Maria Leber is the director of the Surgical Services advanced practice provider team at MedStar Washington. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Stony Brook University Health Science Center in New York and a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from Russell Sage College, also in New York, in 2004 and 2001 respectively.
Maria was onboarded at the hospital in 2005 as a physician assistant in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. After seven years, she was promoted to chief. With more than 17 years of progressive acute care experience, she was named to her current role five years ago.
With a passion for advocacy and professional development, she has direct report responsibilities for 40 advanced practice providers across 15 departmental sections. In this role, she is also responsible for the recruitment, retention, and professional mentorship of her team members, while leading regulatory compliance and performance management programs.
In 2021, Maria was named to the MedStar Center for Wellbeing Leadership team. Along with her colleagues from across the system, Maria has initiated and developed programs focused on advanced practice provider well-being including the expansion of a healthcare culture where providers are advocated for and celebrated.
In her free time, Maria enjoys spending time with her husband, Dennis, two sons Chase and Mason, and her sweet dog, a vizsla, named Rosie.