What sparked Kayla Isaac’s interest in laboratory science and stewardship transformed into a passion for caring for patients for Saint Joseph Hospital as lead medical technologist.
Although she doesn’t work in the Centers for Disease Control’s biosafety level four laboratory as a virologist/microbiologist, like in the The Hot Zone — the book that inspired her to pursue health care — Kayla said caring for patients through lab work and helping providers heal patients is her calling.
“The laboratory, while hidden away in the background of the hospital, provides the data that helps drive the diagnosis and treatment of patient care,” Kayla said. “It is estimated that 60-to-70% of all decisions regarding a patient's diagnosis, treatment, admission and discharge are based on the results of the tests our medical laboratory scientists perform.
“We don’t get to put a face to a name, but we see our patients’ ups and downs, and we ride that roller coaster with them. We celebrate when they’re doing better, and we all get a little emotional or tearful when they’re doing worse.”
Kayla’s role transitioned to the patient-facing side as the point of care coordinator. She helps train nurses who are conducting tests for patients.
“As the point of care coordinator, I have the opportunity to work one on one with other departments sharing the knowledge of getting great results, demystifying myths about the lab and fostering relationships to make our point of care program and laboratory great,” Kayla said. “Being there for the patient and providing the best patient care that we can is my calling. Every number, every test, directly ties back to our patients and it’s our job to do the best we can to support the people who need it.”
Kayla’s leadership and positive stewardship earned her recognition as Saint Joseph Hospital’s Employee of the Year in 2021, an honor which she said was humbling and appreciated.
Outside of the lab, Kayla is an avid gardener. She’s currently working on her summer vegetable garden and transferring her great-grandmother’s heirloom flowers to her garden.
“She passed away a few years ago, but I’ve been transferring her red hot pokers, bluebells and daffodils to my garden,” Kayla said.
Kayla also has a passion for photography, having photographed family and friends during special moments and occasions.
“[My favorite photoshoot] is one that is more special, and means more to me,” Kayla said. “My mom had breast cancer a few years ago. During the course of treatment, she began to lose her hair. She decided that she wanted control of the situation so she decided to shave her head. She asked me to do a before and after photo shoot of her and my dad.
“It was a beautiful and emotional day. I was so grateful to be included in those private shared moments between my parents and to be able to support them in such a difficult time.”
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Since Hurricane Helene hit in late September 2024, Chelsea Johnson has spent her weekends volunteering in the hollers and mountains of eastern Tennessee and North Carolina.
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Spirit of Health magazine's print edition is distributed quarterly and focuses on topics related to our CHI Saint Joseph Health purpose and values.
