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Medical Education October 17, 2025

600x450 10 11At 4:30 a.m., while much of Birmingham is still asleep, Taylor St. Martin, M.D., is already moving through the quiet rhythm of her morning. With bottles prepared for her daughter and her scrubs on, she heads out the door before sunrise. By 5:30, she is at UAB Hospital, ready to begin another day in anesthesiology residency — a role that demands focus and precision.

Each day in anesthesiology residency brings a mix of rotations, procedures, and patient care that challenges residents to grow both clinically and professionally. St. Martin approaches every shift with purpose, giving her full attention to her patients and her team. During the day, she relies on her husband as the main point of contact for their daughters, allowing her to stay fully engaged in her work. “When I’m at work, I’m fully there,” St. Martin says. “When I’m home, I want to be fully present with my family.”

When her shift ends, another important role begins. At home, St. Martin and her husband share the work of family life — daycare pickup, dinner, bath time, and bedtime stories. Evenings are a team effort, and she credits her husband for his partnership. “We’ve found our rhythm,” St. Martin says. “It’s not about doing everything alone — it’s about working together.” For her, balance isn’t about perfection but about being fully engaged, whether in the hospital or at home with her family.

Being a parent has also shaped her approach to patient care. “Parenthood gives you perspective. You understand what it means to care for someone who’s vulnerable”, St. Martin explains. That perspective has strengthened her empathy and communication with patients and their families, reinforcing her belief that medicine is about trust and compassion as much as it is about science.

As the 2025–2026 president of the Graduate Medical Education (GME) House Staff Council, St. Martin brings that same balance and perspective to her leadership. She is dedicated to supporting residents and fostering collaboration across programs. One of her goals is to help improve lactation spaces for nursing mothers — ensuring they are practical, private, and easy to access during clinical shifts. “Supporting residents who are also parents helps everyone perform their best,” St. Martin says. Her focus reflects her leadership style: thoughtful, solutions-oriented, and committed to creating an environment where residents can thrive both professionally and personally.

In addition to her residency and leadership roles, St. Martin is pursuing an executive master’s degree in Health Administration at UAB through a hybrid program, preparing for a future in medical leadership. Balancing all these responsibilities requires discipline and perspective. “You learn to optimize every minute,” St. Martin says. “Some days, it’s about letting go of perfection and focusing on what matters most.” She credits strong mentors and a supportive community for helping her stay grounded and goal-oriented.

For residents or medical students who may want to start a family during training, St. Martin emphasizes that it’s both possible and fulfilling. She encourages future residents to seek out programs that value balance and to lean on peers and mentors. “Residency is demanding, but it’s also rewarding. With planning and support, you can make it work.”

As the day winds down and her daughters drift to sleep, St. Martin reflects on the roles that shape her — wife, parent, physician, and leader. The hours can be long, but the rewards are many: a patient’s trust, a bedtime story, and a shared goal with fellow residents. For her, residency has been a journey of resilience and growth, made possible through teamwork, support, and purpose. “It may not always be perfect,” St. Martin says, “but it’s possible — and it’s worth it.”


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