Almost every Thursday evening, Dr. Maria Boria, who turns 83 this year, drives herself to and from a Marydel clinic to provide essential health care to women in the growing Latino community, most of whom have no health insurance. While she took this particular project on eight years ago, Dr. Boria has spent a lifetime working with women in need. After her medical training in England, she moved to India in 1958, and started a hospital that now has 2,000 employees. From there, she started training programs in Latin America and Africa, while also marrying her husband Jim Berna, raising two children, and building her ob/gyn practice in Chestertown.
While Maria is not alone in the area of good deeds, her lifetime commitment to women’s health in some of the most challenging places in the world should make us all the more humble that she calls our community home.
How did you come to live in Chestertown?
I was teaching medicine in New York City and my husband convinced me this would be a wonderful place to live, so we bought a farm in 1974. I still had obligations in New York, so I didn’t come down permanently until 1981. We love it here.
How did you become involved with the field of medicine and women health issues?
I always wanted to be a doctor, from the age of five, I think. I was fascinated by it. But, as for women, it started when I was working in the developing world, and in particular, when I started my work in India. I realized that women there didn’t want to see male doctors. The problem with women was acute in that country, and working there for ten years, I realised how profound these concerns.
Is there a misconception about your work in preventive care?
I think there are always misunderstandings about those that are less fortunate than you are, but I must say I’ve had great support from all sources since we started this program—particularly in the area of preventative care and family planning.
How can people help your program?
The program that Carla Massoni started, Women Helping Women, is one of the best ways. The concert for next week is an extremely important way for us to continue our work. She has been doing it for years and I’m so grateful for all the support that special event brings to the program.
Are you still enjoying your work?
Yes, very much so. Especially now, since I don’t worry too much about paying my bills. I can focus my energies on my patients, which is very rewarding.
Women Helping Women’s annual concert is set for February 20, 2013 at 7:00 PM. For more information go to the Prince Theatre website by clicking here.
Carla Massoni says
What a wonderful woman! We are selling tickets at a brisk pace….please make your reservations soon!,