Spotlight
Dr. Maria Pierce
Christus Children’s Hospital, San Antonio, TX
Dr. Maria Pierce, Section Chief Neonatology, Christus Children’s Hospital.
What makes her an “Audrey” Dr. Maria Pierce is a distinguished neonatologist, whose exceptional contributions to neonatal care have profoundly impacted our hospital and our community. For the past 27 years at Christus Health, Dr. Pierce has exemplified excellence in patient care, leadership, and mentorship.
Dr. Pierce has been consistently recognized as one of the top neonatologist in San Antonio and throughout South Texas, earning accolades for her expertise in managing complex, neonatal cases. Her innovative and evidence-based approach to patient care has led to outstanding outcomes in these, our most vulnerable and critically ill patients. For instance, she played a pivotal role in saving the life of a premature infant, born at 24 weeks gestation with severe liver failure.
Through meticulous management and unwavering dedication, this infant was discharged home and is thriving today. This case is just one example of the exceptional care Dr. Pierce provides daily. Dr. Pierce is also an accomplished researcher, always trying to expand our understanding and improve the medical care of her patients. She has served as investigator in numerous research projects and published 25 peer-review articles.
As the Division Chief of Neonatology at Christus Health, Dr. Pierce has demonstrated outstanding leadership. She has served in countless hospital leadership roles, including President of the Medical Staff (2008–2010) and Chair of the Credentials Committee (2023–2025). Her contributions have significantly shaped the policies and practices that enhance patient care and institutional excellence. Dr. Pierce‘s work ethic is exemplary; she is often the first to arrive and the last to leave the hospital, setting a standard of dedication for her team.
Dr. Pierce is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of medical professionals. She serves as a mentor to numerous students, residents and fellows, earning multiple faculty teaching awards for her dedication. Dr. Pierce always role-models an empathic, caring and supportive approach to her patients and families. As one of the first women physicians in neonatology practice, she has paved the way for others, exemplifying leadership and resilience.
Dr. Maria Pierce, fully embodies the virtues and spirit of Dr. Audrey Evans. Our patients, families, associates, medical staff, trainees are fortunate that she practices here advancing the healing mission of Christus Children’s Hospital. It is a privilege to celebrate Dr. Pierce’s service and accomplishments during the Children’s Hospital Association Women’s History Month.
Notable achievements:
Christus Children’s Teaching Award (2023, 2024)
Tulane Resident Outstanding Teaching Award, 1997
Tulane Medical Student Teaching Award, 1996, 1997
Southern Society for Pediatric Research-Young Investigator Finalist 1991, 1994
University of Miami Fellow research Award, 1992
Graduating Resident of the Year 1989
University of Miami-Jackson Intern of the Year, 1987
University of Miami Dean’s list 1978-1982
Dr. Audrey Evans inspires me because she devoted her life to caring not only for her patients but also for her patient’s families. I envision it must have been challenging for her to leave the hospital every day, knowing there was always more to do. I know she woke up on many nights not being able to go back to sleep thinking about her patients and what orders needed to be written, tests needed to be done, and parents needed to be updated. She also had a strong faith and knew God was always watching over her and her patients.
I want my legacy to be completely believing / willing an infant to clinically improve and believing that I could make it happen if I obsessed over all the small details.