DeSpain Aspires to Use Healthcare Training to Make Widespread Impact
| Lily DeSpain, a student in the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) M.D./MPH dual-degree program, aspires to fuse public health and clinical health to help entire populations live comfortably.
“The moments with physicians who were compassionate and really cared about me, left a lasting impression on me,” she said. “One of my goals is to make a similar impact on others.
“I love it when I’m able to contribute to a person’s success.”
There are several active-duty service members and military veterans in DeSpain’s immediate family. Thus, early in life DeSpain — who’s also a member of the U.S. Army Reserves — learned about the importance of discipline and a good work ethic.
Fittingly, she excelled academically and as a swimmer at Haas Hall Academy in Fayetteville. In fact, she graduated from high school a year early in 2020. She then attended the United States Naval Academy as a student-athlete, capitalizing on a NCAA reclassification rule that allows early high school graduates to play collegiate sports.
DeSpain ventured to Annapolis, Maryland, as a coveted recruit of the Navy swim team. Justifiably, she was excited to be an NCAA Division I student-athlete at a service academy school. However, DeSpain’s desire to become a healthcare professional was impossible to ignore. Ultimately, DeSpain transferred to Missouri State University. The school, located in Springfield, Missouri, is 2.5 hours from Fayetteville.
“I had an incredibly fun experience at the Naval Academy,” she said. “But I left because I had an interest in medicine. Also, because I grew up all over the world, I was from a tight-knit family. Being close to them was important. I was lucky that Missouri State contacted me. I signed with them, and I had no idea what it would be like. I just dove right in.”
At Missouri State, DeSpain excelled.
A cell and molecular biology major, DeSpain evolved into a leader for the school’s swim team. She became an All-American, setting a Missouri Valley Conference record in the 400-meter individual medley. She also earned multiple conference gold medals. In the process, she set numerous Missouri State University swimming records.
In 2024, DeSpain earned the Missouri State University Outstanding Female Athlete honor. In 2025, she was among 30 finalists for the NCAA Woman of the Year Award, which celebrates women who excel in academics, sports, and community service.
Through being a finalist for the honor, DeSpain made several important connections, resulting in her later joining the NCAA hybrid committee and helping to select the following year’s NCAA Woman of the Year.
“I was beyond grateful to serve on the hybrid committee,” she said. “It was an inspiring opportunity that I benefit from to this day.”
Lily DeSpain, a student in the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) M.D./MPH dual-degree program, is a former swimmer at Missouri State University. She aspires to use her clinical and public health knowledge to make a positive impact throughout the world.
After an impressive run in the classroom, as an athlete, and while serving in the Springfield community — DeSpain graduated from Missouri State in 2024.
Upon earning her undergraduate degree, DeSpain applied for numerous medical schools, including UAMS. She liked the idea of returning to Arkansas for med school. Additionally, she liked UAMS’ program options and how it prioritized helping students gain clinical experience.
Much to her delight she received entry into the UAMS College of Medicine.
Thus far, the curriculum has exceeded her expectations. In fact, she’s already worked at a UAMS community clinic, gaining experience treating the general public.
“In order to best help someone, you must care about who they are as a person,” she said.
That outlook prompted DeSpain to enroll in the UAMS Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health’s Master of Public Health program.
DeSpain’s introduction to public health occurred in high school through the Healthy Active Arkansas program. The initiative teaches students about public health and Arkansas’ health-related difficulties. She became inspired to collaborate with people and organizations working to address Arkansas’ health status.
The MPH courses give DeSpain the desired opportunity to participate in collaborative public health projects. Additionally, she’s learning how healthcare professionals can help entire populations overcome chronic diseases. Spending time with individuals who aren’t in clinical health has enhanced her educational experience.
“When interacting with people who aren’t in the same program as you, that’s where creativity and solutions to problems develop,” DeSpain said. “That’s what I really love about the MPH program.”
“To best connect with my future patients, I must view them as someone who has fully formed thoughts, ideas, and specific concerns that relate to their health and culture,” she said. “I must understand where they’re coming from to serve them as best as I can.”
DeSpain commends the MPH program for how it also provides insight into how the healthcare system functions.
“As a physician, you have a responsibility to not only know clinically what your patients are experiencing but also barriers to care, and from an administrative standpoint how hospitals and clinics are set up,” she said.
Due to receiving in-depth public health training, Fountain is confident that she’ll be a well-rounded healthcare professional.
“It pays to be proactive,” she said. “Public health focuses a lot on being proactive and helping entire communities live a healthier life. A physician should advocate for proactive health so that people don’t develop chronic conditions. That’s why I appreciate public health, and I have so much respect for the field.
“Getting the MPH enhances my perspective as a physician.”
Thanks to the Health Professions Scholarship Program, DeSpain will eventually graduate as a military physician.
The program provides full tuition for commissioned officers in the United States Armed Forces who are pursuing an advanced medical degree. DeSpain is a second lieutenant in the program.
Whether as a medical professional, member of the military, or a civilian, DeSpain is adamant about making a positive impact as a healthcare professional.
“I’ll treat all of my patients like they’re my sister or my close friend,” she said.
“I’m willing to go wherever the military sends me,” DeSpain said. “I want to give back to the people who are giving so much to the each of us.”