Sara Whittingham | SpeakerHub

Personal Details

Bio

Sara Whittingham is a physician, U.S. Air Force veteran, mother, and endurance athlete who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at age 46. Through the power of gratitude, resilience, and an unshakable positive mindset, she transformed adversity into extraordinary achievement — completing the 2023 Ironman Hawaii World Championship, the Boston Marathon, and competing in the 2024 U.S. Paralympic Track and Field Trials. As featured on the Today Show, USA Today, Women’s Health Magazine, and the Ironman Documentary, Sara shares her powerful journey to inspire others to see challenges not as roadblocks, but as opportunities to rise, lead, and thrive.

Current position (3)

Physician with Parkinson's, Veteran, Athlete

Cleveland Clinic

Assistant Professor

Northeast Ohio Medical University

Founder

Parkinsonz.org

Achievements (3)

Ironman Kona finish- 3 years after Parkinson's diagnosis

A Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2020 changed my life forever. After a difficult first year, I found strength through hope, gratitude, and optimism. In 2023, I competed in the Ironman World Championship — a journey that was featured on the Today Show, in the Ironman Documentary, Women’s Health Magazine, a

Boston Marathon Finish - Podium in Para-athlete division

Following Ironman, I went on to run the Boston Marathon, where I earned a para-athlete classification and placed 2nd in my division — a milestone that fueled my passion for resilience and competition.

2024 US Paralympic Trials

I ran qualifying times and earned the opportunity to compete at the 2024 U.S. Paralympic Trials, sharing the track with young athletes who had been overcoming adversity their entire lives. During my race, I took a hard fall — live on TV — but I got up and finished with my head held high.

Degrees (3)

Medical Doctor (MD)

Tulane University School of Medicine

1998 to 2002

Biochemistry

US Air Force Academy

1992 to 1996

Residency in Anesthesiology

University of Utah

2006 to 2009

Presentations

Presentations (1)

The Power of the Positive: Turning Adversity into Opportunity

In this inspiring keynote, Sara shares her personal journey of overcoming adversity with gratitude, resilience, and an unshakable positive mindset. Drawing on her experiences as a physician, U.S. Air Force veteran, mother, and endurance athlete living with Parkinson’s disease, she shows how the power of the positive can transform even life’s toughest challenges into opportunities for growth, leadership, and extraordinary achievement. Audiences will leave empowered to reframe their struggles, reclaim their strength, and rise stronger than ever.

Past talks (1)

Lessons in Lemonade: An Anesthesiologist’s Journey in Turning Obstacles into Launch Pads

Western Anesthesia Residents Conference

Salt Lake City, UT

May 17, 2025