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Holly MacKenna, MD

Integrative Medicine and Psychiatry Physician

I was drawn to enter medical writing and media health education through my journey as a chronic illness patient and healer. As an Ehlers-Danlos patient and mother navigating autoimmunity and hypermobility, I am familiar with the struggles associated with feeling unseen and unheard within the traditional medical system.

About

Dr. Holly MacKenna is a dual board-certified physician and psychiatrist with over 20 years of healthcare experience in various settings, serving in leadership positions throughout her career. Before that, she was a patient who learned firsthand how integrative medicine approaches lead to more comprehensive and substantive healing.

A graduate of the Andrew Weil Fellowship, the leading integrative medical education program in the world, Dr. MacKenna founded Dara Wellness to expand the integrative psychiatry model to all areas of the Gulf Coast. She utilizes integrative medicine methods such as nutrition, sleep management, lifestyle modification, and mind-body modalities such as reiki and mindfulness. She is consulted worldwide for her expertise on brain health and the effects of hypermobility on mental well-being.

Dr. Holly is an international speaker on integrative psychiatry and the chronic illness experience. She has spoken for organizations such as the Golden State Warriors and Chicago Wolves and is a regular medical contributor for Fox 8 NOLA TV.

Dr. MacKenna is authoring two books. One focuses on her experiences as a chronic illness (Ehlers-Danlos) patient, trainee, and healer within today’s healthcare system. She and her 12-year-old daughter also wrote a children’s book featuring mind-body techniques for reducing stress.

expertise

  • Integrative psychiatry
  • Trauma-informed mind-body medicine
  • Ehlers-Danlos syndrome/hypermobility

education

  • Fellowship: Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine
  • Residency: LSU School of Medicine Psychiatry
  • Internship: Tulane University School of Medicine Pediatrics
  • Medical School: Wake Forest School of Medicine
  • University: Duke University
  • Additional training: Leadership Certificate at Duke University Integrative Medicine with Fuqua School Business
  • Reiki Level 1 & 2 Certification
  • Helms Auricular Acupuncture Certification

highlight

  • Top Doctor 2022, 2023, 2024
  • Exceptional Woman in Medicine 2023, 2024
  • Media Expert featured on Fox 8 NOLA
  • Featured in Inside New Orleans Magazine, New Orleans Magazine, Louisiana Life Magazine