We asked our providers what they’ve been up to during this time at home, outside of work. In our new series, Meet Your Provider, learn a little more about the team at Columbia Skin Clinic. If you would like to book a telehealth or in-office appointment with one of our experienced dermatologists or aestheticians, please contact us.
Here, Anna McKie, PA-C, shares a few fun things she has been doing.
What have you been doing during your time at home?
I have just been trying to keep up with my 11-month-old, Forrest Jane, and my nine-year-old stepdaughter, Caroline. Forrest Jane’s daycare is closed and Caroline is out of school so my husband, Bruce, and I are having to juggle who stays at home. Forrest Jane is busy crawling everywhere and getting into everything, but it is fun watching her grow and learn. She has made great strides over the past year after she was born six weeks early weighing only 3 lbs. 14 oz. Her first birthday is coming up on May 13th. Caroline has done a wonderful job staying on top of her school work and is a big help with Forrest Jane. I still have not convinced her to change a diaper though, haha!
What have you been watching lately?
We have been watching a lot of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, the Trolls movie and LEGO Friends. Who has time to watch TV when you have an 11-month-old and a nine-year-old around!
What have you been reading lately?
I wish I had a really good book to recommend but I have been mostly reading updates about COVID-19 from the CDC and DHEC websites. I have also been trying to stay up to date on the changes happening in the healthcare industry that allows us to continue to see our patients through telehealth during this time while we are sheltered in place.
What’s the best meal you or your family have cooked recently?
My husband made honey BBQ pulled pork in the crock pot that was amazing! I think it ate it for lunch and dinner for an entire week. Unfortunately, I am not much of a cook.
What have you enjoyed most about your time at home?
I have enjoyed being home a little more during the day with Forrest Jane. I work full-time, so that usually only leaves evenings and weekends to spend time with the girls. I won’t say it has been easy, but definitely rewarding. The slower pace of things has been nice and just enjoying the moment. I feel sometimes we forget to put things aside and just be in the moment of things.
How has telemedicine changed the way you practice medicine?
Telemedicine was never on my “to-do list” of things to try out but thank goodness we now have the ability and technology to be able to still provide care for patients when we cannot physically see them. Patients are so appreciative that we can still treat them and they don’t have to leave their home. Everyone has learned to adapt to the current situation and telemedicine will continue to play a role as we move forward in the future.
Would you like to share anything else fun or interesting with your patients?
I have been working at Columbia Skin Clinic for 11 years and I love my job. It has been an interesting year, to say the least, with a new baby, the COVID-19 pandemic and not being able to have a first birthday party for Forrest Jane. But we are grateful that we are all healthy. We will celebrate her birthday in our own special way here at the house with a small smash cake and will at least have a great story to tell her when she gets older!
