Her Story
About McKenna
McKenna VanDyke serves as a Practice Manager in the medical field, where she has worked for over 20 years. Her career began with studies in criminal justice and victim advocacy, which transitioned into roles supporting patients and medical staff after experiencing her family's chronic illnesses. She has experience in risk management, patient relations, and administration, finding her passion in patient relations where she acts as a bridge between medical staff and patients and their families. VanDyke holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, a bachelor's degree in social behavior and sciences, a master's degree in healthcare administration, and a leadership certification from Kennesaw State. She aspires to advance to director or vice president level positions in patient experience, patient relations, or risk management.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with McKenna
01What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
For women specifically, I would tell them that the gifts that we've been given as far as being able to be empathetic, intuition, those are all things that I truly believe are kind of instilled in most women, and I use those to your advantage, because we are definitely able to discern certain circumstances that others cannot. I definitely think that using the power of standing behind your worth and who you know you want to be and who you can be is very important. I don't take no for an answer. I will keep digging, and I will keep asking, and I will keep researching. You've got to advocate for yourself. Discernment is a huge word that I use specifically in women, is to make sure that, like, when you feel that something doesn't match your values, doesn't match your morals, then it's not the place for you.
02What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I have a very strong relationship with Christ, I have a great relationship with my family. And making sure that, like, you keep your morals, you keep what it is that's close to your heart. Discernment is a huge word that I use specifically in women, is to make sure that, like, when you feel that something doesn't match your values, doesn't match your morals, then it's not the place for you. I'm big on, again, knowing your worth and knowing where I sit at a table.
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