Ethan Payton

Family Medicine, Providence Sacred Heart Med Center

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About Me

After spending the first few years of my life in Marysville, WA, my family moved across the border to Post Falls, Idaho, where I spent the remainder of my childhood. I then hopped back over the border, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Neuroscience from Washington State University – Pullman. It seems I took the phrase “Once a Coug, Always a Coug” to heart, as I found myself joining the inaugural class at the WSU Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine soon thereafter. When I am not studying, I enjoy reading, listening to music and podcasts, and hiking local trails with my partner, Arik.

My medical school journey

In the first two or so years of medical school, I allowed myself the opportunity to consider various areas of medicine. In doing so, I realized a passion for primary care and serving underserved populations. This ultimately led me to pursue a career in full-spectrum Family Medicine with particular areas of interest in LGBTQI+ inclusive healthcare, addiction medicine, and health equity.

The College of Medicine has empowered me to learn beyond clinical medicine. I believe that attending the Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine has allowed me to become embedded in the communities where we learn and train. This has given me the opportunity to explore the medical needs that exist within the state and to picture myself in a role that will allow me to address these needs.

What’s Next

I endeavor to be an advocate, an ally, and a leader within the communities that I serve,” says Payton.

As a future family physician, I intend to provide inclusive, full-spectrum primary care that is sensitive to the unique needs of those who are often neglected or mistreated by the healthcare system.