Who is Taylor Bell? My name is Taylor Bell. I’m from Indianapolis Indiana. I have my bachelor of science in biology and I received that degree from Alabama A&M University. I am currently a first-year medical student at Howard University College of Medicine. In my free time, I enjoy working out, cooking and baking spending time with my loved ones, and exploring new places in my area.
Name: Taylor Bell
Email: belltaylor14@gmail.com
Job Title/Job Duties: Medical Student 1st year
Specialized Training/Education: B.S in biology
School: Howard University college of medicine
How did you choose to pursue this field? Growing up, I have always enjoyed science and I specifically enjoyed the medical aspect of it once I got into high school and later into college. I was also inspired by the care that my own primary care physician gave to me and my family.
Who was your inspiration or role model that guided you to this field? My own primary care physician (Dr. Jeffrey Couture, Dr. Bryan Sims M.D. (University of Alabama Birmingham.)
Did you always have the desire to work in this field? Yes
What do you love most about school? What I enjoy most about school is anatomy and learning the human body inside and out.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your job or career? The most rewarding part of being in school is knowing that one day I’ll be able to save lives and help with people’s quality of life in underserved areas.
What has been the most difficult or disappointing aspect of your job It’s very demanding with very little free time, but I understand that it’s necessary to become the best doctor I can be.
How have you combated the stigma of being a "woman of color" in STEM? I have combated the “woman of color” in STEM stigma by showing up as my true self every day. I continue to display excellence and try my personal best in every situation that I’m put in. Also, I continue to remember that nothing in this field is personal, and to be a trailblazer in this field you have to go through difficult times to pave the path for the next generation. Luckily I attend Howard University which is a historically black college, so I am surrounded by many amazing role models such as my dean over the College of Medicine who is an African-American woman.
What tips would you offer for anyone thinking about entering into your profession? One tip I would offer to anyone considering entering this profession is to be consistent and trust the process. The process of getting into medical school is very taxing. It will require a lot of commitment and discipline so if you are serious about entering the field you have to give it your all to get into medical school and to stay in medical school.
What advice would you give your younger self about your career journey as a "woman of color" working in a predominantly white, male-dominated field? Some advice I would get to my younger self is to not have imposter syndrome or the feeling of not belonging. It can be very intimidating to enter this field, but remember that it is necessary for the field to have representation, not only for the outcomes of the patients but also for the next generation of students. So essentially finding your “ why” on why you want to pursue this field is the advice I would give to my younger self so that I can continue to remember it even during the hard times.
Can you provide some words of wisdom to young ladies thinking about entering a STEM field as a career choice? Some words of wisdom, I would give to young women thinking about entering this field are to be strong, be consistent, stand up for who you are, and don’t waiver for anyone when it comes to your career. If you are truly meant to pursue this you will get there one day it just takes time. Trust and enjoy the process.
What is your favorite Quote? How do you apply this to your life?
Turn adversity into ambition.
I apply this in my life by essentially doing what it says. When times get tough, it makes me want to work harder and pushes me to pursue my goals that much more.
What are your future goals related to your career? My future career goal is to become an interventional cardiologist.
What are some interesting facts about yourself that you would like to share? Some interesting facts about me are that I love running and plan on running a marathon one day, and I’ve been a vegetarian for five years.
What are the best ways to reach you if anyone has further questions?belltaylor14@gmail.com
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