There’s a need in Selma and one local doctor is fulfilling it.

Taylor Internal Medicine recently announced the arrival of Toronto native, Dr. Derron Allen, M.D., to its permanent staff.

Allen, who moved to Selma in December, worked on weekends at the clinic and is excited he can now help the community on a weekly basis.

“There’s a big need for doctors to help African-Americans in Selma,” Allen said. “I wanted the opportunity to help the people of the Black Belt region live healthier lives.”

Allen received his undergraduate degree in biology from the University of Alabama-Birmingham in 1997. He graduated from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tenn., in 2007 and completed his residency at Morehouse College in Atlanta in 2008.

Taylor, who has known Allen for more than 20 years, said Allen’s presence at the clinic is in great demand as the clinic is currently expanding its rooms and recently added a pharmacy in November.

“We’ve seen an increased demand of his services, so we hired him on,” Taylor said. “He will help us curb our patient population and be another provider to our area. He’ll even provide motivation to young people, especially African-American males, to show there are other routes to success besides the negative ones.”

Allen, whose parents hail from Jamaica, has been practicing medicine for four years. He has always had a passion for his field.

“Since my brother died of a heart problem when I was 9, I’ve always wanted to be a doctor,” Allen said.

Onetta Craig, receptionist for Taylor Medicine, said others can see Allen’s passion too.

“Patients seem to really like him. They’re adjusting to him well,” Craig said. “He’s a great asset to our office.”

Allen hopes his tenure sends a positive message for young people to always determine their own destinies.

“No matter what you do or what people tell you to do,” Allen said. “No one can dictate to you how your life will go, only you can decide that.”

Dr. Allen works Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.