Physician practice manager for St. Dominic Family Medicine – Dogwood Ryan McBride has always known he wanted to be part of taking care of those around him.
“As a child, I was always caring for the animals who needed a home or care,” he says. “My parents weren’t sure if I would end up taking care of people or animals! Then, I helped to take care of my grandfather when he was ill. He had a long and difficult journey with diabetes.”
Ryan enjoys being around people, loving the interaction and learning from patients about the ways we are able to help them, especially navigating through the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Journey to Work in Healthcare
“As I was beginning my career, I had a summer job at the hospital in my hometown of Eupora, Mississippi,” Ryan says. “I split my time between nursing and radiology and planned to pursue one of these fields. When I was presented with the opportunity to start nursing school, my then manager in radiology encouraged me to begin in X-ray because he had an immediate opportunity for me on his team.”
Ryan has been part of St. Dominic’s ministry for 18 years, first in MRI/diagnostic imaging before moving into clinic management after 15 years.
Guiding Influences
When considering his career influences, Ryan thinks of two managers: a director of nursing and a director of radiology.
“One hired me and gave me positive affirmations of who she knew I would become, and the other called me and encouraged me to pursue radiology and gave me a concrete opportunity as part of his team,” Ryan remembers. The radiology director “was persistent and candid in his recruitment. He saw my current value and my future potential. He was always encouraging of me and helped shape my journey into healthcare.”
He also credits mentors like Lorraine Washington, Danny Burney and Frank Lenoir for inspiring and encouraging him along the way.
Reflecting on Black History Month
For Ryan, Black History Month is both a personal and professional time of reflection.
“It is a time to reflect on the contributions that we have made and continually make to effect positive change in our communities and society,” he says.
This year’s Black History Month theme, African Americans and Labor, highlights the profound impact of Black workers across history.
“The sacrifices other African Americans have made in the labor industry have paved the way for others such as me to rise to levels which were previously impossible,” he says.
One of Ryan’s biggest inspirations is former President Barack Obama. He shares a quote from Obama that resonates deeply with him:
“We are reminded that, in the fleeting time we have on this Earth, what matters is not wealth, or status, or power or fame, but rather how well we have loved and what small part we have played in making the lives of other people better.”
Ryan also takes to heart Obama’s encouragement to keep learning and striving for excellence:
“Keep exploring. Keep dreaming. Keep asking why. Don’t settle for what you already know. Never stop believing in the power of your ideas, your imagination, your hard work to change the world. Change is never easy, but always possible.”
Prioritizing Rest and Self-Care
In his demanding role, Ryan has learned the importance of balance.
“I have learned to listen to my body. My mind endeavors to be all things for all people, but realistically I know that is too big of a task for anyone except God,” he says. “So, I take naps, I rest, and I enjoy family.”
Ryan hopes that his journey will inspire others to reach their full potential.
“It has been a journey, and I hope to impact others to reach their full potential by my experiences,” he says.
Our Commitment
Our ministry’s commitment to inclusion and belonging supports culturally competent care education for our team members all year long, including during Black History Month each February.
