Taliah Ellis '19

How did you end up studying medicine? Did you anticipate this when you started at Knox?

I always knew that I wanted a career in the medical field. It wasn’t until I experienced a sports-related injury (my senior year of high school) and was referred to an amazing orthopedic surgeon that my heart was geared towards studying medicine. To be more specific, I want to be an orthopedic surgeon.

When I started at Knox, I knew I wanted to study medicine. I went in as a pre-med student. Knox was able to solidify my interest and provide me with opportunities to get exposure to the medical world, such as my shadowing trip to Italy through the Doctors In Italy program.

Can you describe your experience at medical school? What does that entail? How did this opportunity come about?

I first heard of Ross University during one of the graduation fairs at Knox. I was interested because the school was on the island of Barbados, and that is where my father is originally from. I took the information, but it wasn’t until later in my application cycle for 2021 that I had revisited the school website and requested more information.

I began medical school in May of 2021. It has been great so far! During my first semester, we were still given the opportunity to either study on the island or study remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I chose to study on the island, and it was great! Who can complain when you get to study on a beautiful beach! During my first semester, lectures were recorded and most academic activities were not in person. It was a bit of an adjustment to online learning, but now all activities are back to being in person. Since I was on the island my first semester, I was able to participate in the anatomy lab in person, but all other activities were online.

I am now in my second semester that will be ending in mid-December. I have had so much fun here aside from my studies. I have met a great group of friends and have been able to travel and visit the island on my free days. I have definitely adapted to island life. I live in on-campus housing, which is in an all-inclusive housing complex. It has a grocery store, gas station, health center, hair salon, car rental, gym, and multiple restaurants. I live in a house with three other housemates who are amazing! I am definitely enjoying my time here on the beautiful island of Barbados!  

How did your experiences at Knox prepare you for medical school? Was there anyone in particular that guided or helped you?

Knox was key in preparing me for medical school. There were many key resources that were at my disposal during and after my time at Knox, to help in my preparations for applying to medical school. Some key resources were my professors! Professor Judy Thorn, Professor Esther Penick, and Professor Jennifer Smith all played important roles in my success. I am eternally grateful for their mentorship and guidance because I would not be where I am today without them!

What are your goals—career-related or otherwise—for after med school?

I am planning on specializing in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine. After medical school, I want to open up my own practice. I also want to go back to school and get a degree in medical and sports nutrition as I want to teach young athletes about the importance of nutrition in sports.

Why is Knox important to you?

It became my home away from home. I am from Chandler, Arizona, and I had no family in the Midwest. The connections I created during my time gave me the opportunity to call Knox my home. My friends and teammates became my family. My professors had my best interest at heart.

At Knox, Taliah Ellis was a dual-sport athlete, participating in basketball as well track and field. She was also part of Best Buddies.