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Mary L. Brandt, MD, MDiv serves as Distinguished Emeritus Professor of Surgery, Pediatrics, and Medical Ethics at Baylor College of Medicine in the Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy. During her long career as a pediatric surgeon she cared for the full spectrum of surgical problems in children, with particular expertise in caring for children with biliary atresia, achalasia, necrotizing enterocolitis, and pediatric dialysis access.
An established and successful clinical researcher, Dr. Brandt has published more than 245 peer reviewed publications, 26 chapters and 2 books. Dr. Brandt is also known nationally and internationally as an educator and mentor and has received numerous teaching and leadership awards. Among her many roles in education, she served as a General Surgery Program Director and Dean of Student Affairs at Baylor College of Medicine. This work led to her growing expertise in belonging and the epidemic of healer distress in our country and around the world. To better understand and write about these issues, she pursued a Master of Divinity degree, graduating in June 2021 from Iliff School of Theology. As a result, Dr. Brandt speaks and writes regularly on identifying and correcting systemic issues in medicine and the importance of meaning to heal those who heal others. In recognition of her leadership and contributions, in 2023 she was awarded the Ladd Medal, the most prestigious award in American pediatric surgery.