Blending the Arts and Sciences

Bailey Turner’s Unique Path to Becoming a Physician 

In the lab, Bailey Turner studies systems and structure. Behind the camera, she studies people.

A biology student with aspirations of becoming a physician, Turner is also a photographer and embroidery business owner, combining creativity and science as she works toward her future in medicine.

Raised in Eunice, Louisiana, Turner found her way to FranU while searching online for a small-knit community and a reputable biology program.

“I’ve always wanted to become a physician and had always been interested in how life works and the study of the body and its functions, so I always had my mind set on studying biology,” Turner said.

Set to graduate in 2027, she is taking courses for the Biology program’s Pre-Professional Human Medicine track. She says the program stands out because of the support system among students and faculty.

FranU’s Biology program will stand out to me time and time again because of the community that lies within our program,” said Turner. “Our professors and students are always there to help one another in any way, being mentors for one another and staying involved in clubs and groups that target Biology students and resources for success.”

Once she graduates, Turner plans to get her master’s degree before heading to her ultimate destination: medical school.

Her path, however, has been anything but typical. Alongside her academic studies, Turner runs both a photography and embroidery business, two creative outlets that have grown into thriving ventures.

She first became interested in photography as a child, often using her mom’s camera and asking her sister to model for her. During quarantine in 2020, she purchased her own camera and began building a client base.

Her interest in sewing began just as early. What started with making clothes for dolls eventually grew into a business after she decided to make her own custom sweatshirt instead of ordering one. From there, her embroidery work expanded.

Balancing both businesses with a rigorous academic schedule has pushed Turner to rethink how she uses her time.

“Utilizing my extra time between those activities for my schoolwork and study time has worked best for me,” said Turner.

She often studies in small pockets of time, practicing organic chemistry while her embroidery machine runs or listening to informational podcasts while editing photos.

Through her experiences, she learned that productivity is less about having more time and more about using it with intention.

“As a (former) serial procrastinator, I’ve learned that productivity does not always come from having large amounts of free time,” she said.

Balancing academics with entrepreneurship has improved her ability to problem solve, stay disciplined and remain committed to long-term goals. These are the skills that will carry her through medical school.

Turner sees a clear connection between her creative work and studies, particularly in the attention to detail and level of care both require.

“What I love most about what I do on the side and how it correlates to science and my classes is the creative process,” she said.

Her work as a photographer has inadvertently influenced how she connects with people and how she hopes to care for future patients.

My creative background has taught me how to truly see people,” Turner said. “When I photograph someone, I’m paying attention to their emotions, their comfort level and the small details that make them feel confident and valued.”

She hopes to bring that same mindset into medicine by creating an environment where patients feel seen. Turner is especially passionate about fostering that sense of trust in women’s health settings, where patients may feel particularly vulnerable.

Through a blend of the arts and sciences, Turner is getting closer to becoming the physician of her dreams.