TTUHSC Hosts Distinguished Guest

Twelve-term Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX-30) joined Texas Tech University System Chancellor Robert L. Duncan, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) President Tedd L. Mitchell, M.D., TTUHSC School of Pharmacy Dean Quentin Smith, Ph.D., and TTUHSC School of Nursing Dean Michael Evans, Ph.D., R.N., FAAN, among students, staff and faculty for a discussion on current health care events and the importance of access to education at the TTUHSC Dallas campus. Johnson discussed her long career as a nurse before entering politics and deans Smith and Evans presented her with honorary gifts of a pharmacy white coat and scrubs for her long-term support of health care and health care education.

“This is more natural for me than the congressional duties,” Johnson explained. “I have such a love for health care. When I was in high school, I wanted to be a physician, but my guidance counselor suggested I go into nursing. I went to nursing school and I have never regretted it.”

Johnson, who was a nurse in the psychiatric facility operated by the Veteran Affairs (V.A.) Hospital in Dallas for years before pursuing politics, also reflected on the ways in which nursing has changed and the continued importance of adequate mental health services.

“Nursing has changed so much, but the greatest change, I believe, has been the technology,” Johnson said. “We also now have an even greater need for psychiatric services, especially in the V.A.”

Mitchell explained that support from Johnson, as an important community leader in the Dallas area, is a critical component to TTUHSC’s continued growth in the region.

“When you think of Dallas, you may not typically think of Texas Tech or TTUHSC,” Mitchell said. “But, we are proud to be here, and support from the community and its leaders, such as Congresswoman Johnson, is a major opportunity for continued growth on this campus. We are proud to have the congresswoman tour this campus, meet our students and share insight to the future and current health care providers at TTUHSC.”

Johnson had a wealth of experience to share. In addition to suggesting that more health care providers should ultimately run for office in order to ensure qualified public officials are in positions of authority regarding health care policy, she advised students to stay focused on their goal and to remember the significance of their choice to serve people in health care.

“Concentrate on being good, smart and efficient,” Johnson said. “That’s where you’ll get your satisfaction.”