ATSU-KCOM student says comprehensive curriculum providing basis for future success
Posted: May 15, 2025
A.T. Still University-Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU-KCOM) student Peyton Grant, OMS II, wants to one day provide high-quality, patient-centered care while also working to improve access to essential medical services in underserved communities.
She believes she’s in the right place to make those dreams become reality, gaining her osteopathic medical education at ATSU-KCOM.
“I am passionate about acute care and long-term patient wellness and hope to integrate community outreach, advocacy, and education into my future practice, whether in a fast-paced emergency setting or a specialty field,” she said. “ATSU has played a huge role in preparing me for my career. Its comprehensive curriculum has provided me with a strong foundation in clinical knowledge, while the simulated patient counters in the Drabing Human Patient Simulation Center and hands-on skills workshop hosted by student-led organizations have allowed me to develop the practical skills necessary for rotations. Additionally, ATSU’s emphasis on whole person healthcare and service-oriented learning has reinforced my commitment to working with underserved populations.
“With the strong foundation I am building at ATSU, I am confident in my ability to make a meaningful impact on my patients and contribute to the well-being of the communities I serve in the future.”
Grant is from Albertville, Minnesota, and has a bachelor of arts in biochemistry from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. At ATSU-KCOM, Grant is president of the Emergency Medicine Club and co-director of the First-Generation Student Physicians Club.
“As president of the Emergency Medicine Club, I have been able to take an active role in prompting emergency preparedness and advocating for increased accessibility to life-saving interventions. I am grateful for the opportunity to help lead our AED project, which aims to improve access to emergency medical services in rural areas of northeast Missouri, where care is often delayed due to lack of access or transportation barriers. Through internal grants, we have been able to secure funding to place AEDs in key locations where they can make a real difference in saving lives,” Grant said.
“Beyond this initiative, the Emergency Medicine Club provides hands-on learning experiences for students interested in acute and pre-hospital care. We organize skills workshops, simulation events, and guest lectures from emergency medicine physicians, all aimed at preparing students for a future career in emergency medicine. I have truly loved working alongside my peers to foster an environment where students can develop essential clinical skills, build connections with physicians in the field, and give back to the community that so willingly supports us in our academic journey.”
Outside of the classroom, Grant enjoys the lifestyle offered in Kirksville and northeast Missouri.
“I prioritize staying active. One of my boyfriend’s and my favorite ways to do this is by taking our two dogs, Knox and Maple, on long walks around town or through Thousand Hills State Park,” she said. “I also enjoy working out at the Thompson Campus Center to stay fit and unwind. Beyond staying active, I love experimenting in the kitchen and trying out new recipes to cook.”
Grant, who will serve as a medical education fellow during the 2025-26 academic year, said being an ATSU-KCOM student is an incredibly rewarding experience.
“ATSU-KCOM offers a balance of rigorous academic training, hands-on clinical exposure, and a strong sense of community. One of the things I enjoy most is the collaborative and supportive environment among students and faculty. There are numerous student organizations and peer resource groups geared toward helping students succeed in their course work, get involved in research opportunities, and explore different medical specialities,” she said.
“One of my most memorable experiences at ATSU was presenting my research in anatomy at the Interdisciplinary Biomedical Research Symposium last fall alongside my peers. The symposium fosters an incredibly supportive environment, where students and faculty come together to share knowledge, provide constructive feedback, and celebrate each other’s research accomplishments. Engaging with peers and faculty in such a collaborative setting not only deepened my understanding of my research but also reinforced the sense of community that makes ATSU such a special place to learn and grow.”