Baylor Scott and White Health All Saints Fort Worth Radiology Director Sarah M. Franks, BSRS, RT (R) (CT) (ARRT), CRA, was led to a career in healthcare when her father was diagnosed with cancer.
“He spent a significant amount of time in the hospital undergoing tests and treatments, and he always spoke highly of the compassionate care he received,” Sarah recalls. “That experience left a lasting impression on me. I knew I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare, but I also recognized that I become emotionally invested in patients. Radiology became the perfect fit – it allows me to contribute meaningfully to patient care while maintaining the professional boundaries I need to thrive.”
It is a career and environment in which Sarah thrives. She leaned into her role within healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic and counts her service during that time as a highlight.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, I led a high-impact collaboration with a major university in Fort Worth to provide cardiac MRI exams for student-athletes who had previously tested positive for COVID-19,” Sarah shares. “These exams were critical for detecting myocarditis – a potentially life-threatening condition – and ensuring athletes were medically cleared to safely return to play.”
“I personally coordinated with university physicians to design and implement a streamlined initiative,” she explains. “Despite operating with only one MRI scanner, our team completed 130 cardiac MRI exams in just 32 days. We operated around the clock, delivering finalized radiology reports within 24 hours to support timely clinical decisions. This initiative not only safeguarded the health of student-athletes but also generated nearly $1 million in additional revenue in just over a month – demonstrating both clinical excellence and operational efficiency under extraordinary circumstances.”
The COVID-19 pandemic was a stressful time, but it also provided a reminder to Sarah regarding one of the reasons she enjoys her role as a professional in an imaging department.
“I love the collaboration, the opportunity to impact patient care, and the constant evolution of the field,” Sarah says. “Radiology is an exciting space where AI and emerging technologies are continuously improving outcomes and reducing human error.”
As a leader, Sarah sees herself as a member of the team. Everyone works together for a common goal.
“I consider myself a servant leader. My goal is to support and empower others, fostering growth and autonomy. I provide clear guiderails, offer consistent support, and focus on developing my team so they can thrive independently and confidently,” she says.
“My first unofficial mentor was a theologist and leader at a company I worked for in my early twenties. He took the time to talk with me about my goals and interests, then guided me on how to achieve them,” Sarah shares. “He played a pivotal role in helping me climb the career ladder and introduced me to other leaders who helped build my confidence.”
“Today, I firmly believe that mentorship is valuable at every stage of life,” she adds. “I do mentor others in the imaging field and find it incredibly rewarding to help others grow both professionally and personally.”
Sarah has her eyes on the horizon when it comes to what’s next in imaging.
“The future of imaging lies in AI-assisted tools that enhance diagnostic accuracy and efficiency. These innovations will help reduce variability and improve consistency in results, ultimately elevating patient care,” Sarah says.
Away from work, Sarah enjoys spending time with her large extended family, especially her grandchild.
“Family is everything to me. I’ve been happily married to my husband, Kenny, for 23 years. We have three grown children and one grandchild. I come from a large family – I’m the youngest of 12 siblings. Being the caboose, I like to say I learned from the mistakes of the other 11! If you ask them, though, they’d probably say I was the spoiled one,” she shares.
1. What is the last book you read? “The 5AM Club”
2. What is your favorite movie? “Jurassic Park” I’m especially excited about the newly released Jurassic Park movie!
3. What is something most of your coworkers don’t know about you? I enjoy watching MMA and bare-knuckle fights.
4. Current mentor? An entrepreneur with a healthcare background who offers strategic guidance and support.
5. Morning routine? Five-minute journaling followed by a workout.
6. Best advice received? “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. Choose those people wisely.”
7. Biggest influence? My mother. She raised 12 children while working full-time, managing the household, and always making time for her family. She was witty, humble, kind and faithful. Though we had little, she made sure we never felt that way.
8. Superpower of choice? Time travel – to eliminate my one-hour commute and gain two hours back in my day, and to strategically plan by glimpsing into the future.
9. Hobbies? RVing, rifle deer hunting, shooting a compound bow, gardening and raising Highland cattle.
10. Perfect meal? Crab-stuffed salmon, rice, and broccolini, paired with a glass of white wine.
