From Dairy Farm to Healthcare Leadership | Tom Johnson

What does it take to move from hands-on clinical work into leadership within a healthcare system? Tom Johnson has built his career across pharmacy, education, and healthcare operations, offering a unique perspective on that transition.

In this episode, Tom joins Levi to share his journey from growing up on a dairy farm in Brainerd, Minnesota, to becoming Vice President of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services at Avera Health. After earning his PharmD from North Dakota State University and completing a residency in acute care, Tom began his career in a dual role with South Dakota State University and Avera, working in the ICU while also teaching. Over time, his path evolved from clinical practice into leadership, expanding his responsibilities across pharmacy, laboratory, and imaging services.

What You'll Hear: Tom shares how his early experiences in farming shaped his work ethic and decision to pursue a career outside of agriculture. He walks through his progression from clinical pharmacist to faculty member and eventually into administrative leadership, highlighting how each role built on the last. He also discusses the importance of maintaining a clinical perspective while making leadership decisions and the balance required to support teams without losing sight of day-to-day realities.

You’ll gain insight into the challenges healthcare systems face today, including funding, operational complexity, and decision-making in patient care. Tom also explains how healthcare has shifted toward shared decision-making, where providers guide patients through options rather than making decisions for them. For those early in their careers, he emphasizes the importance of saying yes to opportunities and being open to paths that may not be obvious at the start.