Mackenzie Winslow is excited to get her future started as Dr. Novikov Wellness and Skin Care’s newest Physician Assistant. She recently graduated from the PA program at Sacred Heart University in Stamford, Connecticut.
What sparked her interest in medicine?
“There was always a part of me that wanted to be a part of medicine,” she said. “When I was young, I wanted to be a vet and even looked at colleges with zoology programs.”
She ultimately decided that she loved the human connection and forming relationships with patients.
Mackenzie previously worked as a medical assistant in a dermatology office and enjoyed that specialty. Additionally, while doing rotations out in the field while in school, she was drawn to wound care. The dermatology and wound care connection was what made Mackenzie excited for her new role.
“It’s two specialties that I wanted to work in,” she said. “I knew this was the place for me. Wound care is tangible and visible–there is such an art to it.”
The variety of patients and clinic settings was also attractive to Mackenzie. She looks forward to working with the geriatric population again.
“I feel they have so much to offer,” she said. “It is very rewarding to work with that population.”
As an undergrad, Mackenzie worked with Alzheimer’s patients in a nursing home group.
“I worked with residents a few times a week to help them write their story,” she said. “When they couldn’t remember things as the disease progressed, they had this book about what growing up and their childhood was like.”
Patient-centered approach
Providing a positive patient experience is also important to Mackenzie.
“Medicine can be very transactional,” she said. “We are not just treating patient illnesses, but the patients themselves. Illnesses and conditions are present, but practicing preventive medicine is important.”
Taking extra time to talk to patients, forming a relationship with them, and formulating a plan of care together is part of Mackenzie’s approach.
She credits this approach in part to her education at Sacred Heart
“They had quite a few classes on holistic medicine practices,” she said.
Mackenzie notes that being a new graduate will allow her to bring the most up-to-date medical knowledge to the position.
“I am excited to get started with my future as a physician assistant,” she said.
Fun facts
A fun fact about Mackenzie is she was a competitive gymnast for 10 years before she headed to Bates College in Lewiston, Maine for her undergraduate studies and where she played field hockey.
Sacred Heart University recognized her for her outstanding volunteer work and presented her with the Excellence in Community Service Award. She helped with beach clean ups and providing lower income families in the area with clothing and food. She also helped to coordinate the donation of prom dresses for high school students.
When she is not with patients, she enjoys working out, cycling, trying new restaurants and reading. A new puppy is on the horizon as well.
Welcome Mackenzie Winslow, PA-C.
