Jun 08, 2020 / Prosthetics & Orthotics

Get to Know our Staff: McKenzie Kemp, Orthotics & Prosthetics

What is your role at Scottish Rite for Children? 
I am a certified prosthetist and orthotist. My day is typically a mixture of patient care and modifying devices to get them ready for fitting. We see a variety of patients and create a number of different devices. These include braces for scoliosis, AFO’s (ankle foot orthosis), KAFO’s (knee ankle foot orthosis) and many other different types of prostheses. Between our front office staff, practitioners, technicians and residents, we all work as a team. We definitely need all of these people in various roles to make our department function.    
 
What do you enjoy most about Scottish Rite?
I enjoy working with all of the awesome patients that we have here at Scottish Rite. For the past couple of years, I have had the opportunity to attend Camp Out on a Limb and Camp Freedom. Those are the highlights of my year. I also enjoy the great staff that I get to work with on a daily basis.
 
What was your first job? What path did you take to get here? 
The first job I ever had was teaching swim lessons when I was in high school. After college, I worked as an engineer for a bit before I decided to go back to school for orthotics and prosthetics. I was always interested in the field of O&P because it combines the problem-solving side of engineering with patient care. I have worked here for about four and a half years. 
 
What’s the coolest or most interesting thing you’re working on right now?
I’ve recently been doing a lot of scoliosis bracing, which I find very interesting. No two braces are really the same. I enjoy designing the braces and using problem-solving skills to ensure that each patient receives the best possible brace.  
 
What are you currently watching on Netflix/Hulu/TV/etc.? 
I’ve recently been watching Brooklyn Nine-Nine. I also enjoy watching different cooking shows and documentaries.
 
What would be the most amazing adventure to go on?
I have always wanted to hike the Pacific Crest Trail.  
 
What are some small things that make your day better?

I always enjoy when you can see the immediate impact a prosthesis or orthosis can have on someone’s life. The smile you see from the patient can definitely make your day.
 
What is special about the place you grew up?
I grew up in a few different areas of northern California, but spent the most time in Folsom, California. This area was special to me because of all the outdoor adventures. Most people have only heard of Folsom because of Folsom Prison. 
 
What is your favorite thing to do when you’re not working? 
I enjoy doing pretty much anything outside. I’ve always enjoyed camping and hiking on the weekends or running. I’ve also taken up some gardening on my apartment balcony this spring.
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