Ashley Thornton

Ashley as a medical student

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Ashley as a child

• What kind of identities do you inhabit?

  Black American

• The path to medicine is not easy. Can you tell us why you decided to pursue it?

  I decided to pursue medicine to be an advocate for helping underserved communities and to become a role model and inspiration to younger women who look like me.

• Can you describe a challenging moment in medicine that made you rethink your career path?

  It was difficult transitioning from undergrad into medical school, but I obtained an array of mentors who have helped me through this challenging journey.

• How do you see a career in PM&R as advancing equity? Or alternatively - why are you interested in this organization? Why equity and PM&R?

  I did not know what PM&R was until I started medical school, and it was a mentor who looked like me who provided me with the resources to learn more and become more involved. I like the purpose of Representation in Rehab because it emphasizes the importance of spreading awareness of PM&R to those underrepresented in medicine.

• Can you tell us a little bit of your aspirations - either for your career or for the field of medicine (if you’re a medical student?)

  I hope to eventually go back to my home community and serve underserved populations within the community, as well as become a positive role model and inspiration to future physicians underrepresented in medicine, as others have done for me.

• Find me on social media

  Twitter : @ashleykthornton

Last updated 8/2023