Barbara S. Taylor, MD
What brought you to UT Health San Antonio?
When I came back to Texas in 2009, I was drawn by the many opportunities at UT Health and University Health, particularly in HIV care and research. My colleagues here are truly outstanding – leaders in their fields and also great clinicians and teachers. I was also excited to bring my family to San Antonio, and we all fell in love with the community.
What is your favorite part and most challenging part of your job?
There are so many great things I get to do as a part of my job that it is hard to pick a favorite. If forced, I would choose teaching, which is a part of every aspect of my job. Teaching is essential for clinical care because I need to be an effective educator for my patients. Teaching is also a component of research so our study participants understand what we are doing and our research team learns the “why” behind the protocols. Finally, as a teacher at the medical school and in the hospital, I get to mentor amazing medical students, residents, and fellows.
Most challenging – making sure I do my best to serve my patients and community. San Antonio has many strengths, but our community also experiences many challenges accessing health care and other essential services.
What is your most rewarding experience at UT Health?
Watching teams of people, from all different backgrounds and disciplines, come together to confront a challenge – from ending the HIV epidemic to COVID to launching a new School of Public Health – it is incredibly inspiring.
How are you giving back to UT Health?
I give back to UT Health in many ways, but I love mentoring the almost 80 students in the MD/MPH program. They are enthusiastic, community focused, and very driven to improve health globally.
Share a message for students and alumni.
Take advantage of all your colleagues at UT Health! We’re an amazing group of people with diverse talents and a commitment to serving our community. If you’re an alum, we encourage you to reach out and stay involved in campus.
Pay attention to the issues you are passionate about and people who inspire you. That can be your guide to further study, new opportunities, and great mentors.
Stay open to opportunities that are considered off the traditional path. Some of my most important professional development happened during “years off” – working in Latin America, studying in a lab in New York – that were not a part of my degree plan.
