Our Stories Podcast series is excited to present a conversation with Dr Mary Jo Lechowicz, Professor in HMO and Vice Chair for Education. Dr. Lechowicz came to Emory by way of SUNY-Syracuse, Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in NY and the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center in MD. In this podcast Dr Lechowicz shares her own experience as a young patient that led her into medicine, and continues to guide her work in treating patients as people by caring for the whole person and the village they live in. The COVID pandemic brought on many difficulties for patients and health care professionals, and Dr Lechowicz provides a wise and heartfelt review of these difficulties which will resonate for many. Knowing that difficult times take a toll, Dr Lechowicz has dedicated herself in the post-covid era to a new healthy lifestyle by engaging in coursework and programs (including Emory’s Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less) focused on self-care which then allows for more full care of others. With her healthier habits in place for months now, she is enjoying her renewed energy, something that patients have complimented her on!