2022 Gold Shield Non-Clinical Support Staff Recipient: Blaine Taylor

After retiring from the US Airforce with 20 years of service, Blaine Taylor wanted to use his talents in medical systems to help others. Taylor began his journey with UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center, when he began working the formerly named Cancer Therapy Research Center (CTRC) in 2004 and joined UT Health San Antonio in 2007 when CTRC became a part of the UT System. 

As an Information Tech Specialist, each day is an adventure and provides new challenges. Taylor works behind the scenes to support and resolve issues that arise with the planning and treatment systems utilized for patient care. He enjoys implementing new processes and finding fixes for the issues that occur. Taylor shares that “interacting with the team and knowing that our main objective is to care for our patients” is the best part of his job. 

In 2022 Taylor was nominated for two Silver Stars; his nominators shared that “from late nights to early mornings, Blaine makes himself available to ensure all radiation equipment and computers are up and running for patients. He arrives at least an hour before patient treatment begins to ensure that all systems are operational and goes out of his way to ensure that repairs and maintenance do not disrupt patient care. He is one of the most reliable people in the entire department. You can take him at his word. If you come to him with an IT issue, he will always investigate it and follow up with you.”

Outside of work, Taylor enjoys listening to various genres of music and practices flying radio-controlled aircraft on a simulator. When asked what he would do with a million dollars, Taylor looks toward the future and says he would invest the money so he and his wife could have a long and happy retirement. 

Taylor looks forward to continuing to provide support for clinical systems and patients. He hopes to have the opportunity to work on new projects as he continues in his role with UT Health San Antonio.