Meet Dr. Mary Ballard

What inspires you?


The human race. I love people, which is why I became a doctor. The stories of their lives are amazing, and I feel privileged to be a part of their journey.

What has been the most memorable event in your career?

I started medical school in 1979, and I recently realized I have taken care of people who survived every major conflict our country has faced: WWI, WWII, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Persian Gulf War, 9/11, the War in Afghanistan, and the Iraq War. I admire their bravery both at home and abroad.

What do you like doing in your spare time?

I started figure skating at age 52 without prior formal training. A few years ago, I won the West Coast Spotlight competition by skating to the Star Wars theme song and wearing a Princess Leia costume... I even wore a wig with her hair buns! 

What place would you most like to visit?

Ascoli Piceno, Italy, because it is where my mother, grandparents, and ancestors are from. Apparently, my ancestor Antonio Vinciguerra was a famous political satirical writer in the 15th and 16th centuries and traveled in Machiavelli’s circle.

If you weren't a physician, what would you be up to right now?

Writing novels. I self-published a novel a few years ago titled Revealed. It is about a woman ER doctor who is stalked and moves to Alaska to be the town physician for a logging community. Currently, I am compiling a series of vignettes to be published as a book, Stories of Hope and Wonder. The vignettes reflect my experience working in nursing homes and the wonderful stories of courage I heard from my patients.

What’s the most interesting thing you’ve read or seen this week?

The movie Balto. It is based on a real dog who lead a dogsled team 674 miles to Nome, Alaska to deliver much-needed serum to save the citizens from a diphtheria outbreak in 1925. I own a Siberian Husky, and I am proud of his heritage.

What would you like remembered about you?

When the chips are down, you can count on me.

What is your favorite meal? Least favorite meal?

My favorite meal is spaghetti... I’m Italian. I hate pea soup; I got sick on it at age 5, and I have never eaten it since!

What is the one accomplishment you’re most proud of?

I named a beer. When I practiced medicine in Seattle, one of my patients made homemade beer. It was a Russian dark beer recipe, and he needed a name for it. I am a WWII buff, and I told him about a group of Russian female fighter pilots whose average age was 19 and who would dogfight the Nazis in biplanes. The Nazis feared them so much that they nicknamed them the “Night Witches,” so he named the beer Night Witch.

What do you like best about living in Arizona?

Sunshine, sunshine, and more sunshine. I lived in Seattle for 29 years!

What does a typical day in your life look like?

Nothing comes before coffee and a bran muffin in the morning; after that, I’m open to whatever comes my way.

Are you a collector? If so, what do you collect?

Coffee mugs. Every time I travel, I buy a mug from the place I visited. That way, I can reminisce about my travels every morning when I have my coffee.

What’s your idea of a perfect day?

Any day I get to ice skate and enjoy a cup of hot cocoa afterward.

What prompted you to become involved in organized medicine?

I still believe medicine is a noble profession of which we should be very proud. ArMA encourages physicians to be proud of their profession and consistently strive for excellence.

Why is ArMA important to you and your colleagues?

ArMA gives us a voice and a sense of community. With both a voice and a sense of community, all things are possible.