Meet Dr. Andrew Mackie

More than 15 years ago, when Dr. Andrew Mackie was working in Montreal, he realized how many adolescents and young adults were falling through the cracks when it came to follow-up care — especially those who have chronic conditions such as congenital heart defects. He and his team knew they needed to address this problem. Since then, he’s continued this line of research at the Stollery, which has opened up many research opportunities for him.

While research is one part of Dr. Mackie’s work, he’s also directly involved in patient care. In this area of his work, he looks after infants, children and adolescents with heart defects in the outpatient clinic and inpatient ward, and he specializes in echocardiography (cardiac ultrasound).

Outside of work, Dr. Mackie likes to stay active by jogging and cross-country skiing. His favourite nerdy hobby? A model railroad in his basement that he enjoys working on from time to time.

Let’s find out more about Dr. Mackie and his research:

What interests you most about your field of research?

Graduating from pediatric care and entering the adult healthcare system is a period of high medical risk for many adolescents and young adults living with heart defects, or any other chronic health conditions. Life changes such as post-secondary education, new jobs and new relationships can get in the way of seeking medical care. Learning difficulties and mental health problems are added challenges that make it even more difficult to navigate through the adult healthcare system. This is why healthcare transition is a multifaceted challenge, and why transition is such an interesting area of research for me. What works for one adolescent may not be the answer for the next. However, lifelong care is essential for graduates from the Stollery. We need complex solutions to complex problems.

How do you think your research will help inform future Stollery (and community) physicians and how might it impact future practices?

This research isn’t just mine, it’s been a team effort. But it’s helped identify the need for a transition nurse in the cardiology clinic. And another project demonstrated the huge impact of having a patient navigator for pediatric to adult transition at the Stollery. Right now my team is collaborating with a Community Advisory Committee in Maskwacis, and we’ve hired an Indigenous Patient Navigator to help the young adults in that community as well.

What are you most proud of when it comes to your research?

Hearing stories from young adults and their parents about how impactful it was to them to be able to work with a transition nurse or patient navigator. These roles can really empower young people and provide them with the knowledge, communication skills and resources that they need to successfully graduate from pediatric care.

What is your favourite kids’ book?

There are many great books out there that I enjoyed reading to my kids when they were young. “Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak is a classic. “Make Way for Ducklings” by Robert McCloskey has also been a favorite ever since I lived and trained in Boston, where the book is set. If you have the good fortune of visiting Boston, check out the Public Gardens, where there are bronze sculptures of those ducks to this day.