ElevateMeD Scholar: Jaylyn Thompson

Meet Jaylyn Thompson

ElevateMeD Scholar 2024-25

Jaylyn Thompson discusses her non-traditional path to medical school and personal experiences that increased her appreciation for the importance of cultural competency.

• Hometown: Voorhees, New Jersey

• Medical Education: Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine

• Undergraduate Education: Virginia Tech in Human, Nutrition, Food, and Exercise

• Current Career Plan: Become an OB/GYN physician in an underserved area. Additionally, I hope to continue with my advocacy work in the field of maternal health.

• Specialty Interest: OB/GYN

• I am most proud of the connections I've been able to build with community-based organizations during my time as a medical student. A huge goal of mine was to be actively involved in the communities I may one day be serving. For example, my strong connections with organizations such as Planned Parenthood and Ancient Song Doula Services have provided me with the invaluable opportunity of being in rooms with advocates, birth-works, community-based doulas, and health-care professionals dedicated to achieving health equity. Through this role, I had the incredible opportunity to create the first-ever Black Maternal Health Summit at my medical school which featured members of these two organizations and brought the topic of Black maternal health to the awareness of students, faculty, health care workers, and advocates from across the country. The passion I feel about this topic makes me extremely proud of the student I am today and the provider I will one day be for my future patients.

• You might be surprised to know that I was on the path to becoming a professional soccer player long before I ever considered a career in medicine. Growing up, I lacked mentors who looked like me in the medical field, making the idea of becoming a doctor feel nothing short of an impossible dream. Although I had a strong passion for soccer, I knew deep in my heart that I wanted to pursue higher education. It was not until I connected with advisors who believed in me and my work ethic, that I considered applying to medical school. My time playing professionally abroad was cut short due to a career-ending injury, but the lessons and attributes I’ve gained from my career will last a lifetime. Despite my unconventional journey, I’m driven by the goal of breaking down barriers and inspiring the next generation of minority students, showing them that no dream is too big.

• ElevateMeD is… a transformative organization that pours into minority medical students’ journey toward health equity. ElevateMeD understands the unique challenges that minority students face and works to break down barriers by providing resources and guidance to navigate this journey. The organization’s commitment to offering resources often scarce for those in underrepresented backgrounds exemplifies its commitment to diversifying the physician workforce. Key elements such as mentorship and financial assistance empower students like me to pursue our dreams and give back to communities that have shaped us. Organizations like ElevateMeD inspire me to keep showing up for my community and my future patients. They serve as a powerful reminder that those who have completed this journey before us believe in our goals of making health care a more equitable place. For that, I am extremely grateful.