This month’s spotlight features – Marta Mudd; MD PhD psychiatrist, clinician, teacher, scientist, and author.
What was your path to getting where you are today?
I took the scenic route! I was a first generation college student at a small liberal arts school, where I discovered a passion for medicine and scientific research in a cognitive neuropsychology lab. From there, I enrolled in an MD PhD program, where I studied nutritional cognitive neuroscience, with a focus on the role of nutrition in healthy brain aging, and fell in love with psychiatry. I am in my last step of formal training, as a final year psychiatry resident. Though formal training will soon come to an end, I know that I will always be a lifelong learner.
Best piece of advice you've ever received?
“You don’t have to live your life according to any expectations or values other than your own. Forge your path in a way that feels authentic to you.”
What are some challenges you’re facing right now in your job or life, and how are you tackling them?
I’ve held many challenging roles - I am an immigrant, a first generation college student, and a woman in science and medicine. I always approach a challenge from a growth mindset. While challenges bring temporary struggle, they also yield huge growth. These days, I’m being challenged by building out the next stage of my career. I see myself as an innovator in the field of lifestyle psychiatry, so there are many uncharted waters, but the opportunities for growth are exhilarating.
What hobbies, organizations, or philanthropies are you involved in?
When I’m not working, I love moving my body. I developed a passion for exercise in my early adulthood, which translated into a stint as a group fitness instructor during graduate school and later into training for endurance events. This summer, I’ve spent most of my free time training for a 50K trail run and paddle boarding on the lake with my dog and husband. When I’m not moving, I’m probably eating (shout out to the West Loop restaurant scene) or drinking a good bottle of wine (favorite region: Sonoma, CA).
What are you watching, reading, and listening to right now?
My current academic read is “Freud and Beyond: A History of Modern Psychoanalytic Thought.” As an early career psychiatrist, I’m always looking for ways to incorporate traditional theories into modern ways of practice that resonate with my patients.
For fun, I’ve been watching “Tour de France: Unchained.” As a casual endurance athlete, it’s so inspiring to see the grit of professional cyclists.
Marta is wearing the Esmee jacket with the Jutta top and Stanwyk pant in Avalanche, the Hojo cape and Natasha 2 pant in Kyoto, and the Nobu jacket and Babette mini tunic in Black. How do you create a work-life balance for yourself?
I prefer the term work-life integration because balance can be very difficult to strike! For me, it’s all about setting priorities and scheduling them, even if that means waking up at 4:30 AM to squeeze in a workout before a busy clinical day.
What do you love and/or appreciate about being a woman?
I love that being a woman can mean so many different things! These days, I’m finding joy in moving from being a trainee to defining who I am as a career woman.
How would you describe your personal style?
Fashion-forward utilitarian - it has to be the perfect blend of comfort, style, and functionality. I love that I can wear my Maria Pinto pieces from day to night and comfort is never compromised.
Who are some of your style or fashion icons?
I use the world around me to inspire my looks. I take what speaks to me and leave what doesn’t. This way, I create a look that feels truly me in that moment in time - whether it comes to clothing, accessories, or hairstyles.
What is the best gift you’ve ever received?
The surprise Maria Pinto pieces that my husband purchases sometimes. :)
Any wisdom you’d tell your younger self?
We are all figuring it out as we go! Gather different perspectives, find what you value, and let that guide you to growth.
Marta is wearing the
What is important to you when buying clothing?
The feel of the fabric, the structure of the silhouette, and the functionality of the piece draw me in. I love a piece that I can comfortably wear as a dress or jacket and easily convert from day to night. My work and casual looks don’t differ widely - I’ll wear the same mini tunic to work with flats that I’ll wear out with wedges or sneakers.
How are you dressing right now?
In the heat of summer, it’s all about the mini tunics.
What are your favorite Maria Pinto pieces?
Frankly, it’s impossible to pick a favorite because each piece serves a purpose! I try to rotate through my entire collection so that each work of art gets the love that it deserves. If you’re twisting my arm, my most recent favorite is the Loren Mini Tunic in Fluorite - she’s a beautiful color for summer and oh so versatile!