Dr. Judith Green-McKenzie completed her undergraduate education at Princeton University and received her medical degree from Yale University. She completed Internal Medicine internship and residency at New York University, where she subsequently stayed on as an attending physician in the Internal Medicine and Virology clinics. She then moved on to fellowship in Occupational Medicine at Johns Hopkins University, where she also earned a Master of Public Health degree. Dr. Green-McKenzie is currently an Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at HUP and serves as Chief of the Occupational Medicine Division. She is also Program Director for the Occupational Medicine residency. Dr. Green-McKenzie’s research focus is on outcomes in Occupational Medicine, especially in the areas of blood borne pathogen exposures, workers’ compensation costs, and resident education.

What made you interested in  your current field of medicine?
“I am trained in both Internal Medicine and Occupational Medicine and have practiced both. I always had an interest in public health and when I learned of the field of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (OEM) while working as an internist I decided to complete a fellowship in OEM, as this field would tie together my love of prevention and clinical medicine. As an OEM physician I am equipped with the clinical, analytical, epidemiological, as well as toxicology and management skills to take care of not only individual patients but of patient populations (workers) as a whole. I have the privilege of interacting with several stakeholders towards the recognition, treatment and prevention of workplace and environmental injuries and illnesses, while promoting worker health and productivity. ”
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What do you enjoy about working in the UPHS-CHOP system?
“I enjoy the challenge of working in the UPHS- CHOP system. The support and flexibility are there to allow one to achieve one’s goals. The UPHS-CHOP system is also strategically placed among other graduate schools (e.g. The Schools of Nursing and Law etc.), making the possibility of cross- disciplinary research here at Penn within reach.”
 
What are some of your favorite things to do in Philly?
“Philadelphia boasts some of the best museums in the nation. Right across the street from the university is the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, one of my favorites. In addition, the restaurants are varied and excellent. Right across the bridge is New Jersey, where I reside. The New Jersey shore is a great place to visit during the summer months. We are also only a train ride away from New York and Washington D.C. Proximity to other great cities is also an advantage that Philadelphia holds.”

Any words of wisdom to share?
“Medicine is a great field. It is constantly changing with new opportunities for is all to contribute. As physicians we have so much opportunity to give back and so many areas in which we can concentrate. Find your passion and be flexible in order to be able to adapt to and even help mold the future of medicine. In the face of challenge, keep striving. Don’t give up.”