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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