Morgan Widner McKeon

I would absolutely say my mom. My mom is my absolute best friend. I've watched her advocating in medical situations and in life situations, creating peaceful moments in chaos. My dad is probably one of the hardest-working people I've ever met. He's always there, always pushing through whatever's going on around him and encouraging me to be the best version of myself.

I think if I could look in retrospect and tell myself something, I struggled with a lot. And it sounds super cliche, it is just to keep going. So many times in any real professional setting, you just don't mesh with people, somebody's just not having a good day. There have been several days where I've walked away and been like, you know what, I don't know why I do what I do. Then I remember that I do what I do because I love my job and I love helping people. I think the biggest thing is just to keep going.

If I could give advice to young women entering my industry, it would simply be to keep going. There will be difficult days, challenging environments, and moments where you may not connect with certain people or feel unsure of your place. I’ve had times where I left work questioning why I do what I do, but those moments pass. The most important thing is to stay committed, push through the setbacks, and continue showing up, because consistency and perseverance ultimately build confidence, skill, and resilience in this field.

In my field of healthcare, one of the biggest challenges is balancing the technical demands of operating room work with the emotional realities of patient care, where precision and quick decision-making must coexist with compassion and empathy. I also face the ongoing challenge of keeping pace with constant advancements in medical technology, surgical techniques, and care standards, which require continuous learning and adaptability. Despite this, I see strong opportunities to make a meaningful impact through patient care, advocacy, and education, including mentoring future surgical technologists and contributing to improved clinical outcomes. Ultimately, I find the most reward in combining technical expertise with compassion to deliver safe, patient-centered care.

In both my work and personal life, I value composure, clarity, and the courage to speak up when it truly matters. I tend to stay calm and focused even in high-pressure environments, which allows me to observe situations carefully and respond thoughtfully rather than react emotionally. At the same time, I believe in being assertive when necessary—ensuring that important information is heard, especially in fast-paced clinical settings where communication can directly impact patient safety. My experience in trauma cases has reinforced that while I don’t raise my voice often, I am unafraid to do so when it is essential to restore order, clarity, and effective teamwork.