James MacKenzie, M.D.

I am an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist at Memorial Health System. In my practice, I focus on surgical and nonsurgical treatment of sports medicine injuries including arthroscopic, open and minimally invasive techniques for injuries of the knee, shoulder, ankle and elbow.

I treat athletes of all levels as well as non-athletes. Whether my patient is an elite collision-sport competitor, weekend warrior or casual recreationalist, I ensure everyone receives a unique treatment plan that best suits their activity level and life. Equally as important is that it is a plan which we can both agree on.

My approach to care can be easily summarized: Treat every patient like family. I believe all surgical specialty care, including sports medicine, exists on a spectrum from the least invasive to the most invasive, and it is important to find the right solution for your specific care. If possible, I prefer to take a conservative, nonsurgical approach to orthopedic problems and to utilize surgical options only when necessary.

After having a positive and powerful experience with an orthopedic surgeon firsthand, I was determined to become one myself. I find orthopedics to be a complex and rewarding field. I take pride in helping patients and athletes reach their goals on and off the field. Orthopedic sports medicine offers me the privilege of giving patients a better quality of life or renewed appreciation for mobility after improving vital function from their injury. There’s no better feeling than working alongside a great team to deliver the best possible outcome for our patients and hearing their stories of getting back to the activities they love.

Throughout my training and career, I served as assistant team physician for the Miami Dolphins (NFL), Miami Heat (NBA), Florida International University (NCAA), St. Thomas University (NAIA), the United States Naval Academy (NCAA) and more than 15 local Miami-Dade County High Schools among other academic and professional athletic institutions.

I also have a strong passion for orthopedic global health. I have provided clinical and surgical care for patients around the globe including in the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Peru, Bolivia, Nepal, Kenya and Bangladesh. During residency training, I helped establish Global Orthopedics at Johns Hopkins (GO-JH), an institution-wide organization dedicated to the advancement of global orthopedic care and education.

Outside of the office, I enjoy my other full-time job as a husband and family man. I enjoy traveling with my wife, spending time with our families and keeping up with an active lifestyle by playing sports or exercising.