Growing up, Dr. Virginia McKenna wanted a career where she could make a difference doing something she loved. Health care was a good fit, as it combined her love of science and her interest in getting to know people on a deeper level.
Dr. McKenna earned her medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin and completed a residency in family medicine at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Family Medicine.
“I enjoy the wide breadth family medicine offers with the age range of patients, acute visits and chronic disease management, procedures and well-patient visits," Dr. McKenna said. “I also enjoy helping people take an active role in their health."
She provides care for chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and obesity, as well as depression, anxiety, perimenopause, joint pain, back and knee issues, physicals and well-child visits. She sees patients of all ages.
Dr. McKenna also has expertise in IUD and Nexplanon placement and removal, endometrial biopsy and skin procedures, such as biopsies, incision and drainage, epidermoid cyst removal and cryotherapy.
“I love seeing patients in each stage of life, from babies to people in the twilight of their lives, and dealing with the challenges that can come with each stage. I believe being a good listener and actively involving patients in health care decisions is very important," she said.
In her practice, she looks at the whole patient – their beliefs, lifestyle, access to care and goals of health care.
“I want every person who walks into my office to feel accepted and respected. By being a good listener and looking at the 'doctor-patient' relationship as a team will ensure that patients will get what they need and want from their health care visits. My goal is to empower and encourage patients to be the healthiest version of themselves," she said.
Outside of work, Dr. McKenna enjoys spending time with her family, which includes her three children. They enjoy cooking, baking, thrifting, gardening, outdoor activities and spending time with her parents' chickens and bunnies.