Taylor Hale is a proud alum of Rice University (2017), with a BA in Kinesiology-Sports Medicine, and a minor in Biochemistry and Cell Biology. One of the exceptional elements of a Rice education for Taylor was the opportunity to shadow physicians and conduct research at several hospitals in the Houston Medical Center. Taylor worked with Roberta Anding and the Baylor College of Medicine team on a diabetes prevention program, which helped hone her passion for diabetic care.

Taylor is now a third-year medical student at Des Moines University in the College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, where she is seeking her Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree. Podiatric physicians specialize in podiatric medicine (podiatry) while in medical school, followed by at least three years of residency training. Podiatric physicians are uniquely trained foot and ankle surgeons and specialists. Taylor’s future aspiration is to become a diabetic limb salvage subspecialist in an academic medical setting. She was recently inducted into Pi Delta, the national honor society for DPM students, signifying being in the top 20% of the class.

At DMU, Taylor is lucky enough to have many excellent experiences outside the classroom. She is a student researcher, pursuing the research track option. Her research focuses on anatomy and how surgical outcomes of Charcot foot reconstructions can be improved. Taylor actually met and shadowed her research mentor, Dr. Collin Pehde, in Houston while he was working in private practice before he came to DMU to teach. She has presented her research via poster and oral presentation sessions.

Taylor is a very active volunteer in the Des Moines community. She has received the Des Moines University Service Award, served as a mentor for the DMU Health Professions Advancement Summer Scholars Program, and is a tutor for biochemistry, cell biology, clinical medicine, pathology, and physiology. Taylor serves as the secretary for the Podiatric Medial Advocacy, a student group that aims to inform the community of the role and value of podiatric medicine. PMA hosts interactive workshops for high school students to learn suturing, knot-tying, and ultrasound. She is an admissions ambassador for DMU, as well as working in the admissions office for work study.

One value that Rice instilled in Taylor is the value of diversity and advocacy. At DMU, she has completed certificates that show her commitment to these values such as training in diversity in health, social justice, and addiction awareness.