Tonya Tucker

UConn School of Medicine

I was born in Danbury, Connecticut and raised in Newtown, Connecticut. I earned my bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Connecticut.

While on summer breaks during college, I volunteered at my town’s community health center. The center provides medical care for those who are uninsured or face other barriers to accessing affordable, adequate healthcare. While volunteering, I learned about the social determinants of health and how these determinants give rise to grievous health disparities. This in turn led to my desire to work as a physician with underserved populations.  I also volunteered at my town’s nursing home, where I facilitated art therapy sessions for the residents every week and helped organize an art show displaying the residents’ work.

The Urban Service Track/AHEC Scholars Program will provide invaluable training to prepare me for a career working with the underserved. Every human deserves accessible and adequate healthcare, regardless of their income, class, or race. As a physician, I hope to alleviate health disparities and provide my patients with care extending to every aspect of health. My time in the UST/AS Program will teach me how to better understand the challenges and barriers to healthcare that underserved communities face, making me a more well-rounded physician and community member. I look forward to working with the many healthcare disciplines represented in the UST/AS Program, and with each of the students and professionals devoted to providing care for urban, underserved populations.