Dr. Maria Sturchler: It’s Never Too Late or Too Early to Follow Your Heart

Episode 25: Dr. Sturchler is a double board-certified palliative care and emergency physician who is an immigrant and first-generation college graduate and achieved her calling as a physician on a nontraditional pathway. An experienced former educator, she earned master’s and doctoral degrees in mathematics education and educational leadership while teaching full-time. Her doctoral dissertation addressed the gender gap in STEM fields and rekindled her desire to become a physician. A previously avid runner and cyclist, Maria was a 3-time Ironman competitor; these days, she enjoys hiking and biking with her husband and children in her spare time. Her passions include mentoring pre-health studies students, empowering women in leadership/STEM/medicine, and improving access to healthcare in marginalized communities.

Maria shares her journey from being a teacher, a path she chose after an unfortunate incident in which a math professor discouraged her from attending medical school. She ultimately went to medical school and shares how this early setback strengthened her commitment to the medical field and spurred her to advocate for women to pursue their dreams in STEM fields.

🎧 Thanks for tuning into Heartline: Changemaking in Healthcare!

Ready to take the next step in your journey as a healthcare changemaker? Dr. Andrea Austin offers personalized coaching to empower healthcare professionals to thrive in their careers and rediscover their passion for medicine. Whether you're seeking clarity, balance, or strategies to overcome burnout, coaching with Dr. Austin can help you achieve your goals.

🌟 Learn more and book a free discovery call today at andreaaustinmd.com/coaching.

Stay connected and keep making a difference:

✅ Subscribe to the Heartline newsletter for insights into reclaiming your well-being as a healthcare professional, improving teams around you, and transforming the system.

📱 Follow us on social: Instagram, LinkedIn & YouTube

📚 Discover Dr. Austin’s book Revitalized: A Guidebook to Following Your Healing Heartline on Amazon or Ingram.

Follow Your Heartline and transform healthcare today!