In 2004, I decided to leave my broadcasting career behind and begin working toward a career in medicine. I was driven to medicine for a variety of reasons, including my own histories with cancer. I found those experiences as a patient to be utterly invaluable as I learned the art and science of doctoring, and I know my patients are glad that their doctor has that patient’s perspective.

I love endocrinology because we Endos have our hands in everything–every organ system and almost every diagnosis have endocrine components. I first became interested in Diabetes in 2014 during my residency, and knew I needed to earn an Endocrinology fellowship. I have crisscrossed the country for my medical education, and finally in 2018 I emerged from training and came here to Mansfield.

Dr. VanDyke’s unique background drew her to Osteopathic Medicine. Throughout her life she has been diagnosed with and treated for three different types of cancer. These personal experiences gave her an empathy for her patients and their families, as well as a passion for treating the “whole person” rather than just a disease. Her memoir, entitled “Bow Ties, Butterflies and Band-Aids,” details her experience and that of those closest to her during their cancer journey and discusses the effects it has on the entire community.