We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Maria Harney a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Maria, thank you for joining us today and sharing your experiences and acquired wisdom with us. Burnout is a huge topic these days and so we’d love to kick things off by discussing your thoughts on overcoming or avoiding burnout
In life, when I feel like I’m hitting a wall with too much work or too many challenges, I lean into a mindset that helps me stay balanced and clear-headed. See, I’ve always been super curious about everything around me. It’s what keeps me going, especially when things get tough.
So, when I start feeling overwhelmed, whether it’s with a project, research, or anything really, I try to step back and look at things differently. Instead of just seeing it as a mountain of work, I see it as an opportunity to learn something new or find a better way to do things. It’s like turning a chore into an adventure. By doing that, I inject some fresh energy and purpose into what I’m doing.
I’ve also learned to mix things up in my daily routine. Little changes here and there keep things interesting and help me avoid getting stuck in a rut. It’s all about keeping the momentum going and staying open to new ideas.
Basically, by staying curious and staying flexible, I’m able to push through tough times without burning out. And each challenge makes me stronger and more resilient in the long run.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Greetings! I’m Dr. Harney, and I’m thrilled to share my professional journey with you. It began in Russia, where I earned my M.D. from the esteemed First Pavlov State Medical University in Saint-Petersburg. Following this, I delved into the realms of psychiatry, neurology, and emergency medicine, honing my skills at Psycho-Neurologic Hospital #6 in Saint-Petersburg.
Upon relocating to the United States, I continued my medical practice, focusing on emergency medical services. However, my passion for science and exploration led me to a remarkable venture in space medicine. I joined forces with MMAARS, INC., engaging in analog astronaut missions, which simulate space conditions. In this capacity, I contribute to the development of medical protocols, train crews, and explore innovative technologies such as VR, 3D printing, and drones to support astronaut well-being.
Beyond my endeavors in space medicine, I am deeply committed to knowledge dissemination. As such, I established the S.T.E.A.M. for Humanity Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing STEAM education through lectures, presentations, and interactive activities.
My contributions to the field have also extended to speaking engagements at over 30 prestigious conferences worldwide. Currently, I hold the position of secretary within the Life Sciences and Biomedical Engineering Branch of the Aerospace Medical Association.
In summary, my journey has been one of diverse experiences and unwavering dedication to advancing science and education. I am eager to continue this journey, embracing new opportunities and contributing to the betterment of our collective understanding.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities and skills stand out as particularly impactful:
Adaptability: The ability to adapt to new environments, challenges, and opportunities has been essential. Whether transitioning between medical specialties or embracing the complexities of space medicine, being adaptable has allowed me to thrive in diverse settings. My advice to those early in their journey is to cultivate a mindset of flexibility and openness to change. Embrace new experiences, seek out opportunities outside your comfort zone, and remain resilient in the face of adversity. Flexibility and adaptability will serve you well as you navigate the twists and turns of your professional path.
Lifelong Learning: A commitment to continuous learning has been pivotal in my journey. From acquiring new medical knowledge to staying abreast of advancements in space medicine and technology, a thirst for knowledge has propelled me forward. My advice to those starting out is to prioritize learning and personal development. Stay curious, seek out mentors and experts in your field, and never underestimate the value of ongoing education. Embrace every opportunity to expand your knowledge and skills, and remember that learning is a lifelong journey.
Collaboration: Collaboration has been instrumental in my journey, particularly in the interdisciplinary field of space medicine. Working alongside colleagues from diverse backgrounds has enriched my perspective and enhanced the quality of my work. My advice to early-career professionals is to foster a spirit of collaboration and teamwork. Seek out opportunities to collaborate with others, both within and outside your field, and recognize the power of collective expertise. By leveraging the strengths of others and working collaboratively towards common goals, you can achieve far more than you could alone.
In summary, adaptability, lifelong learning, and collaboration have been key pillars of my journey. To those embarking on their own professional journeys, I encourage you to embrace these qualities and skills. Cultivate adaptability, prioritize learning, and foster collaboration, and you will be well-equipped to navigate the complexities of your chosen path and achieve your goals.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
In the past 12 months, my biggest area of growth has been in cultivating humility and embracing the journey of continuous improvement. Despite achieving significant milestones and accomplishments throughout my career, I’ve come to recognize the importance of staying humble and open to new experiences.
Rather than resting on past achievements, I’ve challenged myself to approach each day with a sense of humility, acknowledging that there is always room for growth and learning. Whether facing new professional challenges or personal obstacles, I’ve adopted a mindset of embracing every experience, big or small, as an opportunity for growth.
By letting go of pride and embracing humility, I’ve found a greater sense of balance and perspective in my life. It’s allowed me to remain open to feedback, receptive to new ideas, and committed to continuous self-improvement.
In essence, embracing humility has been my greatest area of growth in the past year, reminding me that true success lies not in accolades or accomplishments, but in the willingness to embrace each moment with humility and gratitude.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mariaharney.com/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-maria-m-harney-a78180188/
Image Credits
Dr. Maria Harney
