Megan McDaniel has been interested in medicine ever since she was a kid. "My sister was born with a tumor in her heart (rhabdomyoma) as well as an atrial septal defect, so we spent a lot of time in hospitals and doctor’s offices," Megan explains. "I saw the way that nurses and doctors cared for my sister and made her smile along the way, and I knew that was how I wanted to help people someday too."
Today, as a Physician Assistant, she is doing just that for the women she treats. "During my clinical rotations in PA school, I grew a big heart for those who had been diagnosed with cancer. That’s when this specialty became my passion." She says and adds, "I would do anything possible to help someone through what is likely the hardest part of their life."
That compassion feeds Megan’s personal philosophy of patient care: Providers don’t treat diseases; providers treat people who have diseases. "I always listen to my patients and take every concern seriously," she says. "I hope my patients learn that they can trust me to always be an advocate who will put their health and happiness above all else."
Megan believes in the importance of interprofessional collaboration, working together and communicating with physicians, nurses, surgical technologists and all other staff to provide the best patient outcomes. "It’s a privilege to practice medicine. The trust that patients have in their providers is an honor to earn."
In Her Own Words
Who is or was the most influential person/role model in your life? My grandma. She has overcome so much and has managed to keep her compassion, strength and loving attitude.
What was your first job growing up? What do you remember most about it? My first job was working at a McDonald’s when I was just 15 years old. I remember feeling absolutely overwhelmed when I started, but I always had a lot of laughs with my coworkers and the customers (when we weren’t incredibly busy). I’ve come a long way since then, but I will always respect fast food workers.
What is your favorite food? Movie? My favorite food is Mediterranean. I love all horror movies. I can’t pick just one!
What were your best/worst subjects in school growing up? My best subjects were chemistry and biology. My worst was social studies.
If you could sit down to dinner with anyone (alive or deceased), who would it be and why? Malala Yousafzai because I admire her strength and advocacy for women. She’s the youngest person to receive a Nobel Peace Prize, so she must have a lot to share.
In addition to medicine, what are you passionate about? What are your hobbies, interests? I’m passionate about being a good friend, a good neighbor and a good sister to my three siblings. I love hiking, roller-skating and painting.
Do you have pets? I have a very sassy cat named Ebba. I love her so much.
What is something most people don’t know about you? I was homeschooled as a kid.
Megan McDaniel, PA South Bend address and phone