Dr. Mackey was born in a rural community outside of Columbus, Ohio and came to Columbia as an undergraduate where he majored in biology and mathematics. He entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons as an MD-PhD student where he did his thesis with Eric Kandel in neurophysiology. He did his residency in internal medicine at NYU, followed by a fellowship in endocrinology at Massachusetts General Hospital. He returned to Columbia as a clinician-educator in 1996 and currently divides his time between clinic practice in AIM and preceptor activities; Intern Block Director; Medicine Housestaff Coordinator 6GS; and Clinical Educator MD-PhD students.