Payton, originally from Audubon, Iowa, grew up surrounded by a variety of animals including horses, cattle, dogs, and cats. Growing up with animals played a pivotal role in shaping her aspirations to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.
Her journey into the veterinary world began at a young age, thanks to a family connection. Payton’s grandmother’s cousin, a practicing veterinarian, offered her the opportunity to shadow him at his clinic. This early exposure to the veterinary profession ignited a passion that would guide her future career path.
Building on this initial experience, Payton’s determination led her to secure a position at another local veterinary clinic in her town. What started as a summer job blossomed into a long-term commitment, with Payton continuing to work there until she embarked on her veterinary school journey. This extensive hands-on experience provided her with a solid foundation in animal care and clinic operations.
For her undergraduate studies, Payton chose the University of Iowa. During her time there, she not only excelled in her academic pursuits but also sought out additional opportunities to expand her knowledge of animal science and veterinary medicine.
During her externship, she is excited about working alongside different veterinarians each day, eager to observe and learn from their diverse approaches to cases.
In her spare time, Payton enjoys reading, watching movies, and spending time with her cat, Mave.
