I am the wife of a pilot-turned-preacher and the happy mom of three terrific children. My life was transformed years ago through a heartfelt prayer on my knees. Since then, my work as a family physician turned into a ministry as I learned to care for people from the heart. I strive to care for the soul and minister to the spirit while treating the body. I am the author of four books, including Recapturing Joy in Medicine and Walking with Jesus in Healthcare. I am passionate about physician wellness, burnout prevention, and helping medical professionals thrive in a broken system in constant flux. I am a national expert and keynote speaker in these topics; for an abridged summary of my speaking events over the last decade, follow the Events tab.
As a physician coach, I enjoy helping my colleagues identify and develop their strengths and discover ways to attain a greater sense of meaning and purpose in medicine and in life. My goal is to inspire, encourage, and reignite their sense of hope, vitality, and joy in serving others from full hearts. I seek to raise the bar for myself and others to achieve higher levels of Excellence, Empowerment, and Equipping to live well, lead effectively, and transform the culture of medicine ... together.
As a physician, I served as chief resident and as president of the Florida Association of Family Medicine Residents. I received the AMA Inspiration Award in 2021, the AMA Achievement Award, the AAFP Foundation Teacher Development Award, the Psychiatry Clinical Excellence & Research Award, and the Distinguished Graduate Award from the U.S. Air Force. Over the years, I’ve experienced joy in medicine through genuine service and caring for people from the heart. As a colleague reminded me years ago, "It is not unprofessional to be human with people." Indeed, as Rabbi and theologian Abraham Heschel wrote, "In order to heal a person, you must first be a person."
As we care for people, our greatest gift is our humanity. Vulnerability, compassion, and genuine concern connect us and heal; they are powerful medicine for the heart, body, and soul.
As a family physician, I have worked in various practice settings, including inpatient and outpatient medicine, corporate and military medicine, urgent care, and faith-based practices. Throughout my 25-year medical career, serving through local and state leadership and advocacy has been an antidote to burnout. I served two terms on the Board of Directors of the Florida Academy of Family Physicians and am a graduate of the Florida Medical Association (FMA) Physician Leadership Academy. I have a passion for medical missions and caring for the underserved, and was blessed to serve on the Board of Directors of Grace Medical Home and help start this state-of-the-art clinic for the uninsured. Its mission to see to it that no
one misses the grace of God* is very close to my heart.
In 2018, I was honored to help launch the FMA statewide Healthy Living initiative. I've been blessed to collaborate with the FMA as a state expert in physician wellness and burnout prevention, and with various other state and national organizations as well. To listen to my interview with the past CEO for the FMA, click here. It warmed my heart when he referred to Recapturing Joy in Medicine as "a love letter to the medical profession." Indeed, it is that, as well as a practical companion to a physician's practice and 'bigger' life.
It has been a tremendous honor and so meaningful to serve as a content developer, presenter, and faculty for the AAFP Physician Wellness Conference since its inception in 2018. I have offered keynotes and workshops for medical groups for over a decade, including the MN Medical Association, American College of Cardiology, FAFP, NYSAFP, Orlando Health, Halifax Health, Advent Health, and many more. I also design and lead retreats and workshops based on my books for medical and non-medical groups, including church leaders, educators, attorneys, college campuses, and more.
In my writing, speaking, and coaching endeavors, I embrace opportunities where I can Stir Hope, Ignite Faith, and Inspire Positive Action. As Mother Teresa (an INFJ-A, like me!) urged, I seek to do both far-reaching and "small things with great love."
Joyfully,
Dr. Mari (Amaryllis Sánchez Wohlever, MD)
Physician Coach Helping Docs Thrive
Specialized in wellness, leadership development, burnout prevention, transitions, grief, strengths building, and life-work integration
Visit my WEBSITE to learn more about my books, coaching, and special offerings throughout the year.
For speaking & book endorsements, videos, and interviews, click HERE.
I'd love to hear from you! You may contact me HERE.
Learn more about how I help physicians as a coach:
