In recognition of her exceptional contributions to orthopaedic surgery, Dr. Erica D. Taylor, MD, MBA, has been named the recipient of the prestigious 2025 Alvin H. Crawford, MD, Mentorship Award. This honor is bestowed by the J. Robert Gladden Orthopaedic Society (JRGOS). A pioneer in orthopaedics and a passionate advocate for health equity and inclusion, Dr. Taylor has made a profound impact on her patients and on the next generation of orthopaedic surgeons.
Honoring Dr. Alvin H. Crawford
The Alvin H. Crawford, MD, Mentorship Award was established to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Alvin H. Crawford, a renowned orthopaedic surgeon whose career was defined by his unwavering dedication to education and mentorship. Dr. Crawford’s influence continues to be felt through his commitment to nurturing young talent, guiding them with compassion, wisdom, and technical expertise. For decades, he has mentored students, residents, and fellows, shaping the future of orthopaedic surgery by focusing on excellence, leadership, and care.
Dr. Taylor: A Leader in Orthopaedics and Mentorship
Dr. Taylor, an Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and Chief Medical Officer of Inclusion and Belonging at Duke Health Integrated Practice, exemplifies the values celebrated by the Alvin H. Crawford Mentorship Award. Her career has been dedicated to advancing the field of orthopaedic surgery, breaking down barriers, and creating opportunities for underrepresented groups in medicine.
As Vice Chair of Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in the Department of Orthopaedics at Duke, Dr. Taylor leads initiatives to foster an inclusive and supportive environment for students, residents, and faculty. She understands that inclusion is crucial for advancing healthcare, and her efforts are helping shape a more inclusive future for orthopaedics.
A Dedication to Mentorship
Dr. Taylor’s passion for mentorship shines through in her work with the next generation of orthopaedic surgeons. Whether mentoring residents in the operating room, guiding students through challenging research projects, or offering career advice to early-career professionals, Dr. Taylor exemplifies the thoughtful, compassionate mentorship Dr. Crawford championed throughout his career.
In addition to her clinical and educational work, Dr. Taylor strongly advocates recruiting and retaining underrepresented minorities in orthopaedic surgery. Her tireless efforts to create a culture of inclusion and belonging have significantly impacted representation at Duke, improving the experience for patients and practitioners alike.
Megan A. Badejo, MD, a third-year orthopaedic surgery resident, shared her thoughts on Dr. Taylor’s influence:
"Dr. Taylor had impacted me long before I even applied to residency. As a Black woman in the field, it was inspiring to realize there was someone like Dr. Taylor who excelled as a clinician, mentor, and leader. Now that I’m in residency, I see firsthand how her unwavering dedication to mentorship shapes and inspires young professionals nationwide. Her deep commitment to medical leadership at Duke and the future of orthopaedics nationwide is a testament to her selflessness, wisdom, and passion. Receiving the Alvin H. Crawford Mentorship Award is a well-deserved recognition of her extraordinary impact, and we are all fortunate to have her as a role model in our careers and as a leader at the forefront of diversity, equity, and inclusion."
Breaking Barriers for Women in Orthopaedics
Dr. Taylor has also emerged as a trailblazer for women in orthopaedics, a field historically dominated by men. As a successful female orthopaedic surgeon, she has become a role model for young women considering medical careers. Her journey proves that breaking through barriers is possible while maintaining a strong commitment to personal and professional growth.
Dr. Taylor’s work to empower women in orthopaedics has created more opportunities for women in the field and fostered a culture of mutual support among female surgeons. She frequently speaks at national conferences, sharing her insights on leadership, mentorship, and the importance of inclusion in medical education. Her leadership underscores the value of diverse perspectives in advancing the field.
The Future of Mentorship in Orthopaedics
As Dr. Taylor receives the Alvin H. Crawford, MD, Mentorship Award, her influence on orthopaedic surgery and her commitment to advancing health equity and inclusion will continue to shape the next generation of surgeons. Dr. Taylor’s leadership sets a new standard for mentorship—one that balances technical excellence with compassion, inclusivity, and a deep commitment to making the profession more accessible to all.
This recognition underscores the importance of mentorship in medicine. Dr. Taylor embodies the qualities Dr. Crawford instilled in those he mentored throughout his career. The Alvin H. Crawford, MD, Mentorship Award celebrates those who inspire, teach, and guide the next generation to push boundaries and create meaningful change in orthopaedics and beyond
As Dr. Taylor continues her career, she remains a powerful advocate for inclusion, an exceptional surgeon, and a mentor dedicated to shaping the future of orthopaedics for generations to come.