Hometown:  Long Beach, CA

Name of Undergraduate Institution:  Xavier University of Louisiana

Major(s)/Minor(s) in College:  Chemistry on the Pre-Med track w/ a minor in Biology

Name of Medical School: University of Southern California School of Medicine

Residency Program: Los Angeles County King/Drew Medical Center Emergency Medicine Program

Favorite Quote: “God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called.”

Additional Links:

25 Years After the LA Riots: A Doctor Inspiring America

Artemis Medical Society – Biography

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Where are you currently at in your career path and why did you decide to pursue this career path? 

I am about 10 years out, due to re-certify in my specialty soon. I chose Emergency Medicine because I wanted to do acute medicine as an interventionist that has a great impact in real-time.

If you could go back and have a chat with your 1^st year postgraduate self, what would you tell her?

It’s okay to change your mind about your specialty, and it is courageous to do so! Don't be afraid and do not worry.

What advice would you give to a medical student looking to pursue a similar path as yours?

Stay open. Avoid myopia. Listen to your inner wisdom.

What is a major challenge you have had to overcome and how did you do so?  

I had a baby as an intern. So I had to recruit and rely on a few dedicated villagers to help get us through.

What is your favorite thing about your job?  

Emergency Medicine is the most interesting 15 minutes of every other specialty!

What do you feel is the most challenging part of your job? The easiest part? 

Challenging = The lack of autonomy and the administrative/bureaucratic top-heaviness of the medical establishment.  Even demanding (but ill-informed) patients can be stressful because their bad outcome becomes your responsibility.

Easiest = Honestly, the societal perks of being a physician are huge!

 Do you have any passions outside of treating patients? If so, what are they and how do you find time to pursue these passions?

I am a mom to 3 wonderful angels; and I homeschool. So I have realized that I have a passion for non-traditional educational models and practices with a focus on gifted and twice exceptional education.

In an alternate universe, what career do you think you would be in right now if healthcare wasn’t an option for you?

Honestly. If teachers were paid better, I would have been a teacher.  😉

Thank you so much for sharing a bit about yourself with us Dr. Taylor, we sincerely appreciate it! You are an inspiration to many people! Please continue doing everything that you do and I wish you well in all of your present and future endeavors!

Health Career Spotlights Home Page

Posted on June 28th, 2017