Attaining work/life balance is topic of BRCHS Distinguished Lecture

Jacksonville University is about to be hit with a triple threat: Dr. Joseph Maroon.

The American neurosurgeon, author and triathlon athlete will visit campus to speak on burnout and mental health and wellness at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16, in Terry Concert Hall.

His presentation “From Burnout to Wellness: The Secret to Attaining Work/Life Balance” is the latest in the Distinguished Lecture Series from Brooks Rehabilitation College of Healthcare Sciences (BRCHS). BRCHS hosts the series to seek and spread powerful health information to the University campus through international health experts. 

At the peak of his career, Dr. Maroon, who is also the Pittsburgh Steelers team neurosurgeon, dealt with severe burnout and depression. Determined to prevent others from experiencing what he did, he developed a strong interest in burnout prevention and living a balanced life. From there he began to dedicate research to burnout, burnout prevention, and what constitutes a healthy and balanced life.

 “We want people to hear Dr. Maroon’s story, know who he is, and understand the importance of health and wellbeing and what we can all do to be healthy,” says Jacksonville University Professor of Kinesiology Heather Hausenblas, who has known Dr. Maroon for about 10 years. “He is a dynamic, caring individual who’s got a fascinating history,” Hausenblas says, “And ultimately he just wants to share his message and share his knowledge to help people.”

In the wake of his challenges, Dr. Maroon published the book “Square One: A Simple Guide to a Balanced Life” that he’ll be signing before and after his lecture. He has been increasingly candid when it comes to sharing his story, which is something that Dr. Hausenblas knows that attendees of the Lecture Series can benefit from.

Dr. Maroon’s clinical and research interests focus on

• Development of minimally invasive surgical procedures for diseases of the brain and spine,
• Prevention and treatment of traumatic injuries to the central nervous system,
• Innovative approaches to pituitary and other brain tumors,
• Complimentary approaches to inflammatory diseases associated with aging, and
• Prevention and treatment of sports-related injuries.

He co-developed the ImPACT concussion test, the only FDA-approved, worldwide standard tool to assess concussions. He has been the neurosurgical consultant for the Pittsburgh Steelers for 25 years and the first neurosurgeon directly appointed in the NFL. He is also a member of the NFL Head, Neck, and Spine Committee, and is the medical director for World Wrestling Entertainment.

He is the senior vice president of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine; a medical consultant to Mylan Laboratories and Stemedica; and is the scientific consultant for GNC.

Dr. Maroon has written more than 280 peer-reviewed scientific papers, 64 book chapters, and seven books.

He is an inductee of both the National Fitness and the Lou Holtz Halls of Fame and remains a dedicated athlete, having completed eight Ironman triathlons.

By Kamia Addison