Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Haywood.
Hi Michelle, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Becoming a nurse was my destiny. I knew it when I attended Edmondson Westside High School and became a certified nursing assistant. However, when my maternal grandmother was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease at 50, it improved my life. Attending her appointments and repeatedly listening to doctors say the same thing was not enough for me regarding her care. Then, by age 53, she went to the hospital for a simple procedure and ended up in a nursing home for 2 weeks.
When I saw her in the nursing home for the first time, it was not what I expected, so I took her home. While in the nursing home. She had been prescribed over 10 medications (some new and some old). And half of those drugs I did not agree with. It wasn’t until the police banged on my door at 6 am, asking me if this was my grandmother. Over the next six months, I started to detox her off all her medications. I kept her doctors informed because she was acting differently, and I knew in my soul that the medication was causing her mental psychosis. But I didn’t have a medical or nursing degree to back me up. Speed forward eight months, and boom, she is back to herself. It was then that I discovered she had Medication Induced Dementia. Her doctors confirmed the diagnosis and stated, “Michelle, why aren’t you a nurse yet. You have a gift, and that is rare in healthcare”. I decided to go back to college so I enrolled at Coppin State University in 2008. During my four years at Coppin, I suffered a three-alarm fire in a snowstorm three days into my junior year. I stayed the course, and by senior year I was class president. I received the Dean’s Award and graduated. I was on top of the world. Upon graduation, I worked for a few local area hospitals, and by my second year, I ventured into traveling nursing.
Travel nursing gave me a variety of experiences in different areas of nursing. By my fifth year as a nurse, I had worked as a pediatric psych nurse, OR nurse, cardiology nurse (cath lab, cardiac step-down, telemetry), research nurse, and interventional radiology nurse. However, my last nursing manager/ office coordinator position turned out to be what would make me better. It prepared me for one day owning my practice. With the added responsibility of work and an aging grandmother at home, I went back to grad school to become a nurse practitioner. I was getting older, so I doubled my class load to finish the program quicker. I graduated at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in May 2020. I didn’t have graduation or celebration, but I had a degree.
My boss suddenly became ill by the end of 2020, and I had to close her million-dollar practice. I was out of a job. No one would hire a new grad nurse practitioner, and COVID was surging in our city. So, I create my job. I developed “Haywood Medical.” Concierge medicine at your doorstep. And now, today, I have been open for almost 18 months. I offer a vast amount of service that includes: IV Hydration, Lipo-Dissolve injections, Weight-Loss, Medical Cannabis Certification, Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy, Diagnostic testing through my federal CLIA waived lab, and overall love and support for my community. I am a walking clinic, looking to pay it forward because there is always someone faster and smarter behind you. And yes, granny is now 80 years young and living with me and my fiancé with 24-hour care. I may miss a few events and family gatherings, but I could never get that time back with her.
We all face challenges, but would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Please don’t get mistaken. I have had trials and tribulations throughout my pursuit of success. My biggest struggle was walking into my future endeavors. I had plenty of distractions along the way. I was only taught how to be a nurse/ nurse practitioner, never an entrepreneur. So, learning how to navigate the business aspect of healthcare is different than working for a major hospital. I didn’t have a book to give me step-by-step ways to do what I was trying. Most of the services I offer were new to the Maryland region but known to celebrities. Trying to implement something new to consumers that are not aware was and still is a struggle.
I thought it would launch my practice, and people would run to try something new. Nope. I had to learn how to market my business and promote it to the masses. Most importantly, I had to throw myself out and not fear rejection. But somehow, God has kept me humble and wrapped in his cloak. I am not done yet.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Haywood Medical?
“Medicine Where Your Feet Lands.” Haywood Medical was established in 2021 that offers concierge medical mobile services at your doorstep. Our services include but are not limited to: IV Hydration, Lipo-Dissolve injections, Weight-Loss, Medical Cannabis Certification, Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy, Diagnostic testing through our federal CLIA waived lab and some primary care services. In the coming months, look for Botox and Dermal Fillers to be added.
Our staff at Haywood Medical would like you to know that we are here to answer all your health-related questions. We aim to provide health education with all our services. I firmly believe that consumers are not always informed about their health because they may be scared to ask questions, or they may not understand the terminology being explained. Haywood Medical would like to change that stigma in healthcare and Baltimore City. Ask Us. That is partially why I consider myself “The City’s Np” because even if I don’t get your business, I will help you make an educated choice for your optimal health. I want consumers to leave Haywood Medical knowing that someone cares. Haywood Medical’s brand identity would be, “What’s Your Healthy?”
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My Favor childhood memory would be of our huge family gathering in North Carolina with my great grandparents and Maryland with my loud cousins. I could not wait to head down south each summer. I would play with all my cousins, run from all the bugs, and be a kid. I was the only child for 19 years. So, my cousins were my first friends and lessons to be learned.
Pricing:
- Pricing is based on services rendered.
- We offer sliding scale fees, & coupons
Contact Info:
- Website: www.haywoodmedical.life
- Instagram: @haywoodmedical
- Facebook: @haywoodmedical
- Phone Number: (410)989-9891
