Paul John Taylor-Smith MD

Summary

• Born in South Africa where I resided until mid 70’s. Did my undergraduate & graduate training at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. Following internships in Internal Medicine & Surgery, I was drafted and served in the South African Defense Force as front line medical officer in an active combat zone. Following military service, I selected pathology as my future & did my residency at the South African Institute for Medical Research. Initially, I immigrated to Canada and trained at Queens University in Kingston and then to the United States where I trained at Orlando Regional Medical Center and Medical College of Wisconsin. I obtained board certification from The America Board of Pathology and The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons (Canada) in both clinical & anatomical pathology. I entered private practice in Milwaukee & then in Seattle, joined pathology groups providing service at multiple hospitals. In Seattle, I became the President of the Pathology Group and Laboratory Director. I served on virtually every hospital committee and as President of the Medical Staff. In early 90’s, I was recruited to be Chairperson of the newly created Physician/Hospital Association. Realizing that economics was an integral component to clinical pathology and healthcare, I became Executive Director of Clinical Services, Imaging Services, Surgical Services, and hospital employed physician groups. In 2005, I built a private pathology laboratory with the belief that better service & smarter IT products could compete with the large commercial laboratories. From zero clients, it became the fastest growing private laboratory in the western US & Alaska. Experienced years of double-digit annual growth & became a formidable competitor to the large commercial laboratories. In 2012, I sold to Laboratory Corporation of America. Despite the ever-increasing burdens on the healthcare system there are great opportunities to make a difference & influence policy in healthcare.