Mary Buckley, MD is a pediatric rheumatologist, with a particular affinity for the puzzle-solving aspects of the field and working with fellows and other learners both inside and outside the clinic. In this week’s Spotlight interview, she talks about her role as a primary clinician, where she enjoys developing close relationships with patients and families. She also talks about how she became interested in medicine and her current research focused on quality improvement. She shares what she most enjoys about her work as well as her passions outside of Duke and offers some valuable advice for trainees.
How long have you been at Duke? How did you decide to come here?
I came to Duke in 2015 for my Pediatrics Residency and subsequently stayed for my fellowship and am now on faculty. I was initially drawn to Duke because of the opportunities to learn at a premier academic institution in a medium-sized program. Coming from Syracuse, NY the prospect of being able to enjoy the outdoors year-round was also appealing. Thankfully, the Match agreed! I’ve stayed at Duke because of the people, the relationships I’ve built since arriving 7 years ago and the culture.
What are your current responsibilities in the Department of Pediatrics? What does your typical day look like?
As a primary clinician, I spend most of my days in clinic or rounding. I am also the QI lead within our fellowship program and enjoying working with fellows and other learners both in clinic and otherwise.
How and when did you initially become interested in medicine? What made you decide to pursue a career in pediatric rheumatology?
I was the math and science loving kid in school and had an interest in combining those skills in service to others. Overtime, I came to realize that medicine provided the ideal combination.
My interest in rheumatology started after I did a rheumatology elective in residency. I enjoy the puzzle-solving aspect of rheumatology and being able to see the improvements kids make with our treatments.
Can you tell us about the research you are currently involved in?
I am interested in quality improvement research and have been involved in several divisional level projects, including a new project aiming to increase data entry completeness within the CARRA Registry.
Who was your most significant mentor and what knowledge did you gain through that collaboration?
Many members of the Division of Pediatric Rheumatology have served as mentors for me throughout the years and each has taught me something invaluable. Of note would be Heather Van Mater, who has been an invaluable mentor as I’ve transitioned from fellow to faculty.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I enjoy the relationships I’ve developed with patients and their families.
You completed your pediatrics residency and pediatric rheumatology fellowship at Duke. Do you have any advice for trainees?
There are a lot of opportunities within Duke and you have the ability to explore these over the next three years- take advantage of that. You may discover new interests that shape the rest of your career- like pediatric rheumatology!
What passions or hobbies do you have outside of Duke?
I spend most of my time outside of work with my husband and two boys checking out museums, parks and all the other wonderful activities Durham has to offer for young kids.
How long have you been at Duke? How did you decide to come here?
I came to Duke in 2015 for my Pediatrics Residency and subsequently stayed for my fellowship and am now on faculty. I was initially drawn to Duke because of the opportunities to learn at a premier academic institution in a medium-sized program. Coming from Syracuse, NY the prospect of being able to enjoy the outdoors year-round was also appealing. Thankfully, the Match agreed! I’ve stayed at Duke because of the people, the relationships I’ve built since arriving 7 years ago and the culture.
What are your current responsibilities in the Department of Pediatrics? What does your typical day look like?
As a primary clinician, I spend most of my days in clinic or rounding. I am also the QI lead within our fellowship program and enjoying working with fellows and other learners both in clinic and otherwise.
How and when did you initially become interested in medicine? What made you decide to pursue a career in pediatric rheumatology?
I was the math and science loving kid in school and had an interest in combining those skills in service to others. Overtime, I came to realize that medicine provided the ideal combination.
My interest in rheumatology started after I did a rheumatology elective in residency. I enjoy the puzzle-solving aspect of rheumatology and being able to see the improvements kids make with our treatments.
Can you tell us about the research you are currently involved in?
I am interested in quality improvement research and have been involved in several divisional level projects, including a new project aiming to increase data entry completeness within the CARRA Registry.
Who was your most significant mentor and what knowledge did you gain through that collaboration?
Many members of the Division of Pediatric Rheumatology have served as mentors for me throughout the years and each has taught me something invaluable. Of note would be Heather Van Mater, who has been an invaluable mentor as I’ve transitioned from fellow to faculty.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I enjoy the relationships I’ve developed with patients and their families.
You completed your pediatrics residency and pediatric rheumatology fellowship at Duke. Do you have any advice for trainees?
There are a lot of opportunities within Duke and you have the ability to explore these over the next three years- take advantage of that. You may discover new interests that shape the rest of your career- like pediatric rheumatology!
What passions or hobbies do you have outside of Duke?
I spend most of my time outside of work with my husband and two boys checking out museums, parks and all the other wonderful activities Durham has to offer for young kids.
