Mary C. Westergaard
Credentials: MD
Position title: Professor (CHS)
Email: mcwester@medicine.wisc.edu
Website: Department of Emergency Medicine
Phone: (608) 265-0165

As a viola performance major in college, I entered medicine from a non-science background. Though imposter syndrome was a constant companion, I also appreciated that I had bypassed many of the pre-med stressors my classmates had endured. Twenty years later as faculty, I began learning mandolin, and it continues to be a surprisingly significant source of joy in my daily life. Over my career, music has served to help me maintain perspective, connect to my core values, and remember the challenges and joys of learning something new. As an educator and mentor, I enjoy advising students on connecting with their values and “true north” in a way that will sustain them throughout their careers. I believe that the humanities play an important role in supporting wellbeing, connectedness & career longevity.