Taylor Alumna Shares Story of Becoming a Craniofacial Surgeon

“I believe God made me to be a surgeon, and I feel His pleasure over me when I walk in this calling,” shared Dr. Katelyn (Bennett ‘09) Makar, M.D., during a lunch presentation at Taylor University on November 19, 2024.  

Dr. Makar is a pediatric craniofacial surgeon at Riley Children’s Hospital and an assistant professor of surgery at the Indiana University School of Medicine. The Taylor alumna returned to campus to share about the Lord’s work in her life at Taylor, trials and triumphs in medical school and residency, and her journey to becoming a surgeon, wife, and mother. 

Dr. Makar is no stranger to following God’s leadership in her life. However, as a freshman, she initially came to Taylor with her own plan. Majoring in Biochemistry with no interest in continued education, she planned to enter the workforce, get married, and have a family straight after graduation. She had planned her way, but after attending a mission-focused chapel service at Taylor, Makar felt burdened by the question: “What difference would I make in the world?” 

Taylor’s emphasis on caring for “the least of these” led her to consider how she could use her gifting in science to aid others. “There are many fields where science and serving intersect,” Makar described, “but I found that I loved medicine.”  

Pursuing God’s Calling 

Though she felt that God was calling her to pursue a career in medicine, she had many objections. “I won’t be able to balance being a surgeon and having a family,” Makar thought. “I can’t endure all those years of school and residency.” And of course, as a Silent Night, Airband, and Ivanhoe's enthusiast, she feared, “I won’t enjoy the rest of my time at Taylor.”

These objections were met with an important question posed by her father. He said, “You are smart, but you are fearful. How will you steward the gifts God has given you?” Makar was influenced by this conversation as well as a scene from the movie, Chariots of Fire, where the main character, who is a Christian runner, declares, “I believe God made me for a purpose. He made me fast, and when I run, I feel His pleasure.”  

Today, Makar feels that same way as a surgeon. Since the moment she decided to study for the MCAT, she has felt God delight over her decision to follow His call. Deciding to pursue a career in medicine was met with deep fulfillment, but it was not devoid of challenges. During her time at Taylor, Makar went on a J-term trip to Ecuador where she passed out in the operating room and started to question her call to medicine. There, a Taylor professor went back into the operating room with her and explained all that was going to happen during the procedure. Her professor encouraged Makar that her initial reaction was commonplace among students. After graduating from Taylor, Makar only had to take the MCAT once, as her education at Taylor had prepared her exceptionally well.  

During her rotations in medical school, she found her sanctuary in the operating room. Specifically, she fell in love with reconstructive surgery and hoped to serve patients through repairing cleft lips and palates and treating craniofacial trauma. After medical school, Makar interviewed at 17 residency programs and was accepted by her top choice at the University of Michigan, whose surgery and plastic surgery residencies are ranked #1 and #3 in the country. 

Trusting that God Will Provide 

Makar finished her residency and craniofacial fellowship at the University of Michigan, but she was uncertain if she would have a job in this highly competitive field. There were about 30 craniofacial fellows in the country and only 2-3 jobs available per year nationwide. “But,” Makar declared, “If God calls you, He will provide.” After three interviews, she landed a job as an assistant professor of surgery at the Indiana School of Medicine and a surgeon at Riley Children’s Hospital.  

“Medicine can be a very dark field, because science can be a form of religion for some. It can feel like faith and science are divorced, but that is not always the case for patients,” Makar said. She has had many opportunities to pray with patients and share her faith before performing their surgeries.  

Makar is deeply grateful to be used by God in such a tangible way. “We can’t all go into ministry, but we must minister where we are called,” she declared. She now faithfully ministers in the operating room and at home to her husband and two children, carrying with her the value of servant-leadership that was placed so heavily on her heart at Taylor University.