Wisdom and Truth
Dr. Tanya Mays, OB/GYN at Beacon’s Midtown Manhattan site, drives 45 minutes to catch a train that will take her into the heart of New York City. Her office is a piece of the Big Apple’s iconic skyscraper scene. Yet, she works with some of the most vulnerable.
At one time, she saw herself as an attorney. She liked the idea of getting dressed up, walking into a courtroom and defending those in need. She now wears a white coat, walks into a bustling medical clinic, and cares for those in need. Her vision took another shape, but she still speaks and practices with wisdom and truth.
“When students are in their clinical rotation, they should seriously pretend that they are that doctor,” Dr. Mays advises. “Envision yourself in that particular role, day after day. You need to find what inspires you. Once you find what you love to do, even when you get frustrated by it, you’ll still love it. You have to have that passion because, unfortunately, there’s not a whole lot of money to serve as a motivator.”
She also says that students need to understand that their scope of practice will be limited by what insurance will cover. These are the realities of life and another reason why it’s so important to critically consider your path.
Dr. Mays’ recent professional path became clear when she found herself at a crossroads between hiring on with Beacon or another clinic.
“I almost signed another contract, but there was something constantly coming up that would delay finalizing it,” she said. “Now, I know why. The Lord wanted me at Beacon. He had a plan.”
It is the first time Dr. Mays has ever been hired because she was a Christian physician.
“They wanted a believer,” she said. “I’m used to being hired solely on my credentials. When they said, ‘Wow, you’re a believer AND you have the credentials,’ that was nice.”
Dr. Mays started in March of 2020, coinciding with the start of the pandemic. It hasn’t been easy, but it has been rewarding.
“I am grateful that I can provide answers for people,” Dr. Mays said. “They may be trying to plan for an unexpected pregnancy, have no insurance and they have a lot of questions. It is rewarding when you can help minimize a patient’s pain or worry.”
At Beacon, Dr. Mays feels free to incorporate her faith. She may outwardly pray with her patients, or she may offer a silent prayer, depending on her patient’s receptivity. She lets the Spirit lead her and she is supported in that practice.
“I’m in the right place, without a doubt,” she said. “The leaders here are people of God. They are so understanding, and they really love the Lord. It’s good to work with people of faith. We all believe that God is watching us, and that we are called to do our very best.”
