When Kyra Orton was born, Henry Ford Health created a playful photo styled like a magazine cover, dubbing her the hospital’s newest heartthrob at 6 pounds, 12 ounces. Little did her family know, this would mark the beginning of a full-circle moment.
From a young age, Orton knew what she wanted to do with her life. “I remember telling people at the age of six that I wanted to be a doctor when I grew up,” she said. “My dream was inspired by my grandmother, who battled several illnesses.”
She helped care for her grandmother by administering insulin, organizing medications, and drawing strength from her resilience and spirit.
When her grandmother passed away, Orton was just 11—but she already knew she wanted to dedicate her life to helping others through their most difficult moments.
That early desire never wavered. Orton carried her passion into medical school at the College of Human Medicine, joining the Detroit campus for her third and fourth years and completing her clinicals at Henry Ford Health.
One highlight of Orton’s time in medical school was working as a TA for immunology and microbiology. She helped first-year students who were intimidated by the subject by creating in-class activities and lessons to bridge any gaps in their understanding.
But medical school wasn’t without challenges. “I did not pass my Step 1 exam on my first attempt. I felt extremely isolated seeing my classmates move on to rotations while I had to muster up the strength to retake the exam.”
However, Orton did not give up. She enrolled in a prep course and worked on mindfulness to combat anxiety and feelings of doubt, and ultimately passed on her second attempt. “This was a necessary part of my journey and growth and helped me to develop resilience and grit.”
As she moved forward in medical school, Orton was drawn to anesthesiology.
“I remember watching the anesthesia team place spinals and epidurals that helped women who were in severe pain suddenly become pain-free and comfortable,” she said. “The quick gratification initially attracted me.”
As she explored further, the specialty’s hands-on nature and variety of cases solidified her decision. “A cardiac case one day and a liver transplant the next was super exciting,” she said.
Most of all, she valued caring for patients in their most vulnerable moments. “Walking these paths with patients is an honor and privilege I don’t take for granted.”
That decision brought Orton right back to where it all began. Orton matched into anesthesiology at Henry Ford Health—the very hospital where she was born and featured as a newborn. For her, it's more than a coincidence; it's home.
Kyra Orton holding her match day sign.“I love that Henry Ford cares primarily for the underserved and people from the very community that motivated me to continue pursuing medicine despite my obstacles.”
As she begins this next chapter, Orton is confident in the kind of physician she hopes to be. “Medicine is so fast paced that often we don’t stop to truly hear our patients. I want my patients to know that with me, they will have a listening and judgment-free ear,” she said.
Originally published by MSU College of Human Medicine.