A Pittsfield, Illinois native, Mackenzie is caring for residents of her hometown and surrounding communities as a physician assistant (PA) in the Hospital Medicine program of Illini Community Hospital.

PAs are licensed clinicians who practice medicine in every specialty and setting. Trusted, rigorously educated and trained healthcare professionals, PAs are dedicated to expanding access to care and transforming health and wellness through patient-centered, team-based medical practice. The PA profession currently has more than 168,300 practitioners in the U.S., engaging in more than 500 million patient interactions each year.

“I was introduced to the PA profession during my undergraduate studies,” she said. “I felt the role aligned with my innate passion for helping others.”

As a PA, Mackenzie’s help of others includes healing and education.

“I believe when caring for patients, educating them on their disease process or problem empowers them to take an active role in their disease management and/or recovery. I’m specifically interested in the treatment of chronic disease, emphasizing education on the impacts of lifestyle benefits.”