VCOM 2023 Annual Report

Flying High: VCOM-Carolinas Graduate Turned Flight Surgeon

T aylor Rudolph, DO, VCOM-Carolinas ’19, is not your average physician. With a passion for serving her country and a love for aviation, she has taken her medical career to new heights – quite literally. As a flight surgeon in the United States Navy, Dr. Rudolph plays a crucial role in ensuring the health and safety of aircrew and maintainers, including those involved in high-stakes operations like the Super Bowl flyover. In an exclusive interview, Dr. Rudolph shares her remarkable journey from medical school to the skies. “I decided that I wanted to be a doctor at a very young age as I always had a passion for helping others,” Dr. Rudolph reflects. “I felt that being a doctor was my calling and the best way that I could make a positive impact on others.” Her dedication to service didn’t stop there. Inspired by her grandfathers’ military service and driven by a desire to serve her country, Dr. Rudolph embarked on a path that combined her two passions: medicine and the military.

For Dr. Rudolph, choosing VCOM was a natural fit. “I went the non-traditional route and was a teacher through Teach for America prior to medical school, so I was very attracted to VCOM and its mission to provide care to underserved communities in the Southeast,” she explains. “VCOM provided me with a superior medical education, diverse rotations and leadership opportunities that prepared me well for my intern year and to practice independently as a flight surgeon.” VCOM’s commitment to supporting military students further solidified her decision. “I learned that VCOM was very supportive of its military students, and that was definitely reassuring in the stressful and exciting transition to medical school.” As a flight surgeon assigned to VFA 122, Dr. Rudolph’s responsibilities extend far beyond the confines of a traditional medical clinic. From conducting medical evaluations to providing in-flight support, her role is as diverse as it is demanding. “My team is responsible for the safety and medical care of all aircrew and maintainers at my squadron,” she elucidates. “Our primary mission is to keep everyone healthy for safe operations on the flight line and in the air.”

Reflecting on her training at VCOM, Dr. Rudolph credits the institution for equipping her with the skills and knowledge necessary for her career as a flight surgeon. The immersive experiences and rigorous curriculum at VCOM laid the foundation for her success in the Navy.

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