At UHart's College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions (ENHP), Payton Twombley '27 is gaining the experience, confidence, and connections to pursue her dream of becoming a physician.
For Payton, medicine is about more than diagnosing and treating a patient. It's about listening.
After hearing stories of women whose symptoms were dismissed or attributed to anxiety, Payton knew she wanted to become part of a new generation of physicians—one that makes patients feel heard and supported.
"I want my patients to feel heard, with their concerns and worries being taken seriously," she says.
That goal has shaped Payton's experience at the University of Hartford, where she has taken advantage of opportunities inside and outside the classroom to prepare for a future in medicine.
As an ENHP student, Payton has gained hands-on experience through her work as a research assistant at Hartford HealthCare. The opportunity has allowed her to develop research and laboratory skills while interacting with patients, which is an experience she says has been invaluable in preparing for the next step in her education.
Her involvement on campus has expanded that learning even further. Payton serves as president of UHart's Anatomy Club and is a former secretary and current direct action team member with Activate UHart.
One of her favorite experiences was an Anatomy Club visit to the Center for Education, Simulation and Innovation (CESI) in Hartford. Students participated in simulations involving CPR, heart rhythms, robotic surgery, and bleeding control.
"The simulations and staff were incredible," Payton emphasizes. "It was one of my favorite and most educational experiences I've had in college."
Payton Twombley '27, College of Education, Nursing and Health ProfessionsThe simulations and staff were incredible. It was one of my favorite and most educational experiences I've had in college.
Payton's learning hasn't been limited to campus.
She earned her nursing assistant license in high school and currently works at Concord Hospital in her home area of New Hampshire during the summer and on school breaks, helping patients with daily activities, takes vital signs, and promotes safety.
For Payton, the most rewarding part is helping patients regain their strength.
"I love working in the hospital and seeing patients recover, build strength, and be able to discharge home," she says.
That direct patient experience has also helped her grow more confident in a medical setting and strengthen the communication skills she will need as a future physician.
At UHart, Payton has found mentors who have helped guide her toward her goals. Faculty members have connected her with research and premed opportunities, while the University's premedical advisory program and Career Studio have helped her prepare for future applications through resources such as résumé reviews and mock interviews.
"Different classes, clubs, and programs have helped me develop skills for graduate school and the medical field," Payton explains.
Outside of UHart, she continues to give back through regular volunteer work with the Refugee Women's Center in Hartford.
Now in her fourth year, Payton is looking ahead to her next chapter. After graduation, she plans to apply to MD and DO programs with the goal of pursuing a career in OB/GYN.
Her path to becoming a physician is already underway, and at UHart, she's gaining the knowledge, experience, and confidence to take that next step.