Dr. Mark MacKenzie is proof that you can take the boy out of STARS, but you can’t take STARS out of the boy. After serving as STARS’ Edmonton Base Medical Director until 2010, STARS Advanced Skills Institute Trauma instructor until 2015, and STARS Transport Physician until 2021, Dr. MacKenzie returned in 2025 as our Chief Medical Officer.

In the years between, he served as Medical Director for Alberta’s Air Ambulance program and as a Senior Leader for Alberta Emergency Health Services. He has had a transformational impact on Alberta’s EMS system, leading key initiatives such as the Critical Care Medical Control Protocols, EMS hospital offload, EMS Science and Research, centralized governance of Air Ambulance Services, and EMS On-Line Medical Consultation. He has been a constant voice championing the modernization of the EMS system, the advancement of the paramedic profession and the field of prehospital transport medicine.

Dr. MacKenzie believes strongly in the power of partnership, the strength of relationships, and fostering leadership in others.

After obtaining a Bachelor of Science and Medical Degree at McMaster University in Hamilton, he completed residencies in family and emergency medicine through the University of British Columbia and University of Calgary. In 2023 he achieved designation as a Certified Health Executive by the Canadian College of Health Leaders.

Dr. MacKenzie continues to enjoy clinical practice as an Emergency Physician and Trauma Team Leader at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton where he has been recognized for his dedication to clinical excellence and education.

Outside of work, you can find him spending time with his wife, four children and two dogs, in Edmonton, or exploring the mountains around Canmore. A dedicated cycling enthusiast, he rides year-round.