Maria B. Hooker, MD

I practice pediatric emergency medicine because I believe in supporting families during some of their hardest moments. The emergency department is a place where we see a broad and diverse range of clinical situations, from offering compassionate reassurance to the parent of a baby with a mild illness, to managing the high acuity of a child in septic shock. Each interaction is an opportunity to build quick, trusting relationships and make a meaningful difference in a child’s life.

My care philosophy centers on treating the whole patient, recognizing the social determinants of health that impact families both inside and outside the hospital. I strive to optimize communication and relationship-building, so families feel heard and supported. I was drawn to pediatrics because of the advocacy involved in caring for patients who often cannot advocate for themselves. Pediatric emergency medicine allows me to bridge the gap between the challenges our patients face in clinical care and the policies that shape their lives, especially when it comes to issues like firearm violence, mental health crises, and healthcare access.

I enjoy the forward-thinking culture of the emergency department, where we constantly challenge our diagnostic approaches and practices. My research has focused on intubation techniques and evaluating THC ingestions in young toddlers, and I hope to continue connecting policy and research to improve care for children. During my training, I was honored to receive the Shah Family Award for excellence in Hospital Medicine and the Dr. and Mrs. Robert E. Ott Academic Achievement Award for academic excellence.

Outside of work, I love spending time with my goldendoodle puppy, Walnut, and traveling with my husband to national parks. I used to teach hot yoga in medical school and still enjoy Pilates, yoga and running.