Mia Haynes

UConn School of Medicine

I grew up in Salem, NH, and graduated from Central Catholic High School in 2020. I attended the University of Connecticut, where I graduated with a B.S.E. in biomedical engineering, with minors in chemistry, and molecular and cellular biology.

My passion for serving urban and underserved communities began when I volunteered at Lawrence General Hospital, where I witnessed the challenges many patients face in accessing consistent, quality care. That experience sparked a long-term commitment to health equity, which I’ve carried into each step of my journey. I later worked as a medical assistant in community-based primary care offices, where I developed a deeper understanding of the barriers that patients encounter in navigating the healthcare system—especially barriers related to language, transportation, and trust. At UConn, I also served on the founding executive board for Music Mentors, a student-led initiative where we partnered with local schools in underserved areas across Connecticut to offer free music education and mentorship.

Through service, I’ve come to see healthcare as not just about treatment, but about building  relationships, listening, and meeting people where they are. I’m excited about the Urban Service  Track because it aligns with my values and provides the tools to continue growing as a  compassionate, community-focused provider. In my future career as a physician, I hope to not only empower my patients to become advocates for their own health, but also to provide just, equitable care to my community.