Dr. Maria Benzo is a physician and certified coach with a Master’s in Positive Psychology. She is an Assistant Professor of Medicine and Research Associate at Mayo Clinic, and Professor of Positive Psychology at Life University. Her research explores how health coaching can transform health care by improving both emotional and physical outcomes of medical patients.

Dr. Benzo has coached patients across a wide range of complex medical conditions, including COPD, interstitial lung disease (ILD), obesity, cancer, post-transplant recovery, and post-intensive care syndrome (PICS). Her work demonstrates how coaching grounded in evidence, self-determination, and human connection can lead to flourishing — even in the face of chronic illness.