what is the one quality you have that makes you a successful doctor/ business owner?

I have the capacity to work hard and be involved in a profession that cares for others. I love this quote by Albert Schweitzer, the great physician, philosopher and philanthropist: Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.

do you think you have had to make any professional sacrifices when you became a mom?

My profession made it too easy for life to get away from me. I wasn’t able to have children after I got married so I feel very blessed to have been given a second chance through the gift of adoption. Because of my son, Grant, I travel less for meetings, and have lost my Platinum Frequent Flyer status, but cuddling up with a sleepy toddler is well worth it! I keep up with medical advances by reading journals and doing webinars. The internet has really enhanced efficiency for delivering medical information, if you know where to look!

what is the best advice you have gotten as a mom?

Being a doctor, I was constantly vigilant to make sure Grant was still breathing as a baby. My mom told me, you can worry yourself sick, or you can put him to bed in the best way you know how and trust that God and his angels will watch over him.

is there one woman in your life that has been an inspiration to you and why?

My mom. She somehow managed to bring seven children into the world, and shepherd us to adulthood, all the while volunteering and being active in our lives and community. Actually, both of my parents truly exemplify unconditional love and there is rarely a favor or kindness that goes undone by them, especially toward their family.

away from the clinic what might we find you doing?

Taking walks with Grant [or maybe running after him as he is fast as the wind], laughing with my husband, reading with my book/inspiration group, creating and appreciating art, and going to meetings.

do you have any advice for budding Mompreneurs?

Just begin. If you have a great idea, get started in some small way, and do a little bit everyday toward making your dreams and business come to life. As I mentioned before, things change and evolve over time, but you just need to take some action every day!

what is something Catalyst Medical Center offers that we might not know about?

I think patients are surprised at the many medical and cosmetic services we offer. We have the largest laser offering in the region. Our next phase of development is Wellness services, as I think our country needs “self-care reform!” We have already offered fitness dance classes here through a partnership with Inspired Dance, as well as a meditation class. Look for more services in the near future.

you and Catalyst Medical Center are very involved in the FM community. What organizations are close to your heart and Catalyst Medical Center supports?

I think giving back has had a great impact on our success. Over the years, my staff and I have been very involved with the United Way, March of Dimes Bowls for Babies, Ronald McDonald House, and the Plains Art Museum. We have sponsored and donated to many other organizations. One of our employees, Cindy Willows, has started a foundation to honor her late husband, Dean, to promote melanoma research and early education about skin cancer. My current focus is serving on the boards of Dakota Medical Foundation and Impact Foundation, both of which are really inspiring and empower local non-profits to do even better work in our community.

do you think becoming a mom has changed you professionally?

I think I gained perspective about what is really important...those little magical moments that happen every day if you pay attention. I have always loved people, but being a mom has really made me think about my patients and their lives beyond the exam room...their daily challenges and moments. I am awed by the grace that my patients display, even when dealing with illness.

Dr. Susan Mathison Catalyst Medical Center

1800 21st Avenue South Fargo p: 701.205.4772 e: amanda@catalystmedicalcenter.com www.catalystmedicalcenter.com