Dakota Taylor

I'm a third-year medical student from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM). I’m originally from Dover, Pa., a small town in York County, Pa.  

For my undergraduate degree, I participated in a dual-degree program, receiving a degree in biology from Millersville University and a degree in athletic training from West Chester University. I am still a board-certified and licensed athletic trainer in Pennsylvania.  

Following my undergraduate studies, I was not sure about my path in life and continued waiting tables for the next two years. In 2018, I accepted a job as a clinical assistant at the Orthopedic Associates of Lancaster. Over the next two and a half years with the practice, I grew and learned a lot and was able to build some very meaningful relationships, in particular with Drs. David Sieger and Kathryne Stabile, who took a real interest in me and encouraged me to pursue a career in medicine.  

Upon taking their advice, in 2020, I applied to several post-baccalaureate programs and in August of 2020 started at Temple University’s Advanced Core in Health Sciences Postbaccalaureate program. I started at PCOM in August of 2021 in the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine class of 2025.  

I am very much interested in and will be applying for residency in orthopedic surgery. Over summer break, after my first year, I did a research fellowship with the Rothman Orthopedics Opioid Foundation. I am currently expanding on an analysis I did there to produce a (hopefully) publishable review paper. I also submitted an abstract for the annual meeting of the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) with a physician I worked with at Orthopedic Associates of Lancaster. Here at TidalHealth, I’m on a research project looking at upper gastrointestinal bleeding that is still in its early stages. 

In my free time, I enjoy going to the gym and staying fit. In the summer, I like to kayak, hike, and watch television.