Dr. David M. Fleece, MD

Expert Publications

• Encephalopathy in a newborn due to prenatal lead exposure.
• Skull fracture in an infant not visible with computed tomography.

Media Releases

Get to know Hospice and Palliative Care Physician and Emergency Physician Dr. Maria Sturchler, who serves patients in Wilmington, North Carolina.

Dr. Sturchler is a hospice and palliative care physician and board certified emergency physician. She is the Co-Director of Inpatient Palliative Care alongside Dr. David Rickard at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare (New Hanover County), serving Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington, North Carolina. 

Prior to her current endeavors, Dr. Sturchler served as Hospice Director at Compassionate Care Hospice (April 2023 – October 2023) and cared for patients at San Diego area Scripps Health campuses, primarily focusing on Scripps Mercy Hospital Chula Vista and Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego (August 2021 – September 2023). 

Originally from Spain, Dr. Sturchler faced financial difficulties during her upbringing, having had minimal funds. Immigrating to the United States, she earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic University in 2005, her Master of Science Degree in Mathematics Education at Nova Southeastern University in 2008, and her Doctor of Education Degree in Educational Leadership at the said establishment in 2011, all while teaching middle and high school mathematics full-time. 

Her doctoral dissertation addressed the gender gap in STEM fields and rekindled her desire to become a physician. Despite being told she wasn’t smart enough to be a doctor, Dr. Sturchler defied expectations and began medical school at the age of 30, graduating with her Medical Degree from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in 2017.

Continuing her training, she performed her residency in emergency medicine at Kaiser Permanente Hospital – San Diego in 2020, followed by her fellowship in hospice and palliative medicine at the University of California, San Diego in 2021. 

Board certified in emergency medicine and in hospice and palliative medicine, Dr. Sturchler is recognized as a Diplomate of the American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM). The ABEM is one of 24 medical specialty certification boards recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. It certifies emergency physicians who meet its educational, professional, and examination standards.

On a professional front, Dr. Sturchler is the Treasurer of Women in Science Society and is on the Board of Directors of Champions for Health and Lycée Francais de San Diego.

In addition, she is an active member of the American Association of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, the American Academy of Emergency Medicine, the American College of Emergency Physicians, and the American Medical Association.

Hospice and palliative medicine is a formal subspecialty of medicine in the United States that focuses on symptom management, relief of suffering, and end-of-life care. Hospice and palliative medicine specialists are medical doctors who help prevent and relieve suffering of patients who have a serious illness or who have only a short time left to live. They work with a team of other professionals to address the needs of both the patient and loved ones.

Emergency medicine, also known as trauma and emergency medicine, is the medical specialty concerned with the care of life threatening medical conditions or injuries requiring immediate medical attention. Emergency physicians are trained to care for a wide range of problems that require emergent medical help. These problems are often serious and may be life-threatening. 

As a first-generation high-school and college graduate and immigrant who succeeded in her career against the odds of poverty and marginalization, Dr. Sturchler advocates for the idea that one can achieve anything by diligently pursuing their goals. As a proud Latina woman, she serves as an inspiration and mentor for the younger generation, offering guidance and reassurance that they have the ability to forge their own paths in life.

Through her participation in numerous conferences, Dr. Sturchler has shared her knowledge on various subjects, including infertility. Overcoming her own struggles with conception, she now cherishes her incredible son and daughter. 

In her leisure time, she enjoys cycling, triathlon running, and hiking. She is fluent in English, Spanish, and French. 

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