
Hobbies and interests
Dance
Brianna Taylor
1x
Finalist
Brianna Taylor
1x
FinalistBio
As a PA-S1, I’m building a future in dermatology where compassion, curiosity, and access guide my work. I hope to bring high-quality skin care to underserved communities and create meaningful change through patient-centered medicine.
Education
Xavier University of Louisiana
Master's degree programMajors:
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
University of Central Florida
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
Lake-Sumter State College
Associate's degree programMajors:
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
East Ridge High School
High SchoolMiscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Master's degree program
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
Career
Dream career field:
Medicine
Dream career goals:
Physician Assistant
Medical Assistant
PMA2025 – Present1 year
Arts
SOTG
Dance2010 – 2025
Public services
Volunteering
Straight Street — Food Distributor2022 – 2025
Skin, Bones, Hearts & Private Parts Scholarship for Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, and Registered Nurse Students
My passion is serving others through medicine, and it has guided every step of my journey toward becoming a Physician Assistant (PA). My interest began in childhood but it became a clear calling in college after a hit-and-run accident brought me to the emergency room. There, a PA named Amy cared for me with rare compassion, taking the time to educate, comfort, and genuinely connect with me. She assured me that everything would be okay while demonstrating a simple interrupted suture pattern on a piece of gauze. Her example showed me the type of clinician I aspire to become, one who pairs medical knowledge with genuine humanity.
To pursue this passion, I am currently completing my Master’s of Health Sciences at Xavier University. Prior to graduate school, I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences from the University of Central Florida and began working as a medical assistant in a dermatology clinic. In that role, I assisted with procedures, supported patients during vulnerable moments, and learned daily from the PA I worked alongside. These experiences strengthened my commitment to becoming a PA, especially when I witnessed how deeply compassionate care can change a patient’s life.
One case that stayed with me involved a young patient from Colombia with severe, unexplained skin deterioration. The PA, Tish, took a thorough diagnostic approach, ordering biopsies, cultures, and genetic testing. She ultimately identified a rare condition called PAPAS syndrome. As she delivered the difficult news, I watched her clean and dress his wounds with extraordinary care, speaking to him and his mother with patience and empathy. Seeing her combine expertise with kindness showed me the profound impact thoughtful, diligent care can have. I hope to make a similar impact by providing patient-centered care that is both clinically excellent and deeply compassionate.
I strive to make a difference in every patient interaction. I recall assisting a patient with Parkinson’s disease whose tremor made it difficult to complete paperwork and change into an exam gown. She apologized repeatedly for things beyond her control, and I reassured her with a smile, letting her know I was there to help with anything she needed because her comfort truly mattered to me. Whether comforting those who feel anxious or alone or explaining procedures in a way they can understand, I aim to ensure every person feels acknowledged and valued. As a future PA, I want to be the provider who listens closely, advocates fiercely, and leaves patients feeling more empowered than when they arrived
Receiving this scholarship would significantly support my ability to continue pursuing my PA education and deepen my commitment to dermatology. Graduate school is both academically demanding and financially challenging, and this award would allow me to focus more fully on my training rather than on financial strain. It would also help me continue building the clinical skills I first developed in dermatology. The skills that sparked my passion for treating complex conditions and serving vulnerable populations. With this support, I would be able to invest more time into volunteer opportunities and clinical experiences that prepare me to deliver accessible, high-quality dermatologic care to underserved communities. This scholarship would not only ease the burden of tuition but would directly contribute to the type of PA I am becoming: one dedicated to compassion, equity, and meaningful impact.