Ashley Ayers, MD

Hello! My name is Ashley Ayers. I was born and raised in the small town of Curryville, Missouri—population ~225.  I completed my undergraduate studies in Biology at Hannibal-LaGrange University. My passion for medicine, particularly for serving underserved populations, began through international travel with my family, who served part-time as missionaries in Haiti. Those early experiences ignited a desire to care for those with limited access to healthcare. I attended medical school at the University of Missouri–Kansas City (UMKC) School of Medicine, St. Joseph campus, where I continued to explore rural and global health. Memorable experiences included clinical rotations in Ghana and on an American Indian reservation. 

I chose family medicine for its breadth, continuity, and the opportunity to build long-term relationships while addressing diverse health needs. I was drawn to CoxHealth for its strong emphasis on comprehensive training and community-focused care. I knew it was the right environment to grow into the physician I aspire to be. 

Outside of medicine, I enjoy photography, being outdoors, traveling, and spending quality time with family and friends. I’m excited to continue my training in Missouri and start this new chapter in Springfield!