A New Type of Tough to me is doing the work of your life: peeling back the layers of who you are and embracing bit by bit ALL of what you learn about yourself - your warts, weaknesses, and flaws as well as your gifts, skills, and beauty. Embracing one’s own vulnerabilities, being vulnerable, recognizing others as similarly vulnerable -capable of being hurt- is a new kind of tough. Showing up for yourself and for others as simply you with all that you have - AND all that you don’t have - is also a new kind of tough.'
Hi, my name is Mary Martha. In 2020, I retired after practicing pediatric medicine for twenty-five years at Eastover Pediatrics. Over the past five years, I wrote a book entitled In The Room: A Physician’s Reflections on Hurting, Healing, and Living. It is a collection of essays based on my understanding of healing having been both a physician and, post-retirement, a patient. I spend my time writing and most recently launching my book!
I am a Charlotte native. I attended CCDS, followed by Davidson College. I worked at the National Institutes of Health and then attended UNC School of Medicine. I completed my pediatric residency at Vanderbilt Medical Center in 1995, then returned to Charlotte to begin my practice.
In addition to writing, I enjoy working out, practicing yoga, playing Mahjong and bridge, reading, and taking long walks with friends. I love playing the piano when I remember how much a part of me it is!
I met my husband, Pete, when we were four years old but we didn’t start dating until 1995 when we both landed back in Charlotte. We fell pretty hard. We now have three adult children: Jack (26), David (24), and Catherine (21). They are the loves of my life! We have two precious dogs, Sport (almost 15yr) and Millie (3 yr).
What was the first concert you attended?
Seals and Croft in 1975, Huntsville, Alabama. Ha!
Who is your favorite rock star?
Freddy Mercury
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A New Type of Tough
