Tread Strong: Support BIDMC’s 2019 Boston Marathon Team

When Chris Awtrey, MD, joined the BIDMC medical staff in 2005, he says he found a second home. Fresh out of fellowship training, the gynecologic oncologist spent his days caring for patients while gaining leadership skills that prepared him for the department vice chair role he holds today.

“There’s been a lot of change in the past 14 years, all for the better,” he says. “I’m still seeing patients and I love being in the operating room, but I also love working with residents and helping them grow their careers.”

Part of Awtrey’s role at BIDMC is within its physician organization, Harvard Medical Faculty Physicians (HMFP). As Vice President of Network Operations and Provider Experience, he oversees efforts to ensure physician satisfaction and take advantage of network opportunities.

And if that doesn’t keep him busy enough, he’s an avid hiker, husband and father.

“I’ve done an extreme hike—30 miles in one day—for the past eight years in support of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation,” Awtrey says. “I like training for the big event and have always wanted to run a marathon.”

Awtrey is a member of Team BIDMC’s 2019 Boston Marathon team, raising funds for the Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology. “My mom was recently a BIDMC patient, and I gained a new appreciation for the amazing care that’s provided here as a family member,” he says. “From diagnosis and throughout her illness, she received state-of-the-art, compassionate care and I wanted to somehow give back.”

Awtrey says his 16-year-old daughter Schuyler keeps him company on his long runs. “She’s not running the marathon but she’s very self-motivated and is helping me train,” he says. “I’m looking forward to April and conquering this race.”

Read more about Dr. Awtrey’s journey and support Team BIDMC.