By Mark Abromaitis
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

In the world of specialized medical care, doctor referrals are “standard operating procedure.”

So when Erickson was looking for an experienced geriatrics specialist to become Maris Grove’s full-time medical director, it consulted one of its own doctors for a referral. Dr. John Marcelis, the medical director at Ann’s Choice, an Erickson community in Warminster Pa., suggested his former partner and friend, Dr. Phil Taylor. “I couldn’t think of anyone more suited to do the job,” Marcelis says.

A common philosophy
Marcelis and Taylor formed their own geriatrics practice at Germantown Hospital years ago. “We were partners for 12 years and share the same wellness philosophy,” Taylor says.

“Dr. Marcelis and I built our geriatrics practice from scratch,” he adds. “That’s one of the reasons I was attracted to the opportunity at Maris Grove. I liked the idea of coming in at the beginning of a community and implementing a thorough wellness program based on keeping people healthy, rather than just waiting to see them when they are ill.

“It’s important that people maintain an active mind and body for continued wellness, so they can enjoy all the things that life and Maris Grove have to offer,” he says.

Experience matters
Married with a family, Taylor has grandchildren of his own and understands the joys of being a grandparent.

 “As a grandparent,the thing you learn pretty quickly is the importance of staying active. And that’s what we’re focused on doing here at Maris Grove,” he says. “From the nutritional food we serve, to the clubs and activities and the amenities offered, the whole design of the campus and programs is focused on maintaining wellness.”

Face time
“I’d have to say of all the aspects of my job, the thing I enjoy most is the clinical part,” Taylor says. “The face-to-face time with patients is what I like.”