Headshot for Mckenna Wallenmeyer

Mckenna Wallenmeyer

PA Student
Class of 2025

University of Maryland — College Park, ’20
Major: Biology
Minor: Business

What activities and organizations were you involved in as an undergraduate?

I was involved with Alpha Delta Pi and acted as Philanthropy Director, and was a member of Greek InterVarsity. I also performed research on campus.

What did you do after you graduated?

After I graduated, I worked as a MA/chronic care manager for a PA who owned a house calls practice treating geriatric patients, a PCT on a med/surg unit, CNA taking care of clients in the home setting, and finally as a MA for a primary care practice. I also took additional classes to meet prerequisites.

If you’ve done any volunteer work, please list what you’ve done and where.

I have volunteered with the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMH) since high school where I would deliver meals to RMH and in college my sorority’s philanthropy is the RMH. I also acted as Philanthropy director organizing service events to the RMH and fundraisers. I volunteered as a patient care volunteer at Children’s National Hospital in DC where I got to facilitate moments where children got to play and not think about being the “sick” kid.

How or why did you become involved in this volunteer work?

I have a personal connection with RMH, where I have personally stayed in a RMH while receiving treatment. I try to give back whenever and however I can because I know how much a warm meal, and a stocked pantry can make you feel at home on your worst of days.

What are some of your hobbies or interests?

I love camping! Before PA school, my husband and I went on a 2 month trip across the country in our Jeep Cherokee. I also love to hike, cook, bake, and read.

Why do you want to be a PA?

I want to be a PA because of my experiences as a patient as I understand all the emotions and frustrations that coincide. I had an incredible doctor who not only was intelligent but he cared for me as a person. This inspired me to want to go into medicine, but it was not until I worked alongside 2 PAs that I could not see myself doing anything else. I am excited to bring my experiences into practice for my future patients and treat the entire person!

Why did you choose Presbyterian College PA Program?

I liked the smaller class sizes, and the mission statement, but more than anything, I felt like I belonged and was cared for on interview day. I still remember interview day, I was incredibly nervous and I was walking in the parking lot and bumped into Jan, a faculty member, she instantly made me feel welcomed and the nerves started falling away. The entire interview experience was wonderful and I could tell that the faculty really cared.