Dr. Mary Mehta’s journey into the medical profession was inspired by her upbringing on a farm. When she was young, her initial aspirations leaned towards veterinary medicine. However, her focus shifted during high school, leading her towards a career in pediatric medicine ever since.
Dr. Mehta has been dedicated to serving the needs of children throughout the Panhandle for 18 years. In 2004, she moved to Pensacola as a pediatric cardiologist for Nemours Children’s Health, where she was named Chief Medical Officer in 2008. “I wanted to move to a community that could offer a more balanced life for my family,” says Dr. Mehta. What drew her particularly to Nemours was its unwavering dedication to pediatric care. “It was important to me to be in a system that is completely focused on children. I’ve been in hospitals where you’re fighting for the resources you need to provide the best possible pediatric care, so it was important to me that I be a part of an organization that is focused on children and that prioritizes the health and wellbeing of every kid throughout the community.
Beyond her role as a pediatric cardiologist and healthcare leader, Dr. Mehta finds joy in her hobbies outside of medicine. One of her favorite pastimes? Raising Akaushi cattle (Red Wagyu) on her family’s ranch!
Interestingly, Dr. Mehta finds many connections between her agricultural pursuits and her medical profession. “It takes medical knowledge, as well as compassion to nurture and raise another living being.” “Cattle ranching is really scientific now, especially when it comes to advances in genetics and reproduction,” she says. It’s not uncommon to see a rancher out in the field with an iPad gathering data and monitoring their cattle’s vitals.”
{maybe something like this to lead into the next quote?} While technology may be rapidly changing, some things never change. “It takes medical knowledge, as well as compassion to nurture and raise another living being.”
Dr. Mehta’s life beyond medicine is not without its moments of adventure. Her patients might be surprised to find her wielding a flame thrower outside the hospital walls! Recalling a memorable gift from her husband, she shares, “Last year, my husband gave me a ‘Red Dragon’ flame thrower that I love to use to burn weeds out in the pasture.”
Between her bustling professional life and nurturing her cattle, Dr. Mehta has also found fulfillment in networking and collaborating within the agricultural community. “When we attend cattle conferences, it is very much like the medical conferences we attend,” says Dr. Mehta. “We have the opportunity to network and collaborate with peers. We share our successes and failures and learn from one another. We have access to some of the latest innovations from industry leaders and experts in the field and creatively apply what we learn to our own land and animals.” This Doctors’ Day, let’s celebrate our doctors like Dr. Mehta who not only excel in their medical professions, but also enrich their lives and communities through their diverse passions and pursuits.
