during their visit. My mission is to help make their hospital stay as pleasant as possible. I know that I am at a hospital where doing our best is an expectation, not a suggestion.
What motivates you to do your life’s best work at Texas Health?
My family! My husband and three kids are my No. 1 support. My work family here at Texas Health Southlake is why I come to work each day. The support I get from other departments and leadership is something I have never experienced. They make me feel like I’m important, like I matter. I feel at home when I’m here.
