From Soldier to Student Doctor, Daryl Traylor’s non-traditional path to medical school

For many medical students, another school year has begun. Each year, tens of thousands of students matriculate, with the average age being around 24, according to the American Medical Association (AMA). Daryl Traylor, however, matriculated at more than twice that age. Now 52, Traylor is in his second year at the University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine (UIWSOM), but his journey to becoming a physician began decades ago.

Growing up in Houston, Texas, Traylor faced significant challenges. His mother struggled with a lifelong prescription drug addiction, and his father worked tirelessly to support the family. Despite these hardships, his father prioritized education for Traylor and his sister, creating the foundation for Traylor’s future success. Traylor’s decision to pursue medicine began in the early 1980s following a traumatic experience with his mother.

“My mother had an overdose one week in August, and I was the only one at home with her. The fear and helplessness I felt as I watched her struggle, thinking she might have died, was overwhelming. At that moment, I wished fervently that I had the skills and knowledge to help her, to make a difference in a critical situation,” recalled Traylor.

Driven by that experience and a desire to serve, he enlisted in the Army. Traylor served as an active-duty medic for eight years, followed by service in the Oklahoma Army and Air National Guards. These experiences fostered a strong sense of discipline, leadership, and purpose for Traylor.

His impressive academic career began after he earned degrees in microbiology and health promotion/sociology in 2010 from Northern Arizona University, followed by a master's in pharmacology and public health from Michigan State University. The decision to pursue medical school came in 2012, with support from his wife (then fiancée) Eboni. She became a professor in medical education to help guide his path to medical school, with Daryl acknowledging Eboni’s crucial role in his success.

In 2021, he achieved a PhD in nursing from the University of Missouri. Throughout his pursuit of education, Traylor also developed a passion for teaching, instructing both undergraduate and graduate courses. Alongside his studies, Traylor accumulated over 5,000 hours of direct patient contact through various roles, including 3,200 hours as an AmeriCorps VISTA.

Like many students, Traylor found himself balancing work and MCAT preparation during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Traylor adapted, joining a Zoom study group and leveraging virtual resources.

“The experience taught me valuable lessons in time management, adaptability, and perseverance,” recounted Traylor.

When asked about receiving his first acceptance into medical school, Traylor says that it was an emotional moment, second only to his wedding day. He and his wife celebrated with tears of joy, dancing around their house while startling their cat, Sudan.

After the initial celebration, Traylor said, “We paused to offer deep prayers of gratitude, thanking God for this significant blessing.”

Now in medical school, Traylor reflects on the journey with gratitude, recognizing the friendships and growth he’s gained. “The challenges have been numerous, but they have been matched by personal growth and fulfillment that continue to motivate me every day.”

Further, Traylor says, “Navigating through medical school has taught me that success is less about your [academic] knowledge and more about resilience, asking for help when needed, utilizing available resources, and practicing good self-care, including seeking therapy if necessary.”

Looking ahead, Traylor envisions a career that combines clinical practice with medical education. He plans to pursue residency in either family medicine or emergency medicine, with a long-term goal of contributing to medical education, potentially as a professor or dean.

Traylor advises students considering a return to school, “If you are passionate about your field and willing to embrace the challenges, the journey can lead to fulfilling opportunities and personal growth.”

From a young child wishing he could help his mother, to a second-year medical student driven by purpose, Daryl Traylor’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, support, and the unwavering belief that it’s never too late to pursue one’s passion.