Julie Johnson
Occupational Health Manager, Wabash National
Lafayette, Indiana
 

Julie Johnson has a lot on her shoulders. When it comes to wellness, not only does she oversee her own health program, she monitors the well being of 3,700 employees at Wabash National. As the organization's occupational health manager, Johnson is involved in everything from making sure employees have access to flu vaccinations to overseeing health fairs and wellness workshops nationwide. She also administers the Executive Health Program for the company's top executives.

In 2001, Johnson was charged with finding a program that would enhance the health and wellness of her executive team. In searching for options, she was drawn to Indiana University because, as she describes, "IU has a reputation for having excellent physicians." Before signing on her team, she went through the program personally to make sure the services and facility fit their needs. They did. Now nearly 20 executives participate in the program. "I've heard from several of my executives that Dr. Busk is very thorough and provides information they need to know about their health," Johnson says.

She can recall a couple of particular instances when executives received important feedback that caused them to make changes in lifestyle habits. "I've seen some people make major changes in their lifestyles in terms of eating, exercise, or in watching their cholesterol," she notes. She understands, too, that one small change can create a domino effect in terms of better health overall and would like to see continued improvement in the executives' weight loss and other health programs. "If we can get those under control, we'll see results in terms of heart health and other issues," she explains.

Johnson is pleased to be able to put herself and her busy executives on a track to healthier living. "The physicians and staff do a wonderful job with my executives. We all think this is a positive experience. When someone has an issue, they are quick to contact me if they need to see Dr. Busk or Dr. Johnson. Our executive team is here rain or shine, so it seems they are doing well at maintaining their health between having their annual physicals and also participating in the other programs we offer."