Pam McDonald
Impact Advisors
Excellence in Client Service
Pam McDonald, like many Women Leaders in Consulting, sort of stumbled into the consulting profession. Some 29 years ago she was employed as a temporary VP Executive Assistant for a healthcare consulting firm. A big part of her job was to support the consultants. "After a few months supporting them, I decided I could do what they did," McDonald says.
Not only could McDonald do what they do, but it turns out she could do it pretty darn well. "I shared this confidence with my VP, and—after giving it some thought—he agreed and sent me to my first client. Twenty-nine years later, here I am!
It's probably not surprising then, that McDonald says the best advice she's ever received is to trust her gut and have faith in herself. Indeed, qualities that took her from a supporting role to a Principal today—and all the way to being named one of the Women Leaders in Consulting.
"Receiving this award is an honor and an achievement that I never dreamed of, but what I am really most proud of is knowing that I am, and always have been, an advocate for my colleagues and clients," she says.
McDonald is a skilled project manager in health information technology and her breadth of project management/project director leadership spans planning, implementation and integration of information technology for integrated delivery networks (IDNs), academic medical centers and children's hospitals.
"What I enjoy most about my work is making a positive impact for our clients, contributing to successful outcomes in the healthcare industry and knowing what I do makes a difference in patients and families lives," she says.
McDonald has directed a number of implementation projects, coordinated testing and training activities, and planned and supported go-lives for a variety of vendors/systems including Epic, Cerner, McKesson and PerSe Technologies. She served as Program Manager for IT centralized services in support of NY DSRIP (Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment) Program.
As far as what advice she'd pass on to a female consultant just beginning her career?
"I would tell them the same good advice that I received to trust my gut and have faith in yourself and also to consciously strive to make a positive impact, commit to the cause and always know your why."
It's sure served her well, and it will undoubtedly serve others well, too.
Q&A: What does winning the Women Leaders in Consulting award mean to you?
McDonald: "Winning the Women Leaders in Consulting award totally surprised me. I am both honored and humbled by this recognition. It means a lot to me to know that I have colleagues that value what I do and that take the time and effort to nominate me for this very special award."
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