Talia Hall at McGovern Medical School
What inspired you to want to pursue a career in medicine?
By the age of 12, I knew several family members with high blood pressure, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. Witnessing chronic illnesses take the lives of my loved ones before they reached 70 inspired me to pursue a career in medicine. These struggles are all too common in minority households.
As a physician, my dream is to change this narrative by researching and addressing the social factors contributing to chronic illnesses in minority communities. I aim to educate my community on whole-body health, emphasizing exercise and healthy eating, and provide personalized care to prevent diet-based chronic illnesses.
Why did you choose McGovern Medical School?
I chose McGovern because of the strong sense of community which is essential for academic success. During my sophomore year of college, I participated in the Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP) and met many wonderful McGovern students. Through these encounters, I experienced firsthand the camaraderie and supportive environment McGovern fosters.
What motivates you?
My family is my greatest motivation. Ever since I was a little girl, I told my parents how much I wanted to be a doctor. They held onto that ambition and fostered it throughout my life. I remember my dad buying me a fake white coat and labeling it “Dr. Hall” with a typewritten sticker. My family’s support, sacrifices, and encouragement have uplifted me throughout my educational journey. It is beautiful to see all our hard work and their investments pay off.
Who is your hero?
My hero is my grandmother, Marietta Haywood. She was a sweet, loving, and strong faith-based role model. Whenever offered candy or cake, she would often say, “I’m sweet enough,” partly because she was a type 2 diabetic, but I believe it reflected her true nature. She had a remarkable ability to find beauty in hardship, something I deeply admire.
Throughout my childhood, my grandmother battled congestive heart failure. I often watched her enter the hospital, but she always managed to do so with a smile and never left without one, either. She took the time to give thank-you cards to every nurse, doctor, and staff member she encountered, spreading kindness wherever she went. Reflecting on her medical struggles inspires me to pursue a career in the medical community, where I hope to embody the same compassion and resilience she showed throughout her life.
What is your ultimate goal for your career in medicine?
As a physician, my ultimate goal is to transform healthcare from a treatment-focused approach to one centered on prevention. I hope to educate my community about whole-body health, emphasizing the importance of exercise and healthy eating. By providing personalized care and addressing underlying risk factors, I aim to reduce the prevalence of congestive heart failure and other preventable chronic illnesses in minority populations. Ultimately, I aspire to build a healthier and more informed community, one patient at a time.
What kind of emotions do you feel as you’re beginning medical school?
As I prepare to begin medical school, I am filled with gratitude and excitement. I vividly remember walking past McGovern, envisioning the day I would be a student here. Now, that dream is becoming a reality. The privilege of attending my dream school and fulfilling my lifelong mission in such a supportive and inspiring environment is truly an honor.
What are you looking forward to most about medical school?
I’m looking forward to forming new friendships and diving into the vast clinical world of medicine. It’s such a privilege to learn how to become someone’s doctor, and I truly appreciate that opportunity. I’m excited for everything that lies ahead—the highs and lows—because I know they’ll all shape my character in some way. I can’t wait to walk into the hospital during my clerkship years, proudly wearing my branded white coat instead of just being a volunteer or an aspiring pre-med student. Plus, I’m eager to put into practice the scientific knowledge I gained during my undergraduate years and see how it all comes together in real-life situations.
If you had to pick a medical specialty right now, what would it be and why?
I would choose pediatrics. I love the bubbly and bright environment within pediatric units. Additionally, I believe children are particularly receptive to changes in diet and lifestyle, making it a meaningful opportunity to promote health and wellness. Prevention starts with the younger generation, and I would be grateful for the chance to contribute to their well-being.
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