Dr. William McKenzie, MD

Dr. William McKenzie, MD is a Pulmonology specialist practicing at his clinic in Panama City, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Pulmonary care. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Your pulmonologist is your primary partner in creating a long-term health plan, coordinating crucial screenings like lung cancer detection, and proactively managing chronic respiratory conditions to ensure your lungs and overall wellness thrive for years to come. He serves individuals of all ages seeking proactive respiratory health management and lung cancer prevention. Currently, Dr. McKenzie is not accepting new patients, but you can call (850) 522-5864 to inquire about waitlists or future openings.

Dr. William McKenzie, MD is a pulmonologist in Panama City, FL and has over 20 years of experience in the medical field. With over 20 years of dedicated experience in Pulmonary care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from University Of South Alabama Frederick P. Whiddon College Of Medicine in 2000. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Pulmonary Disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Sleep Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He has extensive experience in Obstructive Lung Disease, Sleep Apnea, and Interstitial Lung Disease, and is affiliated with medical facilities such as Ascension Sacred Heart Gulf and Ascension Sacred Heart Bay. His care philosophy, detailed at www.thelungandsleepcenter.com, is deeply rooted in preventive medicine, emphasizing proactive strategies for optimal lung health. Dr. McKenzie provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. William McKenzie is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. William McKenzie can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. William McKenzie provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Pulmonary Edema: Preventing heart conditions and high blood pressure can significantly reduce your risk of developing pulmonary edema, a condition where fluid fills your lungs.
• Chronic Pulmonary Heart Diseases (incl. Pulmonary Hypertension): Regular monitoring and early intervention for chronic conditions affecting your heart and lungs are vital for preventing further damage and improving your overall health.
• Acute Bronchitis: Managing acute bronchitis effectively, often through rest and supportive care, is crucial for preventing further lung damage and complications in individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
• Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformation: Managing a PAVM effectively through appropriate medical care can help prevent further complications such as bleeding, shortness of breath, and heart strain.
• Asphyxia and Hypoxemia: Understanding the symptoms of asphyxia and hypoxemia is key to seeking timely medical attention, enabling prompt interventions and reducing the risk of irreversible lung damage and life-threatening complications.
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome: Regular check-ups and open communication with your doctor can help detect obstructive sleep apnea early, allowing for timely intervention and prevention of more severe consequences like cognitive impairment and mood disorders.
• Wheezing: If you're wheezing, it's crucial to get checked by a healthcare professional to identify the cause and prevent long-term lung damage.
• Interstitial Lung Disease: Interstitial lung disease (ILD) involves scarring and thickening of lung tissue, making it harder to breathe, and early detection through regular checkups can help slow its progression and improve your quality of life.
• Primary Pulmonary Hypertension: Primary pulmonary hypertension, a serious lung condition, can be managed effectively with appropriate treatment if caught early, preventing the development of severe symptoms and improving quality of life.
• Sleep Apnea: Addressing sleep apnea through lifestyle changes and/or treatment reduces your risk of developing high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and other chronic conditions, emphasizing the significance of preventive care.
• Shortness of Breath: If you're short of breath, it's important to seek medical attention to determine the cause and start treatment to prevent further lung damage or disease progression.
• Asbestosis: Early detection of asbestosis, often through regular health checkups if you've been exposed to asbestos, can help slow its progression and manage symptoms.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. William McKenzie offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): Taking charge of your respiratory health, an arterial blood gas test offers a quick and precise way to evaluate your blood's gas levels, supporting prompt intervention if needed.
• Breath Testing: Don't wait for symptoms to appear; a breath test offers a proactive approach to lung health, allowing for early detection and prevention of serious illnesses.
• Bronchoscopy: Taking charge of your lung health, a bronchoscopy is a valuable diagnostic tool that can help discover and treat lung diseases in their early stages, when treatment is often most effective.
• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): Take charge of your breathing and sleep health by using CPAP; it's a proven treatment to help prevent the long-term effects of sleep apnea.
• Sleep Study: Take a proactive step towards better respiratory health with a sleep study; it can detect sleep apnea, a condition linked to increased risk of heart disease and lung problems.
• Smoking Cessation Counseling: Invest in your future by getting expert help to quit smoking—a crucial step in preventing lung cancer and other respiratory illnesses.
• Thoracentesis: A thoracentesis is a procedure where a small amount of fluid is removed from the space around your lungs to help diagnose lung conditions and relieve breathing difficulties.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Pulmonology in Florida.

Dr. William McKenzie is dedicated to partnering with Caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Patient's life:

• By following a proactive health plan, including regular checkups and lifestyle changes, a patient significantly lowered their risk of developing pulmonary edema, gaining peace of mind and confidence in their future health.
• By adhering to a personalized monitoring plan and lifestyle recommendations, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing chronic pulmonary heart diseases, ensuring a healthier and more secure future.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Pulmonary care with Dr. William McKenzie:

What is a Pulmonologist?

Dr. McKenzie and our team of pulmonologists are specialists in diagnosing and treating diseases of the respiratory system, including the lungs, airways, and muscles of breathing. We have expertise in conditions like asthma, COPD, lung cancer, and sleep apnea.

I have a long history of smoking. Should I be screened for lung cancer?

Lung cancer screening with a low-dose CT scan is recommended for high-risk individuals, often those with a history of smoking and a certain age. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment, and we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr. McKenzie to discuss your specific eligibility.

What is a pleural effusion?

A pleural effusion is an abnormal buildup of fluid between the lungs and chest wall. Dr. McKenzie can perform a thoracentesis to drain and test the fluid, helping diagnose the underlying cause, which can range from heart failure to infection.

What is the role of a pulmonologist in the ICU?

Many pulmonologists, like Dr. McKenzie, are also board-certified in Critical Care Medicine. They lead ICU teams, managing the most critically ill patients, specializing in life-support systems and treating complex conditions.

What is a CPAP machine?

A CPAP machine is a small, quiet device that delivers a gentle stream of air through a mask to keep your airway open during sleep. This continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is the most effective treatment for sleep apnea, preventing dangerous drops in oxygen and dramatically improving sleep quality.

My partner says I snore loudly and stop breathing at night. Should I be concerned?

Yes, this is a classic sign of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a serious condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Treating OSA is crucial for preventing long-term health problems like high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke.

What is the difference between asthma and COPD?

Asthma, often starting in childhood and linked to allergies, typically has reversible airway obstruction with medication. COPD, usually caused by smoking and developing later in life, involves permanent lung damage.

What is pulmonary rehabilitation?

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a medically supervised program of exercise and education designed to help you breathe better, increase your strength and stamina, and improve your overall quality of life if you have chronic lung disease.

1397 Jenks Ave Ste 1
Panama City FL 32401
Phone: (850) 522-5864

Dr. William McKenzie, MD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1326060682

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Pulmonology like Dr. William McKenzie are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your pulmonology about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.