B.Sc.: Physician Associate, University of Oklahoma College of Medicine
MPH: Health Administration and Policy, Portland State University
DMSc: Medical (PA) Education, University of Lynchburg
Dr. McKenna is the founding Director of the DMSc program and Associate Professor at MBKU. He previously served as Interim Program Director and Director of Accreditation for their PA program, where he continues to teach evidence-based medicine. He began his career as a U.S. Navy Corpsman, then practiced as a PA in emergency medicine and urgent care before a 33-year biopharmaceutical career as a Medical Science Liaison and Director of Field Medical Affairs. Dr. McKenna is a NCCPA-certified PA who volunteers with the LA Medical Reserve Corps and serves as a scientific SCUBA diver at the Aquarium of the Pacific.
Accomplishments:
- Founding Director of the MBKU Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) program
- Admitted as a Full Member to the Sigma Xi Scientific Research Honor Society in recognition of achievements in scholarship
- Recognized as a Distinguished Fellow of the American Academy of Physician Associates (DFAAPA), an honor bestowed on fewer than two percent of all PAs
- Recipient of a Research Grant ($30,898) from the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA)
- Author or co-author of many peer-reviewed publications and posters, and an invited presenter at multiple professional meetings
- Sanofi Annual North American Medical Affairs Jefferson Leadership Award