Franklin student focused on humanizing community health

Autumn Hampton, a dual major in biomedical physiology and sociology, plans to become an obstetrician-gynecologist, with a focus on oncology. The fourth-year pre-med student see health care advocacy—particularly for marginalized communities—as equally important as her medical research:

“It’s really important to me to be an advocate for my community in the health care field,” Hampton says. “A lot of that stems from my mother being diagnosed when I was 10 years old and watching her go through that process until I was 20 years old.” 

Autumn often reflects on her mother as “a true inspiration for the woman I am today” and describes her as a pillar of love and dedication who became a leader in her community.  She set a powerful example for her daughter, and in return Autumn carries on her mother’s legacy in both her personal life and her work with patients.

“Many hospital patients are experiencing what may be one of the most painful experiences they’ll ever go through. Having someone who looks like you, understands your background, and is solidly on your team can make all the difference in someone’s health care journey.”

Hampton grew up in a small, rural community and rarely encountered Black medical professionals. She wants to be part of a support system for someone’s journey, whether with cancer or birth, because she knows the impact that representation has, especially for Black women who face health care disparities.

“Being a Black doctor is especially important in communities where you don’t see a lot of representation for people of color,” she says. “Without having an advocate in the field, Black women often have their pain minimized. That’s my main reason for wanting to be an OB/GYN.”

Hampton takes every opportunity to build a more compassionate health care system for vulnerable and marginalized communities. She works as a caregiver and engagement coordinator at Arbor Terrace of Athens, an assisted living facility, where she navigates a delicate balance between providing care and autonomy. 

“You’re working on two levels,” she says. “There are basic needs for grooming, feeding, showering, apartment maintenance. But a lot of these residents can’t do everything or go everywhere they used to for health and security reasons. My job is also about how to keep them engaged in a way where they have their dignity and their independence.”

Hampton has worked with the facility’s assisted living and memory care departments and isn’t content with the status quo. She runs exercises to engage the residents and stimulate their creativity so they can take a more active role in their health decisions. For her, effective care means caring for the whole person, not just the medical condition.

Read the entire feature on this amazing UGA student.

Image: Undergraduate Autumn Hampton works at a bench inside the laboratory where she works for professor Kosuke Funato at the Center for Molecular Medicine. UGA photo