Our team

Jason Stern, D.P.M., D. ABFAS

Dr. Stern has worked with Dr. Heather McKenzie since December 2016. He is a native of North Miami Beach, Florida who relocated to Orange City, Florida while in High School. He was drawn towards the study of medicine as a result of his father’s assignment as a medic in World War 2 located in The Philippines and the Army of Occupation in Japan. Dr. Stern attended The Florida State University and The University of South Florida, obtaining the degree of Bachelor of Science in Biology in 1986. He then relocated to Cleveland, Ohio to attend the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine (now known as The Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine.) In addition to his studies, Dr. Stern was engaged in anatomical research under Feisal Brahim, Ph.D., becoming the manager and chief prosector of both the general and lower extremity anatomy laboratories. Also, he became President of the Pi Delta National Podiatric Honor Society, as well as Vice President of the Class of 1991.  Dr. Stern was on both the Dean’s List and President’s List every semester during his education, and was awarded the Hsuin U. Chu, Ph.D. Award for the Outstanding Student in Gross Anatomy. In 1991, Dr. Stern became a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine.

Immediately following graduation, Dr. Stern became a resident at The Mount Sinai Medical Center in Cleveland under the direction of the late Dr. Gerard V. Yu. He participated in numerous clinical and surgical treatments including reconstructive foot and ankle surgery, trauma, vascular surgery, plastic surgery, and general surgery under the mentorship of numerous pre-eminent educators of both the Cleveland Clinic and The Case Western University College of Medicine. He attained the position of Chief Resident in his second year.

Dr. Stern went into private practice following his residency and joined the medical staffs of several hospitals, as well as participated in both the outpatient and inpatient surgical care of numerous patients over the years. In 1997, he became Certified in Foot Surgery by The American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Although performing necessary surgery is one significant element of his practice, Dr. Stern knows that often many non-surgical treatments and techniques can provide patients with the solutions and relief that they seek. He understands that determining what patients need through active dialogue and open interaction is the best way to deliver these services.

Dr. Stern’s wife Lisa is a special education teacher with the Virginia Beach City Public Schools system, and they have two adult children residing in Virginia. Outside of the office or school, they can often be found on Chic’s Beach, weather permitting, or travelling to see relatives residing around the country. Dr. Stern is a member of St. John’s Lodge #37 F&AM and the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry.

Heather McKenzie, D.P.M., MPH, D. ABFAS, FACFAS, FASPS

Dr. Heather McKenzie is a native of Seymour, Indiana. She completed her undergraduate degree at Purdue University, where she was active in numerous academic, philanthropic, and social groups. After receiving a Master of Public Health degree from Indiana University, Dr. McKenzie became a Certified Prevention Professional and worked as the chief evaluation specialist for drug abuse prevention programs in the state of Indiana.

Dr. McKenzie moved to Cleveland, Ohio for medical school at the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine (now Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine). After graduation, Dr. McKenzie began surgical residency training at Eastern Virginia Medical School. She completed her surgical training in 2005 and immediately opened her own practice in North Suffolk.  In 2020, she opened McKenzie Foot & Ankle, a new office in ever expanding North Suffolk that is located in a brand-new medical building.

Dr. McKenzie became board certified in foot surgery by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery in 2011 and completed her re-certification in 2020. She is also a diplomate of the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery as well as an associate professor with Eastern Virginia Medical School in the Division of Family and Community Medicine.

With her background and related interests, Dr. McKenzie has a special interest in forefoot reconstruction procedures, such as bunions and hammertoes, with emphasis on cosmetic outcomes as well as a decrease in pain. She also frequently treats pediatric and sports medicine patients.  

Dr. McKenzie is an active member of the following organizations:

·         American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (Fellow – FACFAS)

·         American Society of Podiatric Surgeons (Fellow – FASPS)

·         American Podiatric Medical Association

·         American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management

·         American Public Health Association

·         Virginia Podiatric Medical Association

·         Hampton Roads Podiatric Medical Association

Dr. McKenzie’s practice was recently awarded the Lapiplasty Center of Distinction from Treace Medical.  A Lapiplasty is a specialized bunion reconstructive procedure that Dr. McKenzie is trained in performing.  She was previously honored as one of Hampton Roads’ “Top Docs” in 2008. This is a designation based on more than 4000 surveys to area physicians only, asking them to list their top doctor in each specialty based on the question, “What doctor would you call if you or a loved one needed medical care?”

Outside of the operating room, Dr. McKenzie enjoys spending time with her children, travelling, working out, and deep-sea fishing.  She is an active member of First Presbyterian Church in Norfolk, Virginia. 

Dr. McKenzie also enjoys practice management. She strives to create an office environment that is relaxing and conducive to proper and timely healing of patients, from the moment they enter the reception area for the first time to the many times that they may return with a family member or friend.