Gail Johnson said she never chose to pursue a career in radiology.
“I believe that working in any aspect of medicine is a calling. It’s not something you choose but something that chooses you,” said Johnson, radiology team lead at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Southwest Fort Worth. “It’s a summons from God to use your gifts to serve God by serving others.”
Johnson’s knowledge and expertise, along with a background in entertainment, made her a perfect choice for team lead, said Kevin Spears, director, Radiology.
“Gail is admired by her team and is a shining example to all of how to embrace and display Our Texas Health Promise Behaviors,” Spears said. “She is always willing to do more for the organization and takes pride in the quality of care being provided to those we serve. Her background as a professional cheerleader is evident in her leadership style, which is supportive and mentoring.”
Learn more about Johnson in her own words.
What did you want to be as a kid?
As a child, I wanted to become an actress on the Broadway stage. I loved the costumes, the makeup and the power you have to immerse people into the story you are illustrating onstage. It brought joy to my little heart being able to make someone laugh and or just forget about their troubles if only for a moment.
What does a typical workday look like?
There’s never a typical morning in Radiology. Sometimes we are busy first thing in the morning with stat requests from the Emergency Department. Then there are times when it’s slow and I can meet with team members to see that they have everything they need to get through the day and discuss old and new events in the department. We also go over the schedule, allowing us to prioritize tasks and identify crunch times. As the Radiology lead, I am accountable for the atmosphere and tone created in my department. I try to create an environment where my team has a strong sense of camaraderie and a good work ethic.
What is your favorite part of the job and what are the challenges?
I thoroughly enjoy caring for others and mentoring the new techs. It is rewarding and exciting to be a part of a team that creates images to see inside the body to help doctors diagnose, track the progression of and treat diseases and injuries. What would the world of medicine do without imaging?
My biggest challenge is scheduling.
What is something most people would be surprised to learn about you?
I used to be a professional cheerleader, but I didn’t do it for the glamour or fame. I loved cheering because it taught me discipline, a strong work ethic, teamwork, confidence, goal setting and how to become the best version of myself. I have created unforgettable memories and unbreakable bonds for life with my cheer sisters. Also, I am a huge sports fan, and being in a cheerleading uniform provided me a pass to be loud and exhort others to join in with me.
I also really like interior designing. In my spare time I create projects around the house, from redecorating a room to totally dismantling and redesigning a bathroom. It is so fun to see my vision come alive.
What are some of the ways you provide excellent care, supporting Texas Health’s Culture of Excellence?
I fully support and believe in Texas Health’s Culture of Excellence by empowering and engaging staff to always display a positive attitude and enthusiasm for the service we provide. I work with an awesome leadership team that works hard to nurture a culture of teamwork. We implement care frameworks that emphasize not just clinical quality, but safety and an overall positive patient experience that’s rooted in dignity, compassion and respect.
