M2s’ enduring friendship built at Mizzou School of Medicine

Each year, the University of Missouri School of Medicine welcomes its newest class to mid-Missouri as they take their first steps as future physicians. While most classmates meet each other for the first time at orientation or medical school traditions like the Stethoscope Breakfast and White Coat Ceremony, that wasn’t the case for two members of the class of 2028.

For second-year medical students Ashtyn Bevans and Jasmine Walker, their unique bond dates back more than eight years. As high school juniors, the two attended Mizzou’s Mini Medical School. For more than 25 years, the popular event welcomes students from across the state interested in learning more about healthcare to participate in a week-long session led by School of Medicine faculty, staff and medical students.

Following Mizzou’s patient-based learning (PBL) curriculum, Mini Medical School campers are broken into groups for hands-on experiences. In June 2018, Bevans and Walker were paired together as they explored a potential career in healthcare.

“I met Jasmine at Mizzou Mini Med and we became close friends as our group discussed PBL cases,” said Bevans. “I remember her being so sweet and us clicking because we had a lot of similar interests at the time. We both shared similar reasons on becoming a future physician. Even after a full day at Mini Med, I remember going back to each other’s rooms just to talk.”

“I hoped all of my Mini Med group members would stay in touch over the years, but that’s hard as people’s goals and interests change over time,” said Walker. “That’s why I feel especially grateful that Ashtyn and I not only stayed on this medical profession journey, but we ended up at the Mizzou School of Medicine together.”

With support from each other and their own personal drive, both Bevans and Walker have excelled so far in medical school. Bevans is the Class of 2028 health and wellness representative and serves as a student ambassador. Walker has also made an impact as the Mizzou Med Ambassador chair and a representative on the executive board for Mizzou’s chapter of the Student National Medical Association.

With their rigorous academic and extracurricular schedules, Bevans and Walker always know they can lean on each other through the most stressful times.

“Medical school doesn’t leave much free time for socializing, but seeing Ashtyn around, even for a quick conversation, always feels like a breath of fresh air,” said Walker. “Being able to hang out and do fun things like painting and baking is always refreshing. Her personality helps make this hectic medical school life a little lighter.”

While their graduating class still has more than two years remaining at the School of Medicine, preparation continues for their careers after medical school. Walker looks to pursue a specialty in obstetrics, gynecology and women’s health, while Bevans is seeking a future in pediatric critical care.

Although it’s easy to get caught up in the moment in the day-to-day life of a medical student, Bevans reminds herself to take it slow and appreciate the journey.

“These years at the School of Medicine are certainly challenging but are also some of the most rewarding in terms of friendships and golden memories,” said Bevans. “I’m looking forward to making more mementos with Jasmine and my Class of 2028 peers.”