Hello, my name is . . . Melinda Taylor
Each Monday, the Daily Voice will introduce you to a member of the UMass Medical School community—could be a new face, or maybe one that’s has been around for a while. We’ve asked our subjects, in their own words, to answer a few questions that might give you insight into their personalities. If you have a suggestion as to someone who might be profiled, let us know at ummscommunications@umassmed.edu.
What brought you here to UMass Medical School?
To work with surgeons developing new medical devices
What do you love most about the work that you do?
The chance to innovate
How would you explain your work to your spouse/child/a student
My work is critical to the advancement of higher education.
Best kept secret about your department/lab/division
People doing more with less
What is the practical application of your work?
Students, residents and staff can practice and hone psychomotor skills, critical thinking and human factors such as delivering bad news.
If you could talk to patients in the hospital about your work, what would you most want them to know?
The technology we provide to students is helping to make them better doctors. Simulation provides trainees the opportunity to work out the bugs before they get to the patient.
Which trait do you most admire in yourself?
Work ethic
What’s the question you’re most often asked about your work – and the answer?
Do you love your job? Answer: yes.
Describe yourself in six words or fewer.
I never give up
If you were stranded on a desert island, name three things you would want.
Another human, fishing tackle and a sleeping bag
If you could have dinner with a famous person, living or dead, who would that be?
Thomas Jefferson
What has surprised you most about UMass Medical School?
I am thrilled to see the capital investments being made in upgrading the medical school.
Who or what inspired you to enter your field?
My aunt and uncle, my innovative aptitude is a gift from my Dad.
Please provide some details about your education:
AS Electronics Quinsigamond Community College; BS Engineering WPI.
What are some of your hobbies/interests outside of work?
Fishing, tennis, gardening
What do you consider the most interesting thing about yourself that most people might not know (and you would want to tell them).
When people tell you the odds are against you; don’t believe them.
What book have you read or what movie have you seen most recently, or what kind of music do you most enjoy?
Indie folk and Celtic music
Who are your heroes?
People who take initiative and people who don’t sacrifice their principles
What’s the most exciting thing happening in your field right now?
Technology is evolving rapidly making our simulators wireless and more life-like.