While Johns Hopkins Radiology is world-renowned for its clinical excellence and pioneering research, one of the department’s most enduring investments is in its people.

Recently, staff gathered at The Johns Hopkins Hospital to celebrate the latest graduates of the department’s Future Leaders program. Now in its 19^th year, the unique program provides staff, from frontline clinical workers to administrators, with the tools to lead from where they stand.

While the program is based at the East Baltimore hospital campus, staff from across Johns Hopkins are invited to attend, including participants from Johns Hopkins Medical Imaging (JHMI), The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center, Sibley Memorial Hospital, and Suburban Hospital. The program is coordinated by LaKiesha, JHMI assistant director at Green Spring Station, Bina, radiology clinical integration manager, and Ericka, radiology clinical and operations manager.

Each August, managers from across the department nominate staff members with leadership potential to participate in the program. From October to May, invited staff participate in an immersive curriculum, which includes presentations on topics ranging from public-speaking skills to goal setting, communication, and more.

This year, 18 staff members participated in the program, which culminated in a capstone project in which teams were tasked with developing proposals for enhancing staff morale. The teams presented their projects immediately preceding the graduation ceremony.

The ceremony itself proved a vibrant celebration marked by cheers, signs, and – above all – a deep sense of camaraderie. Department leaders and fellow staff were on hand to honor the graduates, who entered the auditorium to the strains of the “Pomp and Circumstance”.

 

The ceremony, which began with a slide show detailing the year’s activities, also included comments from department leaders, including interim chair Dr. Jenny Hoang. In her remarks, Dr. Hoang praised the future leaders for their hard work throughout the year.

“I think that you are already leaders,” she said. “You are clearly here to engage; you are helping others and continuing to show up. I look forward to seeing what you do in the future.”

Danielle, chief administrative officer and president of JHMI, emphasized how important the program is to the culture of excellence fostered within the department.

“As important as it is for us to invest in you,” she told the graduates, “It is important that you are making an investment in yourselves.”

“This program is instrumental to what we do here at Johns Hopkins,” she said, adding, “It is amazing to see how much you all have grown throughout the program.”

Other department leaders in attendance included Peg, director of JHMI, who emphasized the power of individuals to make a big difference, as well as Susan, radiology administrator; Dr. Karen Horton, former department chair; and Dena, administrator of imaging services at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center.

Following these remarks, the participants received their certificates and awards. The first award was presented to the team that earned the most points throughout the year. Points were tallied based on participation throughout the program.

The second award honored the 2026 Future Leaders valedictorian. The honoree is nominated by their fellow future leaders, who make their selection based on which participant went above and beyond to be a team player, uplifting others and remaining engaged throughout the year. This year’s valedictorian was Jamie, an interventional radiology nurse and 28-year employee of Johns Hopkins.

In his remarks, Jamie thanked his managers, noting how warm and welcoming both they and his colleagues were when he moved to interventional radiology several years ago.

“I immediately became part of the team,” he said, noting that he plays Santa during his division’s holiday festivities each year.

He also praised the support he has receive, noting, “I am so amazed at how many opportunities I have had since I joined IR.”

As this year’s graduates processed out of the ceremony and back to their respective teams, they carry with them lessons that will benefit not only their own careers, but their divisions and patients as well.

By fostering a culture where emerging leaders are supported, Johns Hopkins Radiology is continuing to ensure that the next generation of healthcare professionals are well-equipped to provide top-quality care in an ever-evolving medical landscape.