Photo courtesy of Mercy Hospital Springfield
Leadership
Lessons in Leadership and Resilience From Mercy Springfield’s Dr. Mackenzie Lesh
A conversation with Mercy’s Young Physician of the Year on care, confidence and helping patients plan what comes next.
By Jordan Blomquist
Jan 2025
Dr. Mackenzie Lesh is a breast surgeon who works closely with patients navigating breast cancer as she guides them through treatment and into life beyond it.
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Dr. Lesh was named Mercy’s Young Physician of the Year in 2025 for her thoughtful, patient-centered approach to care. She joined Mercy’s breast cancer team in early 2025 after completing a breast surgery fellowship. It was the sense of community in Springfield that drew her back to the region after she completed her residency in Springfield. What she values most about her work is the relationships she builds with patients as she walks alongside them, not only through surgery but as they begin to imagine and plan for what comes next.
Biz 417: What first drew you to breast surgery, and when did you know this was the work you wanted to do?
Dr. Mackenzie Lesh: What drew me the most was that I realized with breast surgery, you get to have long-term relationships with your patients rather than seeing them one time and then doing surgery and never seeing them again. Having that long-term relationship with my patients really attracted me to this specialty. I didn't choose breast surgery until my fourth year of residency because I wasn’t exposed to as much breast surgery during the early parts of my surgical training.
Biz: Winning Young Physician of the Year is no small thing. What did that recognition mean to you at this stage of your career?
M.L.: That was amazing. When you're a young physician, I think everybody in their careers has self-doubts. I feel like I worked really hard, and it was just one of those moments where it helps you to feel like what you’re doing is successful. What an honor to be recognized by my peers in this way. It was a great moment to think back on the year and all of the patients that I loved spending time with, getting to know and being able to help.
Biz: What habits or boundaries help you stay grounded in what can be such emotionally heavy work?
M.L.: Staying in the moment is one of those things that helps me a lot and also maintains positivity and a hopeful attitude. When I'm meeting my breast cancer patients for the first time, they have a lot of fears, and they really don't know what to expect. A lot of times, I'm able to give them really hopeful news, like, ‘This is early-stage breast cancer and everything's going to be okay. We're going to be able to treat you.’ Although it is very stressful work, I gain a lot from helping my patients find the positive angles as they come about because hope is a huge part of a successful treatment for breast cancer.
Biz: What advice would you give women entering demanding fields?
M.L.: I would tell them to stay focused on their goal. Try not to doubt yourself because, especially for women, that can be a struggle. It’s not always easy to have self-confidence, but I recommend seeking out others who are in similar positions. There’s strength in numbers. Sometimes finding a really good mentor can be extremely helpful, especially if it is a woman.
Biz: What kind of legacy do you hope to build through your work, both professionally and personally?
M.L.: Right now, I’m focused on building a legacy of hope and improvement in our program. Breast cancer and breast treatments are constantly changing. You have to stay up on the latest research. I am excited about offering new procedures as they come into practice and being able to give our patients opportunities to thrive and not just survive their diagnosis. Survival is becoming less of an issue, and now we’re focusing on quality of life after treatment.
