By Steve Lansdale

Janet Smith

Before coming to UT Southwestern to work, Janet Smith had a job that she calls “pretty elementary” – working with lunar orbiting and docking for NASA.

But 40 years ago, her husband had a chance to come to Dallas. So she started her career at the Medical Center in 1975 as a Programmer/Analyst, working on mainframes and using graph paper for layouts – both of which feel like throwbacks in today’s world.

Ms. Smith currently is a Database Group Manager in UT Southwestern’s Department of Clinical Sciences, and she says it’s now much easier to implement systems. “Now, you just move stuff with a mouse and, of course, word processing has changed so many things. Everything is so much easier from a technological standpoint.”

She oversees a small team, but continues her work as a programmer/analyst. “We meet with clients who want [computer] analytical work done,” Ms. Smith says. “The investigators might be setting up clinical trials, or putting in for a grant.

Ms. Smith says she’s remained so long at UT Southwestern because her work keeps her challenged; she thrives on constantly learning about new studies and advancements.

“I like being around the medical field,” Ms. Smith says. “You hear their ideas and you help them figure out a way to set up their database. To me, working here is still a learning experience.”

It can also have its lighter moments, such as participating in an annual department open-house, which they called their “Geek Food Festival.”

When she’s not working, she sings in two choirs and plays handbells. She says people might be surprised to learn that her house is professionally decorated for Christmas, and has been featured on a North Texas home tour.

Ms. Smith laughs when acknowledging that after 40 years, “long-term goals” remain on her career radar.

“I plan to work as long as I can contribute,” she says. “I want to be known as an employee who made a difference, however small.”