Dr. Liza Mackintosh

Dr. Mackintosh’s journey into pediatrics began early. Her years as a camp counselor for children with complex medical needs gave her an appreciation for the energy, optimism, and honesty that come with caring for kids. While studying neuroscience and behavioral biology at Emory University, she was drawn to understanding how children’s brains develop, function, and adapt. That curiosity led her to the National Institutes of Health, where she spent two years as a research fellow in pediatric endocrinology, studying children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia and researching how genetics and hormones affect child development.

During her NIH fellowship, Dr. Mackintosh realized that what inspired her the most were the children themselves. “Caring for kids reminds me every day how resilient and insightful they are,” she says. “Listening to their stories and walking alongside their families is both humbling and energizing. I knew I wanted that to be the heart of my work.”

After earning her medical degree from Temple University School of Medicine, Dr. Mackintosh completed her pediatric residency and served as Chief Resident at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA), where she discovered her true calling in primary care pediatrics. She then joined the faculty at University of Southern California and continued at CHLA as an Attending Pediatrician, building lasting relationships with patients and their families and serving in multiple leadership roles.

A certified lactation educator, Dr. Mackintosh served as the Medical Director of Newborn Services in the Department of General Pediatrics mentoring colleagues and helping new parents navigate the nuances of feeding and early infant care. She later became Medical Director of AltaMed General Pediatrics at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, a large and dynamic outpatient practice housed within CHLA, where she provided primary care pediatrics and treated those with complex medical conditions, including genetic syndromes, autism, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, and depression.

Connection is at the center of Dr. Mackintosh’s approach to patient care. “Every visit starts with listening,” she explains. “I want to understand what’s important to each family, and as kids grow, I always begin by talking to them first. I believe it helps them feel seen and teaches them that their voice matters in their own health.”

Dr. Mackintosh is also passionate about medical education. She is an Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine, and since 2014, she has served as a medical editor and co-host of Pediatric Reviews and Perspectives (PedsRAP), a continuing medical education podcast for pediatricians and pediatric trainees. Her work on the podcast keeps her current with cutting-edge pediatric advances and helps her bring that knowledge directly into her clinical practice.

At Atria, Dr. Mackintosh brings this blend of experience, curiosity, and empathy to every patient interaction. She values the time and partnership that Atria’s model allows—time to delve into the details, understand each family’s story, and work together to find the best path forward for every child.

“What I love about Atria is that it gives us the space to really know families—not just their medical histories, but their rhythms, values, and goals. When we build that kind of understanding, care becomes more meaningful and enduring. Every child shines in their own way, and my favorite part of this work is discovering what makes each one sparkle," Dr. Mackintosh says.

Dr. Mackintosh lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two sons. When she’s not working, she enjoys hiking, reading, and cheering (often loudly) at her children’s sports games.