Building a career of compassion: a journey toward medicine 
 

Inspired by her parents' example of service, pre-med student Kaylin Kisor, class of 2026 (human physiology), is charting her own path toward a career in medicine.

Being raised by parents who serve their community in extraordinary ways has profoundly shaped pre-medical student Kaylin Kisor. Her father, a seasoned detective sergeant, and mother, a devoted physician, have encountered people from all walks of life, often in moments of crisis or need. These experiences shaped them into strong, compassionate leaders—qualities Kisor deeply admires. Now a junior aspiring to become a physician herself, she seeks to follow in their footsteps and foster meaningful connections with others. 
 

“I think talking to people of all realms is going to make me a better communicator and be able to build trust with a patient, even if it's for just a short span that they're with me,” she reflects. The Tigard, Oregon, native is using her time at the University of Oregon to holistically build these skills. 

As a Peer Health Navigator, Kisor gains firsthand experience connecting with diverse individuals where they are. As the first person who students see when they enter the University Health Services building, Kisor provides a sense of comfort and familiarity. Unlike speaking to an older authority figure, she says students find it easier to trust and open up to someone who looks like them. 

“The students will look me in the eye, tell me exactly what's going on,” says Kisor. “Just being able to have those conversations and see the anxiety kind of diminish is really meaningful.” 

In addition to this peer-to-peer role, Kisor's involvement with the Eugene-based nonprofit Healthy Moves, a before-school physical activity program has allowed her to form meaningful relationships with elementary children who rely on the program for more than just movement—it offers a sense of belonging. Learning about the students’ home lives has emphasized to Kisor the importance of effective communication with diverse groups, a skill she knows will be invaluable as a physician. 

Kisor also connects with people receiving end-of-life care as a hospice companionship volunteer. Sitting and conversing with patients in their final days is an honor, she says, “It's such a vulnerable time of life.” Engaging with these individuals offers eye-opening wisdom that she will incorporate into future patient care, particularly with older populations. 

Despite juggling multiple responsibilities, including completing her human physiology degree and serving as the co-president of the Asklepiads Pre-Medical Society, Kisor says her optimism keeps her moving forward, “Sometimes, I'm like, oh my gosh, my schedule, this is going to be really bad. But it always works out, and I think that it will help me help others.” 

As Kisor immerses herself in these on and off campus experiences, which she says wouldn’t have been possible without the UO’s resources and support, she envisions a future where she can provide every patient with not just medical care, but with understanding, trust, and compassion. No matter a patient’s background or stage of life, she hopes to be the kind of physician who makes each person feel seen, heard, and valued—just as she has experienced during her time as a Duck. 

—By Nicole Slenning, Advancement communications specialist. Photography and videography by Andy Nelson, Advancement visual communications specialist.