Meet Dr. Mary Jo McDonell

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Mary Jo McDonell. 

Hi Dr. McDonell, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I grew up the youngest of 6 in a family with a strong tradition in medicine. My grandfather came from Ireland at 17 and graduated medical school in 1904. My father was the classic old-time doctor. He knew his patients and their families. He provided free medical care for many, many of his patients. As kids, we would often accompany him on house calls. His office was the first floor of our home, and I would frequently help his receptionist after school. His patients would tell me that they didn’t mind if they had to wait because they knew that if they needed more time, he would be there for them too. 

I worked as a nurse’s aide from high school through college at a small hospital where he practiced. When I left for medical school, the nurses had me promise to always listen and practice like my dad. 

Unlike dad, I chose Pediatrics. My career has been rewarding, watching my patients grow and many having children of their own. Most of my career has been in underserved areas – both urban and rural, with high rates of poverty. Through the years my goal was to be like my father and keep that promise. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I consider myself privileged to have the career I have. Any struggles I have experienced have been similar to what other people have to deal with, especially family health issues. The worst was my father having a heart attack with multiple complications while I was in medical school. I often joked with him since he had the actual heart attack while I was on my medicine rotation and his heart surgery while I was on surgery, what was he going to do while I did my OB rotation 

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
During my career, I have worked in inner city clinics, been in the delivery room for hundreds of high-risk infants, and at different times been involved in teaching family practice residents, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. At several locations, I have been part of bringing care to areas that had no other pediatricians. All of these aspects made me happy, 

What does success mean to you?
In medicine, the first rule is do no harm. Success would be to do good for others. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ammhealthcarepa.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ammhealthcare_alamance/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AMMHealthcareAlamance/