September 27, 2024

Meet Ian McCann

Medical Assistant II

Where are you from? 

I grew up in a small town named Fair Grove, just outside of Springfield, MO. The most interesting thing about that town is that it has no stoplights and has more cows than people. 

What brought you to Washington University Orthopedics?

I came to WashU Ortho out of luck!

How do you support the department? 

I support the department as a Medical Assistant. I work mostly with nurse practitioner Kayla Portwood-Luker. We see patients from 5 years old to 105 years old, and I am here to help the patients get better! My job consists of preparing schedules, facilitating the running of our clinic, ordering tests and communicating with patients. 

What aspect of your work do you find most interesting and rewarding? 

My work is rewarding in several different ways. I love working with the patients and helping them on their healing journey. I am excited to see patients go from injured to healing to healed. I am also very proud of the way I am able to work with my provider and ensure she has everything she needs to run the clinic in a way that is compassionate and efficient. 

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work? 

Outside of work I like to go hiking, spend time with my family, and I also enjoy going out and dancing in ways that embarrass my husband. 

What's the best advice you ever received? 

I'm a really stubborn person, so I tend not to listen to advice... But here's something that has always stuck with me. I often come across videos and articles about people who live very long lives, I like to listen to what their 'secret to a long life' is. More importantly however, I like to listen to what their regrets are... From the scores of videos and articles I've seen I realize that at the end of their lives people don't regret the things they did, they regret the things they didn't do. They regret not spending more time with those they love, not the stupid mistakes they made; they regret not taking that trip they always wanted to, not that they spent too much money on going out to eat. These are the ideas I try to live by, to not let fear or other people's judgment get in the way of the things I really want to do. 

If you weren't in healthcare, what would you like to be doing?

If I weren't in health care I would probably be working in some kind of office job. But if given the opportunity I'd love to own a little coffee shop one day with a fireplace and lots of comfy couches. 

Anything else you'd like to share?

I am so grateful to my husband, to my family, to my friends and my coworkers for creating with me a life in which I look forward to what wonderful things tomorrow may bring. 

Learn why patient's choose Washington University Orthopedics, request an appointment online or call (314) 514-3500.