Dr. Payne first joined the world of medicine as a physical therapist. After practicing for 5 years, with the support of her family and a constant desire for the next challenge, she decided to return to medical school. With a strong background in rehab medicine and orthopedics she attempted to maintain an open mind but ultimately ended up pursuing a career in orthopedic surgery.
“Through my clerkships I tried to really picture whether or not I could see myself doing these different things…and then I did my orthopedic rotation and I was home, I just felt like this is where I belong”
Dr. Payne began her medical training at the University of Kansas School of Medicine followed by an orthopedic surgery residency at Duke University and a fellowship in Hand and Microvascular surgery, also at Duke University. Dr. Payne specializes as both an orthopedic trauma surgeon and hand and microvascular surgeon at Grady Memorial Hospital. She is the current director of Hand Trauma for the Grady Health System. When not operating she is involved in multiple research projects, including a focus on gun violence research, and mentoring young women, through programs such as the Perry Initiative. Tune in to part one of this WISER podcast episode to learn about Dr. Payne’s journey and listen to her advice on following the path that is right for you, no matter the obstacles.
“Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it… and there will be a lot of people who tell you that you can’t do it for various reasons. Be it that you have breasts, be it that you’re small in stature or you’re not strong enough, or you don’t have enough willpower… and they don’t know what they’re talking about.”
In part two, we will explore the PIVOT trial and Dr. Payne’s involvement in gun violence research in Atlanta, Georgia (recently featured in WABE for her work on this as well).
Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions (www.sessions.blue).