Episode #404 Leading Through the Storm, With Michelle Taylor, MD, DrPH, MPA
- Laura Hollabaugh
- 17 minutes ago
- 4 min read
On This Episode Of The Public Health Epidemiology Conversations (PHEC) Podcast
In this conversation, our guest, Dr. Michelle Taylor shares her journey into public health, highlighting the importance of mentorship, her transition from pediatrics to public health, and her passion for health equity. She discusses her experiences in medical training, the challenges of balancing motherhood and a medical career, and her commitment to educating her community about health disparities and the significance of health services. In this conversation, Dr. Michelle Taylor and Dr. Huntley discuss the challenges and importance of public health, particularly in the context of political changes and misinformation. They emphasize the need for clear communication, the significance of health equity, and the necessity of adapting public health messaging to reach diverse audiences. Dr. Taylor shares her experiences leading a health department in a politically challenging environment and offers advice for public health professionals navigating these turbulent times.
Meet Dr. Michelle Taylor
Dr. Michelle Taylor received her undergraduate degree from Howard University in 1997, her medical degree from East Tennessee State University, James H. Quillen College of Medicine in 2002, completed her pediatric residency at East Tennessee State University/Johnson City Medical Center and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center from 2002-2005, and earned her Master’s degree in Epidemiology from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in 2009. As a C. Sylvia and Eddie C. Brown Community Health Scholar, she received her Doctorate in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health in 2015. In 2018, Dr. Taylor completed her Master’s degree in Public Administration at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government as a Commonwealth Fund Mongan Fellow in Minority Health Policy.
From 2014 to 2016, Dr. Taylor, a pediatrician, was Associate Medical Director and Deputy Administrator for Maternal and Child Health at the Shelby County Health Department, in Memphis, TN. Dr. Taylor is also a Col, and Residency-Trained Flight Surgeon in the Tennessee Air National Guard. Before returning to Memphis, Dr. Taylor served on Active Duty for Operational Support and Statutory tours as the Credentialing and Privileging Branch Chief and the Division Chief for Aerospace Medicine in the Office of the Air National Guard Surgeon General, from 2019 to 2021.
Since 2021, Dr. Taylor has served as the Division Director for Health Services for Shelby County Government, in Memphis, TN. In this role, Dr. Taylor leads the team that plans, organizes, and maintains public health programs and services for Shelby County. To that end, she leads the operation of the Shelby County Health Department, which is responsible for the delivery of all public health services and enforcement of applicable health codes and ordinances of Shelby County and applicable statutes and regulations of the Tennessee Department of Health. Michelle has two children, Malik (18) and Ella (11), and loves traveling to new places, baking, walking, and reading.
Listen To This Episode Of The Public Health Epidemiology Conversations (PHEC) Podcast
Conversation Highlights
Dr. Taylor is the director and health officer at the Shelby County Health Department.
She has a unique background as both a pediatrician and a flight doctor.
Mentorship played a crucial role in her understanding of public health.
Her early experiences in community health shaped her career path.
Transitioning to public health was influenced by her personal experiences as a mother.
Education in public health is essential for understanding health equity.
Dr. Taylor emphasizes the importance of community engagement in health initiatives.
She believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to reach optimal health.
Health equity is often misunderstood by the general public.
Dr. Taylor is passionate about educating her community on health disparities. Public health services should be accessible to everyone.
Clear communication is essential to avoid misinformation.
Political challenges can complicate public health efforts.
Leading in a politically diverse environment requires adaptability.
Data-driven decisions are crucial in public health.
Public health messaging must resonate with the audience.
Most people desire health and prosperity for their families.
Staying calm and focused is vital in chaotic situations.
The work of public health continues despite challenges.
Engagement and conversation are key to effective public health.
“It’s been so fun to prove to people that this health department really is for everyone… Even if you don’t walk through the doors, you’re benefiting from what we do.” - Dr. Michelle Taylor
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DrCHHuntley LLC is a public health consulting firm that specializes in epidemiology consulting, supporting large nonprofit organizations in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Mississippi, and Florida that serve Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). We also provide nationwide public health consulting and epidemiology consulting support to BIPOC organizations across the United States.