Taylor McKenzie facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

This page is about the Navajo medical doctor. For the English footballer, see Taylor McKenzie (footballer). For the motorcycle racer, see Taylor Mackenzie.

Taylor McKenzie was an important leader and doctor from the Navajo Nation. He was born in 1931 and passed away on April 13, 2007. He made history by becoming the first Navajo person to become a medical doctor in 1958.

McKenzie also served his community in high-ranking positions. He was the Vice President of the Navajo Nation from 1999 to 2003. Later, in 2006, he became the first Chief Medical Officer for the Navajo Nation.

Early Life and Education

Taylor McKenzie worked hard to get his education. He went to Wheaton College in Illinois and earned his degree there. After college, he decided to study medicine.

Becoming a Doctor

McKenzie attended Baylor University School of Medicine. This medical school is in Houston, Texas. During his studies, he learned from a very famous heart surgeon named Dr. Michael DeBakey. Dr. DeBakey was so important to McKenzie that he even named his first child, Michael, after him.

Family Life

Taylor McKenzie was married to Betty McKenzie. Together, they had a large family with nine children. Their children's names are Judith, Kathleen, Claire, Jeremy, Patrick, Marvin, Gilbert, Michael, and Edward. One of his sons, Edward, followed in his father's footsteps. Edward is now a doctor at Presbyterian Hospital in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in the United States.

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