Growing up in a family of doctors and other medical professionals helped spark Dr. Maria Dibner’s interest in helping others. After finishing her undergraduate studies, she initially thought she would spend her career in the field of public health. However, she eventually decided that an office job was not for her. “I missed the patients – I missed being in a room with a person who was facing a health problem, working my hardest to help them, and seeing the impact of my work on their lives.” So she made the decision to go to medical school and now helps patients as a neurologist at Reliant Medical Group.

In her practice at Reliant, Dr. Dibner treats patients suffering from epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, headaches and other problems. Dr. Dibner has a particular interest in neurological issues that affect women. “I am interested in the intersection of neurology and obstetrics and gynecology – what happens to a women’s neurological status when you also have a baby to worry about,” she explains. “Hormones can have a big influence on neurological problems. For instance, we know that hormonal shifts can cause more migraines and seizures during certain times in a woman’s cycle.”

Dr. Dibner makes a point to treat her patients the way she likes to be treated. She is also a big believer in educating her patients. “I like to empower my patients so they can take care of themselves. So I tend to explain everything I am doing, and give the patient the tools and knowledge they need so they can better understand and deal with their illness.”

Dr. Dibner is encouraged about new treatments that are helping to improve neurological diseases. “While it’s true that neurology is particularly full of conditions that we don’t yet fully understand, I am confident that during the course of my career we will have more and better treatments. In neurology there are advances being made all the time, and these advances will help patients live better lives.”

The mother of two young children, Dr. Dibner has a busy schedule between her career and family. However, she enjoys traveling and ballroom dancing, as well as taking her children to museums and other fun activities.