Hi! I’m Dr. Mary Norman

FOUNDER OF JUST THIS MOMENT

I have practiced geriatric medicine for over twenty years, providing care in outpatient clinics, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing facilities.

As a caregiver and a true physician-healer, I’ve helped dementia caregivers and families through education on Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias, and mindfulness training to improve the quality of lives of caregivers and those suffering from any form of dementia.

You can find immense joy and satisfaction too- by focusing on Just This Moment.

WE ARE ON THIS HEALING PATH TOGETHER

This is my story…

I have always been a caregiver!   

As the youngest child, born to parents in their 40’s, I grew up helping to care for my parents, grandparents, and aunts and uncles. 

When I was fifteen, my mother was diagnosed with a terminal illness, and my father and I cared for her in our home and then in long-term care. Both my grandparents and my mother had significant cognitive impairment/dementia.  

At the time, there were very limited resources for caregivers. 

Although I graduated with degrees in finance and economics with a brief career in corporate banking, I quickly changed direction to my true calling. During my pre-medical courses, I volunteered in a newly formed hospice program which was life transforming for me. 

Learning how to process my own emotions as a caregiver enabled me to become a true physician-healer.  I have practiced geriatric medicine for over twenty years in a variety of settings.

I have also volunteered with the Alzheimer’s Association to develop guidelines for diagnosis of dementia and as a community speaker to provide education to those with dementia and their caregivers.  

During the COVID pandemic, I was part of a research program with the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine (Massachusetts General Hospital/ Harvard Medical School) teaching the SMART program (Stress Management and Resiliency Training) to senior adults.  I saw the tremendous impact this training had on me and especially the caregivers that participated in this course.  

The ability to have a full toolbox of stress- relieving, joy- building techniques truly transforms lives and lets us live each moment to the fullest.  

My goal is to provide caregivers and families education on Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias and mindfulness training to improve the quality of lives of caregivers and those suffering from any form of dementia.  

If we focus on Just This Moment, we will find immense joy and satisfaction as we walk this healing path together.  

EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION & RECOGNITIONS

More about Dr. Norman

    • Geriatric Physician Cedars-Sinai Medical Group

      June 2023 - Present

    • Member of Alzheimer’s Association Clinical Practice Guideline Work Group

      Alzheimer’s Association®

      Jan 2017 - Present

    • Medical Director / Regional Medical Director

      Highland Springs Senior Living / Erickson Living · Full-time

      Jun 2007 - Jan 2022

      Dallas, Texas, United States

    • Board Member

      Geriatric Wellness Center, Dallas TX

      2004 - 2009

    • Geriatrician and Director of Clinical Integration

      HealthTexas Provider Network / Dallas Diagnostics Association

      2003 - 2007

    • Fellowship: University of California, San Francisco (2001-2002)

    • Residency: University of California, San Francisco (1997-2000)

    • Medical School: University of California, San Francisco (1993-1997)

    • Undergraduate: Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX

      BBA Finance, BA Economics (1985-1989)

    • Certified Geriatric Medicine

      American Board of Internal Medicine

    • Certified Internal Medicine

      American Board of Internal Medicine

    • SMART- Certified Healthcare Practitioner, Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital

    • Hall of Fame - Geriatric Medicine, D Magazine, Dallas, TX (2022)

    • Leader of the Year - Highland Springs Senior Living (2016)

    • Gold Headed Cane Award, UCSF (1997)

  • I’m married for 33 years to David Norman who works for Moose Toys leading their board games division.

    I have 2 adult sons Grant and Daniel both working and living in Texas.

    I now live in Manhattan Beach, California and enjoy biking, hiking, walking on the beach and practicing yoga especially at sunset!

Empowering dementia caregivers with education and mindfulness 

WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!

For inquiries, you may send us a message and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.