INTERVIEW WITH DR. WILSON-TAYLOR

From the moment I met Dr. Wilson-Taylor I knew she was a perfect fit for the practice.  So warm and personable, caring and kind.  A smile that welcomes us and makes us feel confident that we are in the best of care.  A presence that makes us feel safe and calm.  Many of us have gotten to know her as the awesome doctor our child is lucky enough to see, but we ALL want to know more!!!!  Let’s learn about her in this month’s interview.


SSP:  Can you tell us a little about where you grew up and your path to becoming a pediatrician?
I was born and raised in Canarsie, Brooklyn. I always knew I wanted to be a doctor since I was in elementary school. I did a few science programs in high school and only became more fascinated in the sciences and health professions. Even though I felt passionate about being a pediatrician, I kept my mind open throughout medical school. I always found myself playing with children of my adult patients, or taking care of the newborn after a delivery and knew that providing care for children was my true passion.


SSP: Tell us a little about your family, I understand you are a mom of 2?
I am a first-generation American born. My parents are from the West Indies. My son is 9 and my daughter is 7. They are the reason I switched from academic pediatrics at Cornell to private practice here at South Slope. I wanted to be closer to home so that I could spend more time with them during their formative years. I have been married for 12 years to my childhood sweetheart.


SSP:  As parents we are always striving for a somewhat unattainable word “balance”.   How do you try to maintain balance as a doctor AND mom?
This “balance” is very tricky for working families. A couple of years ago, I made a list of ALL the activities that I do, their importance and how much time I spend on each one. It made me re-prioritize different aspects of my life, which led me to join the SSP family. It allows me a chance to be a professional and still make time to get home each night and spend time with children, finish up homework and still take them to activities on the weekend.


SSP: How has being a parent affected your perspective on being a pediatrician?
I know many great pediatricians that don’t have children, but being parent does give me a chance to take a step back and put myself in the shoes of the families of my patients. I realize the way pediatricians talk with families and patients is just as important as the diagnosis being made. I try to take my time and make sure parents understand why I am prescribing a specific treatment and are able to make informed decisions to best take care of their child.


SSP:  When you aren’t busy being a mom and a pediatrician, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time? 
Spare time…I like to cook and am working on my gardening skills. I enjoy fitness and try to get to a cardiokick class once a week and do workout videos at home.


SSP: What is the aspect of being a doctor that brings you the most happiness?
Whether its an infant with a cold or more life-altering moments, to be a constant support and sounding board for a family brings great joy. As a pediatrician, in just a few minutes, I can tell whether a child is really ill and to be able to tell a parent that their child is “fine” can put them at ease.