By John Wallace
Brian Fox, MBA, FACHE, FAHRA, CRA, RT(R)(MR), is the executive director of radiology and patient transport at Barnes Jewish Hospital, BJC Healthcare.
His journey into the imaging world began as a desire to give back. He wanted a career that not only allowed helping others but one which had that attribute listed in the job description.
“When looking for careers and professions, I always wanted a service-oriented profession that supported community,” Fox explains. “Initially, I was leaning towards teaching when my mom who is a nurse introduced me to different fields in health care. I completed shadowing in a radiology department and never looked back. I love the service and care technologists provide as an integral part of the health care team. In addition, the technology and innovation we work with is amazing, our field is one blended in art and science.”
When asked about his greatest accomplishment he lists family first, including two adult children.
“My wife, Marcela, is in imaging as well, she is a mammography technologist. I am always inspired by the commitment and professionalism of our front-line team members in health care,” Fox says.
Second, after family, he says his greatest accomplishment is “supporting and seeing professional growth of future leaders in imaging.”
“It’s a pleasure listening and learning about someone’s passion and providing support and visibility” Fox explains. “With early careerist, it’s important to create a safe learning culture to learn from failures and build confidence. Allowing bold choices as they prepare for career progression. I enjoy participating in learning environments with AHRA and ACHE obtaining fellowship status with both is an accomplishment.”
The people he works with are one of the main reasons he continues to love the career field he selected after that job shadowing experience years ago.
“In my current role it is a privilege to work with extraordinary teams. When I look around the room, I am honored and humble to work with visionary leaders who are transforming imaging and improving health care,” Fox says. “I appreciate opportunities imaging leaders bring to influence and impact systems and programs to improve the delivery of health care in our communities.”
Fox says he strives to be a servant leader.
“My leadership style is grounded in servant leadership. This was instilled early in my career from my graduate program and my time as I transitioned from bedside to imaging leadership roles at UTSW,” Fox says. “I feel like I won the lottery when UTSW hired me as an MRI technologist many years ago early in my career, I was able to work in an academic medical center focused on lifelong learning and development. It’s important to be present and authentic, the attention of civility and kindness is important in leadership. Christine Porath and Marshall Goldsmith are fantastic resources for additional reading.”
Looking into his crystal ball, Fox predicts an exciting future in the imaging realm.
“It’s energizing to spend time with future imaging leaders. The passion, curiosity, creativity and talent the future leaders are bringing forward positions a bright horizon for imaging,” Fox says. “Imaging will make a meaningful impact to disparities in care for our communities with thoughtful leadership. It’s important work and wonderful to see accreditation agencies bringing new requirements to reduce these health care disparities. We have an opportunity to model and lead efforts with health-related social needs ensuring all members of our communities receive high-quality health care, the innovations with imaging as part of the care pathways will bring importance to listening and gain understanding to support this work.”
Work is important, but work-life balance is vital. Fox does consider his family his greatest accomplishment.
“I’m blessed to have my wife, Marcela, and our children as my anchor. Taylor, our daughter, who recently graduated from the University of Oklahoma is working with a marketing firm in Dallas. Josh, our son, who is finishing his last year at Oklahoma State University,” Fox says.
Each fall the family has fun with college football as they become a house divided.
“With each team I work with, I share the importance of family,” Fox adds. “There was an image that went viral recently that frames this well within this context – 20 years from now, the only people who’ll remember if you worked late, are your kids. Spending time, supporting and being present with my family is important to me. As a college football fan, I have enjoyed visiting my kids’ universities and experiencing the community and energy of a campus on game day.”
When asked what else he wants to share with ICE readers, Fox stressed helping others.
“I am passionate about helping people connecting with the resources to develop and support them. I’ve benefited from those who have helped and supported me, and it gives me purpose to do this for others,” he says. “I enjoy system level work with a lens on organizational behavior and interdependency of our teams. Two formative resources early in my career development was the work by Eliyahu M. Goldratt, ‘The Goal’ is a fantastic read, and Dietrich Dorner, ‘The Logic of Failure,’ are great introductions to system level thinking approaches.”
1. What book are you reading currently? “The Long Fix” by Vivian S. Lee, MD
2. Favorite movie? “The Incredibles” (the first one)
3. What is something most of your coworkers don’t know about you? Most of my coworkers and colleagues know I’ve completed marathons and several half marathons (favorite distance). What they don’t know is how average I am, at best! It’s been a struggle and I’m not fast – never have and never will be, and that is OK.
4. Who is your mentor? Currently, I’m excited as I am waiting for a match from the ACHE mentor program.
5. What is one thing you do every morning to start your day? Habits and routine are important to me; I follow the work of James Clear closely. I start each day with the following: A short read and plan my day while I drink a glass of water then hot tea followed by a coffee. I avoid emails and social media until I have reflection on the day ahead – which sets the day.
6. Best advice you ever received? First, be patient and intentional with professional development. Second, be uncomfortable as you challenge yourself with professional growth, Third, be kind, we all need support at times. I remember the transformational leader, UTSW Radiology Department Chair Robert Parkey, MD, sharing with me when I began a new leadership opportunity, we develop more than film (this was many years ago in a time before PACS and digital informatics). This simple statement made a profound impact and has stayed with me over the years. We have an obligation to develop and prepare those who will come after us.
7. Who has had the biggest influence on your life? Three actually … my grandmother, my mom and my wife.
8. What would your superpower be? Control time – not time travel per se. While I can control what I do with my time – there are times I’d like to pause and enjoy moments longer.
9. What are your hobbies? Traveling, watching and following my sports teams (Oklahoma Sooners, Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers and Dallas Stars) with family and friends. Running and cycling, the communities and support towards an individual goal (target race) helps me recharge and provides self-care.
10. What is your perfect meal? Pozole or carne asada tacos. Fresh seafood is a perfect meal as well.
