Dr. Erica D. Taylor, MD, MBA, orthopaedic hand surgeon, vice president of Health Equity for the Duke Health Integrated Practice; and vice chair of Culture, Engagement, and Impact, has been awarded the prestigious American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) Impact Award—a national honor recognizing individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership in reducing barriers to entering the orthopaedic field across the United States.
Presented annually at the AAOS Annual Meeting, the Impact Award celebrates living Academy Fellows and Emeritus Fellows who have distinguished themselves through an outstanding commitment to making orthopaedics more representative of, and accessible to, the full population it serves.
Taylor exemplifies the purpose and spirit of the award through her visionary leadership and longstanding dedication to broadening pathways into orthopaedic surgery. Her work aligns directly with the core criteria of the Impact Award, which honors individuals who:
- Actively reduce obstacles that prevent individuals from entering the field
- Serve as role models and lead by example in promoting engagement
- Make a lasting impact on broadening the composition of the orthopaedic community
- Recruit and encourage students to pursue orthopaedic careers
- Sponsor, mentor, and guide trainees and early‑career surgeons from all experiences
- Advance knowledge about healthcare deserts and strategies to improve access
Through innovative programming, mentorship initiatives, national collaboration, and institutional leadership, Taylor has strengthened the pipeline into orthopaedics while elevating conversations around access, workforce development, and the evolving responsibilities of the modern surgeon. Her efforts have expanded opportunity, reinforced structured mentorship, and deepened connections between community needs and musculoskeletal health outcomes.
At the podium, Taylor reflected on the meaning of the moment:
“Uncommon favor is not about what you receive, what you have, or what you get. Uncommon favor is how your life is uniquely positioned to serve others. I pray that my life forever be an example of uncommon favor.”
She continues to reflect on this career milestone. “This recognition reflects the collective effort of mentors, colleagues, trainees, and partners who believe in building a stronger profession together. When we open doors and create pathways, we strengthen not only our workforce, but the care we deliver to every patient.”
Colleagues across Duke Health celebrate Taylor as a leader whose influence extends far beyond departmental and institutional boundaries. Her commitment to mentorship, access, and leadership development has created durable change within orthopaedics and continues to inspire the next generation of surgeons.
Taylor’s Impact Award affirms a career devoted not simply to achievement, but to service — shaping a profession prepared for the future and grounded in purpose.
Warmest congratulations to Taylor on this well-deserved achievement.