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Compiled by John Brieske. Do you work with someone who’s an exceptional leader in the health care field? If so, please send an email to jbrieske@ajc.com.
Name: Ayodeji Owoyomi, goes by "DJ"
Current job: Director of rehabilitation, A.G. Rhodes Health & Rehab at Wesley Woods
Family: Married for five years; 3-year-old daughter
What makes a good leader? "A good leader is a good listener and communicator. A good leader respects those he works with and has a thorough understanding of what they need to do their job. Most importantly, a good leader fosters a positive work environment for his staff so that they enjoy and feel fulfilled each day they come to work. This is important because it will reflect on how they care for the people they serve."
What are you most proud of in your career? "That I have the opportunity to mentor new physical therapists and students in geriatric rehabilitation, and I'm proud to work at A.G. Rhodes Health & Rehab, where caring and compassionate senior care is the organization's focus."
Who has inspired or mentored you? "I was mentored by many great people but only have space to name… Synetha Gilchrist, PT, and Rufus Adedoyin, PT, Ph.D."
What's your favorite thing to do away from work? "I enjoy watching movies with my family and going for bike rides with my daughter. When I graduate from the post-professional doctorate program early next year, I plan to take up golf."
Who is your favorite fictional nurse? Why? "I'd rather answer the question, 'Who are your favorite nonfictional nurses' because those people are really my inspiration. The nurses at A.G. Rhodes at Wesley Woods are the best I've worked with in my practice. They show great teamwork with the rehabilitation department and they truly are angels that propel the healing for our residents. They make our job in the rehabilitation department much easier and I commend them for their selfless dedication."
What's your favorite guilty pleasure? "I enjoy just relaxing in my man cave in my basement."
Tell us something that nobody at work knows about you: "Growing up in Nigeria, I had two sisters who did the cooking and I helped with dishes. I became fond of hand-washing my dishes and, even today, I've never used the dishwasher in my house."
