Sharing Her Family's Passion for Medicine, Wayt '23 M'25 Aims to Open Impactful PA Practice
October 04, 2024By Fatima Magana '22
ALLIANCE - National Physician Assistant Week is celebrated from October 6-12 when physician assistants and physician assistants to-be, like Wayt, reminisce on their journey and accomplishments. Upon earning her undergraduate degree in biology, Kenadee Wayt ’23 M’25 chose to continue her path as a Purple Raider, pursuing a degree in physician assistant studies. Following in her parents’ footsteps, who are doctors, Wayt wants to help patients while building a meaningful relationship with them.
Wayt explained that her twin sister also plans to become a physician, while her career will follow a broad path, allowing her to work alongside her twin and her parents. Upon graduating and earning her degree, Wayt hopes to return to Wheeling, West Virginia to continue her career at her family’s practice and build a career as a businesswoman, as she hopes to own her practice someday.
“Sharing this passion with my family has been an incredible experience that I am so lucky to have,” said Wayt. “One of the biggest things I’ve learned is how to balance work with family time.”
Wayt '23 M'25 in a lab after receiving her white coat
Wayt posing after winning another track meet
Wayt '23 M'25 (first on the left) with friends watching a football game.
Wayt '23 M'25 (left) in a lab with a classmate
Wayt '23 M'25 (first on the left, bottom row) with friends, celebrating Valentines Day
“A few different factors came into play when I decided to go to PA school and not medical school,” said Wayt. “First, being a PA gives me a lot more flexibility, being able to switch fields during my career. Second, PA school is a lot shorter compared to medical school, so I would be able to start working and build a family earlier in life.”
Wayt, throughout her collegiate career, won multiple track and field championship titles which have followed her in graduate school — continuing to enhance her athleticism and excellence as a student. She explains that gaining experience as a nurse aide and pharmacy technician prepared her for the real-world experiences she would gain as a physician assistant.
“Winning almost all of my national championships during my time in the PA program was my favorite by far because it rewarded all the hard work I put in during the school year—maintaining exceptional grades in a rigorous program,” said Wayt. “I always have lived by the motto “work hard, play hard,” and that is what has gotten me to where I am today."
Wayt adds that if she were to meet her younger self, she would advise her to enjoy the little moments life presents her with, referencing the many memories she made as an undergraduate student at Mount Union. The “little moments” have transcended to PA school, as Wayt has fortified connections with her peers in and out of the classroom, traveling to events such as the Steelers vs. Browns football game and attending Picklesburgh [fest] in Pennsylvania.
Wayt's story is just one of many that have been shaped while a Purple Raider. Like Wayt's professional career, you could take the lead to become a renowned medical expert studying at Mount Union.