By: Kabreel McEachin
Effective leadership requires a unique blend of vision, resilience, and innovation. Dr. DeShawn Taylor, the founder of the Desert Star Institute for Family Planning in Phoenix, Arizona, exemplifies these qualities as she navigates the challenges of running a nonprofit clinic dedicated to reproductive health care and community advocacy.
When Dr. Taylor first established her clinic, she faced the daunting task of securing funding for a model ahead of its time. As a solo practitioner and OB-GYN, she quickly discovered that traditional banks hesitated to support a practice focused solely on gynecology. “It was a grind to get the clinic up and running,” she reflects, noting that many banks were unfamiliar with the innovative approach she envisioned. This model integrated abortion care with other gynecological services, creating a comprehensive and supportive environment for patients.
From the outset, Dr. Taylor was committed to making her patients feel at ease. “I wanted them to feel like they were at a regular doctor’s office,” she emphasizes. However, the challenge was significant; this integrated approach required more staff and resources, driving operational costs. Despite these hurdles, Dr. Taylor persevered, focusing on building a solid community presence.
Understanding that she was the face of her brand, Dr. Taylor embraced social media to connect with potential patients. “I realized people were coming to see me,” she explains. “I had to put myself out there.” She raised awareness about her services by engaging with the community on platforms like Instagram and YouTube. She showcased her unique position as a Black woman physician in a predominantly white field.
The commitment to education and advocacy is central to Dr. Taylor’s mission. As she navigated the complexities of providing reproductive healthcare, she recognized the limitations of operating as a for-profit entity. Four years into running the clinic, she founded the Desert Star Institute for Family Planning as a nonprofit organization. However, running both the clinic and nonprofit simultaneously proved to be challenging. After careful consideration and discussions with her board, Dr. Taylor decided it made more sense for the nonprofit to acquire the for-profit clinic, allowing them to focus more on health equity work for the community. This decision become final in December 2023. Despite this shift, Dr. Taylor continues to engage in clinical work, ensuring that she remains directly involved in patient care. The merger of the clinic and nonprofit solidified their ability to serve patients holistically, enabling them to provide education and advocacy services that address the community’s needs more effectively.
Dr. Taylor’s leadership was tested during the COVID-19 pandemic, which required temporarily reducing services. “It was a challenging time, but we adapted,” she recalls. Emerging from the pandemic, the political climate further complicated her efforts. Yet, the merger of her two entities allowed for resource consolidation, enabling her to continue providing critical services to the community.
Mentorship has also played a crucial role in Dr. Taylor’s journey. Early in her career, she sought guidance beyond traditional medical mentorship. “I needed to connect with other business owners,” she notes. This shift led her to a business coach who helped her navigate the complexities of running a healthcare practice. “Having someone who understood the unique challenges I faced was invaluable,” she reflects.
One of the key lessons Dr. Taylor learned was to embrace imperfection. “In medicine, we often strive for perfection, but sometimes you just have to act and refine your processes along the way,” she shares. This mindset was instrumental in her decision to introduce gender-affirming hormone therapy, a service she had contemplated for years before finally implementing it.
As the Desert Star Institute for Family Planning leader, Dr. Taylor is no stranger to the challenges of securing financial support in today’s landscape. After the merger, she expected fundraising to become more straightforward but quickly learned that the political climate made resources scarce for everyone. “Diversifying our funding sources became crucial,” she explains. “I began pursuing grants focused on workforce development and comprehensive care.” By emphasizing the training of medical professionals and community health workers, she opened new avenues for financial support, ensuring the sustainability of her mission.
Dr. Taylor attributes much of her success to her identity as a Black woman. “My experiences shape how I approach healthcare,” she emphasizes. Understanding the specific challenges faced by Black women in reproductive health enables her to create an environment that fosters trust and compassion. She is committed to decolonizing her medical practice, ensuring patients feel respected and empowered throughout their healthcare journey.
Reflecting on her leadership journey, Dr. DeShawn Taylor is a beacon of hope and resilience in the healthcare community. Her innovative approach to reproductive health care, commitment to education and advocacy, and dedication to fostering community engagement pave the way for a brighter future.
As Dr. Taylor continues to inspire others through her work, she invites individuals to support her mission. For more insights into her organization and ways to contribute, visit desertstarfp.org and follow her journey on social media.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, nor does it replace professional medical expertise or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.
Published By: Aize Perez
