Dr. Natalie McKee, Au.D., Honored with the 2024 ADA Leo Doerfler Award for Outstanding Clinical Services
Frankfort, Ky. and Bloomington Normal, Ill. – The Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA) is pleased to name Natalie McKee, Au.D., as the recipient of the 2024 Leo Doerfler Award. This prestigious award recognizes audiologists who have demonstrated exceptional clinical services and a profound commitment to their communities throughout their careers.
Dr. McKee’s journey into audiology was deeply personal, following the diagnosis of her own hearing loss. This life-changing experience has allowed her to connect more deeply with her patients and provide compassionate, patient-centered care. Bloomington Normal Audiology, purchased by Dr. McKee in 2012, has been a pioneer in advancing audiologic care and ensuring patients receive the highest quality, evidence-based services in Central Illinois.
As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, Dr. McKee adapts her practice to provide accessible and affordable care options for consumers and incorporated new services such as comprehensive communication and functional needs assessments, reflecting a commitment to continuously improving patient outcomes.
Dr. McKee’s dedication to clinical excellence is matched by her commitment to her central Illinois community. In addition to providing outstanding audiologic services, she has held key leadership roles in community service and professional organizations, including serving in leadership roles with the Bloomington-Normal Jaycees, Easterseals Central Illinois, and the Illinois Academy of Audiology.
“This year’s Leo Doerfler Award recipient embodies the qualities and character of this great honor,” said Jason Leyendecker, Au.D., President of the Academy of Doctors of Audiology. “Dr. McKee is a shining example of how personal experience, combined with professional innovation and a dedication to community service, can enhance the field of audiology and improve the lives of countless patients. We are honored to recognize her outstanding contributions.”
The Leo Doerfler Award, established in 2003 and named for ADA’s founding president and one of audiology’s most respected leaders, has long been a symbol of excellence within the profession. Dr. McKee’s clinical expertise and leadership reflect the spirit of this award, and her continued efforts to evolve and expand care models ensure that her patients and community receive the very best in hearing healthcare.
About the Academy of Doctors of Audiology
The Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA) is committed to advancing practitioner excellence, promoting professional autonomy, and enhancing patient outcomes through the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based clinical and business practices in the delivery of hearing and balance healthcare. For more information, visit http://www.audiologist.org/.