Roni Radigan is an inpatient psychiatrist at Avera Behavioral Health, a faculty member with the University of South Dakota, and Assistant Program Director for the Psychiatry Residency. Her days are spent devoted to patients, directly addressing their mental health needs, along with teaching both residents and medical students. Her mornings are spent putting in miles or going to the gym, dedicated to physical and mental health. Beyond work, Roni's most important role is being mom to three beautiful young girls. As a family, their beloved past time is spending summers at the lake. It is evident her top priorities in life are family, running, and her career in mental health.
Growing up, sports - gymnastics and soccer, in particular - were a significant part of Roni's life. She participated in track, but running was never the focus. It wasn't until after a year of college soccer and a decision to concentrate on studies that left her with more time to actually pursue running as a hobby. It only took one run and she was hooked! Since then, not even three pregnancies have put a stop to Roni's running. For Roni, running has evolved through the years from competitive marathons to stress management in medical school and now primarily for its pure enjoyment and health benefits. Running has taught her many lessons, but one of the most valuable is that the human body is mentally stronger than it will ever be physically. "It plays a vital role in my life, allowing time to reflect, re-energize, and reconnect with my values. Running allows me to be a better version of myself and thus a better physician, mom, and wife."
After a colleague mentioned The 437 Project, Roni was astonished to discover an event that coincided so closely with her own personal commitments. "With my passion for running and a devoted career to mental health, involvement in The 437 Project seems fitting. I consider it to be both a privilege and an honor to run alongside a motivated group for such an important cause."