Dr. Natalie Stavas
On April 15, 2013, Dr. Stavas approached the finish line of her fifth Boston marathon. Just blocks away, she heard explosions and ran towards them. Arriving at the scene she went to work administering CPR, applying tourniquets, and triaging the wounded.
Following this event, President Barack Obama, Katie Couric, and Anderson Cooper honored her for her actions. Improper Bostonian magazine named Dr. Stavas one of “Boston’s Best” and The Boston Globe awarded her with “2013 Bostonian of the Year” – an honor bestowed upon those that shape the biggest story of the year in a remarkable way.
Dr. Stavas is currently a leader in education and research. She serves as the Program Director for Child Protection Pediatrics at the University of California, San Diego. In this role she mentors medical students, residents, and fellows towards a path of fulfillment in medicine. Her research on caring for vulnerable children has won awards and been highlighted on multiple media outlets. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Stavas has focused her research on how COVID-19 is affecting children’s health as well as physical wellbeing.
Running Towards Chaos
Natalie Stavas was born on a farm in Nebraska. She was once told that people from Nebraska don't do well in places like Boston. She proved them wrong. Natalie was the first person from Nebraska to be accepted into the Harvard Pediatric Training program at Boston Children's Hospital.
One year after moving to Boston she received the Boston Foundation's Change Maker award and in 2013 she received the Bostonian Of The Year Award. This award is given to Bostonians who impact their community in a remarkable way.
An avid runner, Natalie's philosophy for success is.... "You Run Towards."
This philosophy was never more apparent than on April 15th 2013. She had just run 26 miles and was about to finish the Boston marathon when the bombs detonated at the finish line.
Instead of turning around and running away with the crowd, she ran towards the chaos and saved 4 lives that day.
Natalie has been honored by President Obama, as well as featured on CNN, BBC, CBC, and Fox news. She has also appeared on the cover of Runner's World Magazine and Sports Illustrated.
Natalie Stavas attacks every obstacle with the same attitude: "You run towards that which you fear, that which challenges you, that which is oppositional."
Natalie speaks to audiences about her experience as a first responder and what ultimately led her to make that fateful decision to run into a terrorist attack.
Thank you for agreeing to be with us at CASE IV. Your presentation was the most celebrated of the keynotes we had. I had more positive comments about your content, style, and delivery than I did for any of the other well-known keynoters involved. You made us think, you challenged us, you made us laugh and cry, and you left us reflecting and inspired to be our better selves. I feel honored to know you. I wish you continued success and happiness.
Karl Miller, Executive Director of Development, The University of Texas at Austin
Natalie Stavas delivered the Closing General Session at the 2016 AHCA/NCAL Independent Owners Conference held March 16 – 18 in San Diego, CA. In a word, she was inspirational. Dr. Stavas has a talent for delivering useful information that is also motivational. Her story of growing up in Kansas, continuing on to Harvard and running the Boston Marathon, provide wonderful examples of how we can live our best lives. Our participants raved about her presentation. It was the perfect end to our event.
Christy Sharp, Senior Director, Member Relations, American Health Care Association
Dr. Stavas recently spoke to the attendees of the National Emergency Number Association’s Annual Conference and Expo. Dr. Stavas’ presentation was simply excellent and right on point for the audience. Her very well prepared presentation was highlighted by remarkable video segments that perfectly augment her comments. The standing ovation she received indicated that the powerful message and presentation was very well received by the attendees. She was a powerful contributor to the success of the conference.
Brian Fontes, CEO, National Emergency Number Association