From Medicine to Mysteries: School of Medicine Alumna Deborah Shlian, MD ’72, MBA

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In this episode of “The UMB Pulse,” we hear from Deborah Shlian, MD ’72, MBA, an accomplished alumna of the University of Maryland School of Medicine. 
 
Shlian shares her career journey from being a medical doctor to becoming a successful writer in the medical thriller genre. She discusses her early inspirations, partnership with her husband, Joel, and their collaborative ventures in both medicine and writing. 
 
The conversation explores her transition to running a medical management consulting firm, establishing a niche in physician executive searches, and ultimately retiring to focus on her passion for writing. The episode also highlights her contributions to nonfiction literature, especially in spotlighting women leaders in STEM fields.

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Deborah Shlian
02:25 Early Life and Medical Education
03:35 Career in Medical Management
10:11 Transition to Writing
11:40 Writing Medical Thrillers
20:23 Women in STEM and Leadership
26:44 Challenges and Future Projects
32:19 Advice for Aspiring Physicians and Writers
35:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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