Selma Resident Recognized as Public Health Leader

Bruce Taylor, M.D., M.P.H, of Selma, has been named Alumnus of the Year by the School of Public Health at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). The award, including a check for $1,000 funded by the Hillcrest Foundation, was presented to Taylor during the school’s convocation ceremonies held May 6 in Birmingham.

BIRMINGHAM, AL — Bruce Taylor, M.D., M.P.H, of Selma, has been named Alumnus of the Year by the School of Public Health at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). The award, including a check for $1,000 funded by the Hillcrest Foundation, was presented to Taylor during the school’s convocation ceremonies held May 6 in Birmingham.

“If students are the heart of a school, then alumni are its soul,” said Max Michael, M.D., UAB dean of public health. “We owe our existence to those such as Dr. Taylor who remain closely connected to the school and who generously share their time, talents and financial gifts to ensure our continued success.”

Taylor, owner of Taylor Internal Medicine of Selma, is a 1995 graduate of the school. He also received his bachelor’s and medical degrees from UAB.

“Dr. Taylor chose to set up his practice in Dallas County because it has the highest diabetes rate in the nation and because there is a huge need for practitioners in Alabama’s Black Belt communities,” said Connie Kohler, Ph.D., UAB associate professor of public health and one of Taylor’s mentors during his studies at UAB.

Since opening his practice, Taylor has been active in educating the community about the prevention and management of chronic diseases. Efforts include establishing a drug assistance program for patients without prescription insurance, hosting Selma’s 2004 Heart Ball to raise awareness of heart disease, organizing community health fairs, speaking to community groups and starting a non-profit health services organization to assist county residents.

Taylor’s commitment to the community extends beyond health-related activities. He has sponsored a food drive for the Food Bank and a fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity. He also has given numerous scholarships to local youth, and currently sponsors two youth softball teams.

“As busy as he is, Dr. Taylor has remained committed to serving the UAB School of Public Health,” Kohler said. “In addition to contributing financially to the school, he has served as an advisor to the school’s Center for Health Promotion and is a standing guest on the school’s radio drama, BODYLOVE, which airs locally in Selma. He exemplifies the mission and values of the school.”