Joy Taylor: COO of Axion Spine & Neurosurgery

BLOOM Magazine had the opportunity of sitting down with Joy Taylor, COO of Axion Spine & Neurosurgery. Joy Taylor's journey from corporate litigator to healthcare management is as inspiring as it is impressive. "I began my career as a corporate litigator but followed my heart and ended up in healthcare management, partnering with physicians to run their businesses, and I'm so grateful I did," she shared. Today, Joy serves as the COO of Axion Spine & Neurosurgery, where she is dedicated to improving patient care and streamlining healthcare operations.

A typical week for Joy is dynamic and filled with various responsibilities. From managing teams to overseeing expansion projects, her days are busy yet fulfilling. Currently, she is excited about their expansion on the south side of town, which will allow the facility to offer injection services there. "Feeling we have a genuine impact by providing exceptional care and spot-on recommendations that ensure patients get the right care for the right diagnosis—that’s what really motivates me," Joy emphasized, highlighting her commitment to excellence in patient care.

Joy's journey into the worker compensation industry was driven by a desire to provide better care for patients. "We saw so many patients who had gotten surgeries they didn't need or didn't get the most appropriate surgery for their condition in a timely manner, and felt like we could help direct care in more appropriate ways," she explained.

Over the years, Joy has seen significant changes in the field, particularly the decline of private practice groups, which she believes negatively impacts patient care. "There is also increasing economic pressure, as payers want to pay physicians less, but costs go up every year," she added. Despite the challenges, Joy remains motivated by her belief in conservative spine care. "We are committed to only operating when it is truly needed, and operating no more than is truly needed," she asserted. This philosophy not only ensures patient safety but also promotes trust and integrity within the healthcare system.

Joy's favorite productivity hack is setting 30-minute timers and eliminating all distractions during that period. This approach allows her to maximize her efficiency and maintain focus throughout her busy day. Her dedication to productivity is matched by her passion for networking. "Meet everyone with an open heart and try to see where you can help each other," she advised, emphasizing the importance of building and nurturing professional relationships.

Reflecting on her career, Joy is most proud of building her group and surgery center. "I believe we have the ultimate destination for the best spine care and the highest level of patient service," she said. Her commitment to excellence and innovation has undoubtedly contributed to her success in the healthcare industry.

As a woman leader, Joy acknowledges the unique challenges she faces but believes that her ability to understand subtle nuances and adapt her communication style has been an asset. "Women are often attuned to layers of subtlety and subtext, and their communication styles tend to be more nuanced and easily modified to suit the situation," she observed. She also stresses the importance of women empowering and supporting each other. "We often see things in each other that we cannot see in ourselves, and holding up that 'mirror' to each other helps us expand our view," she remarked.

When it comes to balancing work and home life, Joy admits it's a challenge. "I'm not sure I do!!! But I try hard to create some hard and fast rules. I try not to work much on the weekend, and definitely not before noon on Saturday and not before 5 p.m. on Sunday," she shared. This approach helps her maintain some semblance of balance amidst her demanding schedule.

Joy is inspired by the growth of their practice and the beauty of springtime. Her approach to networking and leadership, combined with her dedication to patient care, makes her a remarkable leader in the healthcare industry. As she continues to navigate the challenges and opportunities in her field, Joy Taylor remains a beacon of inspiration and excellence.