10 Questions with Megan Carey
From politics to patient care, Megan Carey has grown her career at Neurologists of Cape Cod and is ready to begin her next chapter as a nurse practitioner.
“If it’s meant to be, it will happen.”
For Megan Carey, this personal mantra has guided both her career and her life.
Before she became practice manager for Neurologists of Cape Cod at the Trachsel Neuroscience Institute in Hyannis, Megan’s path looked very different. After earning her degree in Communication from the University of New Hampshire, she immersed herself in the fast-paced world of politics, working on Beacon Hill for Governor Charlie Baker. The role was exciting, but she soon realized she wanted to work in a field that felt more meaningful.
“I always thought medicine wasn’t for me because I wasn’t a ‘math or science person,’” says Megan, adding that at one point she talked herself out of it. “But I wanted more fulfillment in my work, so I went back to school.”
Her healthcare career quickly took shape. In 2021, she earned her associate degree in nursing from Quincy College and began her healthcare career in Cape Cod Healthcare’s Medical Affiliates of Cape Cod (MACC) float pool. One of her frequent roles was with Neurologists of Cape Cod, and she quickly found herself drawn to the specialty. By 2022, she joined the team full-time, working closely with patients and providers.
From there, she became clinical supervisor in late 2022, and just a few months later, stepped into the interim manager role before officially being named practice manager in 2023. During that same period, she completed her bachelor’s degree in nursing at Emmanuel College and began nurse practitioner school at Regis College—a rigorous two-year program she balanced alongside her daytime responsibilities.
Megan credits the support of leadership and her colleagues for helping to navigate the demanding schedule, which included three days in the office and two days in clinical rotations at Yarmouth Primary Care.
Now, as she prepares to transition into her new role as a nurse practitioner in neurology this fall, Megan is not only looking forward to seeing patients full-time but also helping launch a new day program for individuals with mild dementia and cognitive impairment—a resource designed to provide safe, engaging activities for patients while giving caregivers much-needed respite.
Looking back, Megan finds a common thread in both careers: “Whether in politics or patient care, it’s about helping people—especially those who can’t always help themselves.”
We recently caught up with Megan to learn more about her background, her greatest inspiration, a family trip she’s excited about and her bold prediction for the Patriots’ season.
Sisters Haley & Megan at Neurologists of Cape Cod.
1. What appeals to you most about working in neurology?
The patient interaction is unlike any other specialty. It’s like specialized primary care—we follow patients throughout the course of their disease, often for life. With conditions like dementia and Parkinson’s, you get to know patients and their families deeply. Our team here is fantastic—the providers are approachable, and everyone feels supported.
2. What was your very first job, and what was your big takeaway from it?
In high school, I worked in the kitchen at an assisted living facility in Plymouth, which had both memory care and traditional assisted living. I served meals to residents. I learned patience, understanding and an appreciation for healthcare workers—especially those who work with dementia patients.
3. What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?
Lady Gaga follows me on Twitter (now X). I have no idea why. I’m a fan of her music, but I don’t even post much there. One day she just followed me, which was totally random.
4. If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?
Predicting the future—so I could make changes to prevent something bad from happening or to make things better.
5. If you could switch places with one person for a week, who would it be?
Probably someone outside of medicine—like Taylor Swift for a day. I sang in high school, so performing would be fun, but I know it’s also a lot of hard work. I like my downtime, and I have a feeling she has very little of that. I’d be curious to see what it’s like to be constantly on the go, surrounded by fans, and still manage to stay so positive.
6. Is there a song you can never seem to get out of your head, or one you always enjoy?
I like all types of music, so it could be anything at any given time. Something that might surprise people is that I really like 50 Cent and Lil Wayne—the early 2000s hip-hop genre.
7. Do you have any siblings in healthcare, and have you inspired each other in your careers?
My sister, Haley Penison, works here in our office as a certified medical assistant. She actually started before I was the manager, working as a receptionist. I think I was the one who inspired her to make the switch to healthcare, but seeing what she’s accomplished is inspiring to me as well. Before joining our office, she worked at a vet’s office and even as a postal worker. Eventually, she decided she wanted to do something more in human healthcare, so she took the receptionist role here and worked her way up to becoming a medical assistant.
8. Who has been your greatest inspiration, personally or professionally?
My dad. He grew up in Iran, and during the revolution his family had to flee to London. They did very well financially but had to flee to London because of the regime change. His dream was to become a U.S. citizen, which he did before age 30. His first job here was as a dishwasher—despite having a college degree from England. He worked his way up, became a mechanic, then started working at hospitals, utilizing his engineering degree. He spent years at a major Boston hospital as an anesthesia engineer, working in the ORs. I went to work with him a few times and got to see not only the technical side of his job, but also how he communicated with anesthesiologists, surgeons and nurses in such a fast-paced environment. He retired a few years ago but still enjoys staying active, working odd jobs and substitute teaching.
9. Is there something on the horizon you’re especially excited about?
My family is going to Spain next year for a big trip to celebrate milestone birthdays: my husband turning 40, my dad turning 70, and my sister Hailey turning 30. We’ll be there for about 10 days at the end of June/early July, staying right on the coast for a relaxing beach vacation.
10. Are you excited about the Patriots this season?
Yes! Football is my favorite sport. I’m really excited about Mike Vrabel this year. My prediction: wild card playoff run. I don’t expect a miracle, but I think we’ve got some good things going with Drake Maye, Will Campbell and Stefon Diggs. I usually watch from home on Sundays, but I have been to a game before when Tom Brady was still playing.
