Native American Student Spotlight: Mackenzie Moody, OSU-COM

Friday, November 5, 2021

Media Contact: Sara Plummer | Communications Coordinator | 918-561-1282 | sara.plummer@okstate.edu

In November, we will spotlighting Native American students at the Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences in honor of Native American Heritage Month.

Mackenzie Moody, Second year medical student at OSU-COM

Where are you from? 

Tulsa

What tribe/nation are you a citizen or member of?

Cherokee Nation

Why did you want to go into medicine?

Medicine presents so many opportunities to make a difference in a patient's life and in the community. I am passionate about the intersection of mental health, trauma, and chronic disease and the role of the health care team and community partners in addressing these issues. As a native physician, I will be challenged as a community leader to address these topics, especially in Oklahoma with generational and systemic trauma affecting our native and minority populations. 

What has the experience been like so far at OSU-COM?

I feel so much support from the school faculty, administration and students. OSU-COM recently won a national award for diversity and inclusion, and it is so evident on campus that OSU cares about all the students and our future patients. 

How has being Native American impacted your life or your decision to be a physician?

After residency, I will be returning to Oklahoma to practice in native and indigenous communities. As a Cherokee citizen, I value the rich traditions and heritage that have brought me to where I am today. I am excited to represent Native peoples through my practice and advocate and create agency for Native Americans in health care, public policy, and community wellness initiatives.