Mara Windsor, DO, FACEP, saves lives in more ways than one.
Dr. Mara Windsor
Profession: Emergency physician and founder of L.I.F.E. nonprofit
Age: 46
What do you do for a living?
I’m an emergency room doctor as well as the founder of a nonprofit that aims to reduce the amount of stress and burnout experienced by frontline medical workers.
What type of training do you need to do your job?
It takes a lot of school to be a doctor, and I had a long, unique path. I went to community college and two different universities for my undergraduate degree then had to take extra pre-med classes (extending my time by two years) because I decided to be a doctor after being in a car accident. I then did five years of medical school and a four-year residency program.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of being a doctor is being able to actively change someone’s life––not just by saving lives but by giving people a resource or words of encouragement they might need. My favorite part of being a nonprofit founder is mentoring others and supporting them so they can achieve their goals.
What did you want to be growing up?
I wanted to be a veterinarian. I’ve always loved animals, and still loved them, but I realized I would have wanted to take them all home with me! Then, before I decided to become a doctor I’d planned to work in psychology.
What advice would you give to a kid who wants to have a similar career?
With any career goal you have to make sure your career path is something you’re passionate about because that will keep you going despite the stressors it causes. People ask why I wanted to go into medicine when it’s so high-stress, but it’s what I’m passionate about.
One fun fact NOT about your job?
I’m really bad at singing! I tried out for choir every year at Xavier College Preparatory where I went to high school and after my third attempt they told me not to try out anymore. My grandma was not happy!
