Randall Fleming
BSN, RN, Estelle RMF
When did you start work at UTMB?
October 2024
What is the best thing about your job?
Working with inmates has taught me more about compassion for humanity than I learned in any other side of medicine.
What is the most challenging thing about your job?
The most challenging is working in an outdated facility with a plethora of maintenance issues.
Is there anything about your job that surprised/surprises you?
The free lunch is actually pretty good.
Who are your heroes?
My oldest son Johnny who just joined the Army. He watched me struggle after my own tour and still chose to serve. My mother who has always been an amazing example of how to care for people as a social worker, teacher and now a counselor. My fiancée who continuously puts the needs of others before herself. And because she said yes.
What is your favorite quote?
"Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care." —Teddy Roosevelt.
Describe your life in six words.
That didn't work, let's try again
What are three words that describe you?
Goofy, unrelenting, brave
Tell us about your life outside of work.
I'm engaged to marry my best friend of 20 years. Between us we have six kids, and we spend as much time together as we can. We're usually on some sort of adventure; sometimes dancing, sometimes hiking, sometimes at a museum or a road trip.
If you were a professional wrestler or sports star, what would your “walk-in” song and why?
Metallica's "For Whom the Bell Tolls" on bagpipes—and why not?
What is the coolest thing (or a fun fact) about you?
I've been a rock climber and rappeler for over 20 years, and the only bad fall I've ever had was due to a zip line I bought off Amazon.
What is a dream that you want to make come true one day?
Flight nurse
What is a cause you’re passionate about?
Veteran suicide
What is a favorite memory from childhood?
Airshows at Edwards Air Force Base
What’s the best trip you’ve ever been on?
It would probably be a tie between Jeju Island, South Korea and the Persian Gulf of Qatar.
Describe an experience that has had a lasting impact on you.
The obvious one would be Iraq; however, nursing school is very high on that list.
What has been your most meaningful accomplishment so far?
All of my children are healthy and are growing up to be fine individuals.
What would you like to be remembered for?
Never taking life too seriously but still finding time to care for those around me.
What is it that you can’t live without?
The love of my family.
Describe a funny or unique experience that you’ve had.
I used to watch my 5'2" mother, while she worked with the San Antonio homeless community, break up random street fights with a wooden broom. She's now in her 60s, holds a doctorate in counseling and works security for her church on weekends.
If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be and why?
Sean's Bar in Ireland. Opening in 900AD, it is the oldest pub in the world. I would order a Scotch.
If you could pick any superpower, what would it be?
Is less low back pain a superpower?