Sturchler Promoted at Lower Cape Fear Lifecare

(WILMINGTON, NC) — Lower Cape Fear LifeCare announced the advancement of Maria Sturchler to inpatient palliative medical director.

According to a news release, she oversees LCFL’s inpatient palliative medicine team working in partnership at Novant/NHRMC, which includes providers, RNs, social workers, and transitions coordinator. Sturchler joined Lower Cape Fear LifeCare’s palliative care team in October 2023

Palliative care is specialized medical care to relieve symptoms and stresses of illness for patients living with a serious illness.

Before joining LCFL, Sturchler served as an attending physician in the Department of Palliative Medicine at Scripps Health Medical Center, as medical director for a San Diego Hospice and as CEO/president of Sturchler MD Inc. She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Florida Atlantic University, according to the release.

Sturchler earned her master’s degree in mathematics education and doctorate in educational leadership from Nova Southeastern University in Florida. Sturchler also earned a bachelor’s degree in biological chemistry from Florida Atlantic University and Doctor of Medicine from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, the release stated.

Sturchler is board-certified in emergency medicine and internal medicine–hospice and palliative medicine.