Carrie Baker-Royer, DO, associate dean for medical education at VCOM-Louisiana, has been honored with the Monroe Chamber of Commerce's Top 20 Under 40 award, celebrating her exceptional leadership, dedication to education and unwavering commitment to the success of students and the community.
Dr. Baker-Royer is a graduate of Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge and Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM)-Virginia. She completed her pediatric residency in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she met her husband, Dustin. Upon finishing her residency in 2017, she moved to Edmond, Oklahoma, to work at a local pediatric urgent care clinic, a role she cherished for its fast-paced environment.
Dr. Baker-Royer is also a graduate of the Costin Institute for Medical Educators. This year-long program equips medical professionals with the leadership, teaching and emotional intelligence skills necessary for academic careers. Her commitment to her students and the broader community is evident in her service on the St. Francis Medical Center Board of Directors, her work as an advisor to the VCOM Pediatric Club, her participation in the Children’s Coalition Dragon Boat event, her involvement with the VCOM COVID-19 Task Force and her membership in the Louisiana Osteopathic Medical Association. Dr. Baker- Royer also serves as a member of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) House of Delegates, which is the legislative body of the AOA. As such, it speaks for the members of the association and the osteopathic profession.
In addition, Dr. Baker-Royer is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Osteopathic Pediatricians and the American Osteopathic Association. Dr. Baker-Royer and her husband have two children, Jack and Landrie. In addition to her work with VCOM students, she enjoys being outdoors, great food, sports, exploring new places and cheering on her alma mater, LSU. She particularly loves fishing with her husband, spending time with her children and relaxing on the bayou with her two dogs.
Dr. Baker-Royer has deep connections to VCOM and Louisiana, so when the opportunity arose at VCOM-Louisiana, she was ecstatic to return to Louisiana, where she could immerse herself in the state’s rich culture and cuisine while fulfilling her dream of teaching future physicians. In addition to her academic role, Dr. Baker-Royer provides services at a pediatric clinic in Sterlington, Louisiana.
“I take great honor in having the opportunity to teach future doctors,” Dr. Baker-Royer said. “The most rewarding part of being a physician is your impact on people’s lives. Whether that’s catching a diagnosis that saves a life or just listening to a tired mom while she cries, knowing you’re making a difference makes it all worth it. And anyone who knows me knows I love the relationships I get to form with my patients and their families.”
When asked about receiving the Top 20 Under 40 award, Dr. Baker-Royer expressed, “This experience has been incredibly humbling. Being recognized as a nominee in that room full of amazing people who are doing so much for this community was a huge honor, let alone winning the award. There are so many people in Monroe doing such remarkable things. It makes me proud to be a part of this community that is growing and changing in all the best ways.”
Dr. Baker-Royer's achievements are inspiring, and the VCOM community has deep pride in this well-deserved recognition.