I chose a career in physical therapy because I felt it was a calling to use my gifts and talents to serve those who had physical challenges. I am fortunate to have received a valuable education that allows me to help my patients with evidence-based care and practice. My education and clinical experiences have afforded me opportunities to see a variety of patient populations and to learn from numerous mentors that have engraved in me the importance of respect, kindness, and care. Remembering that PT may occur during some of the most vulnerable times in a patient’s life, I strive to listen fully to my patients, to provide empathetic and passionate care, and to achieve patient-specific goals with each individual who walks in our door. I am thankful to work for a company that promotes personalized and professional care with each patient.
EDUCATION
Doctorate of Physical Therapy with Highest Honors
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA
Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences, Psychology Minor
Nicholls State University, Thibodaux, LA
MEMBERSHIP / LEADERSHIP
American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), APTA – Louisiana Chapter (Nominating Chair, Board of Directors), APTA Orthopedic and Research Sections Member
Past Vice President of APTA Student Assembly Board of Directors, Past Chairman of APTA Louisiana’s Student Special Interest Group, Past Louisiana Director for VCU-Marquette PT Research Challenge, Past Physical Therapy Day of Service Coordinator for Shreveport-Bossier
CERTIFICATIONS
Licensed Physical Therapist in Louisiana.
Credentialed APTA Clinical Instructor, Trigger Point Dry Needling Certified, Research Compliance CITI Training.
SPECIAL INTERESTS
Primary emphasis on orthopedic injuries, diagnoses, and conditions.
Clinical interests include deconditioning, balance/falls, lower extremity biomechanics, joint replacements, chronic pain, and running injuries.
McKenzie is pursuing her Orthopedic Clinical Specialist certification.
Additionally, McKenzie engages in independent research efforts focused on PT education and lower extremity biomechanics. McKenzie actively assists faculty as needed in the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University (FranU) in Baton Rouge, LA. Ultimately, she plans to attain her PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences in the future with goals to teach in a DPT program.
CONTINUED EDUCATION
Active Journal Club participant with the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy; State and national conferences including presentations on various orthopedic and neurologic conditions; Completion of the APTA Clinical Instructor Education & Credentialing Program; Research, Ethics, and Compliance Training via Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative; Developing Manual Therapy Skills.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Foundation for Physical Therapy Research; Physical Therapy Day of Service; Junior Achievement Program; Knights of Columbus, Council 970; St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and School.
FAMILY & HOBBIES
McKenzie enjoys time with friends, family, and her church community. Her hobbies include long distance running, beach volleyball, water sports, reading, exploring new coffee shops, travelling abroad, and attending LSU baseball, volleyball, and football games. Additionally, McKenzie is a proud advocate of the physical therapy profession for both her peers and for her patients. Furthermore, she actively participates in high school and college presentations to raise awareness about the PT profession for prospective students looking to engage in different fields of healthcare.
