On Saturday, May 25th, the world lost a remarkable woman, Dr. Megan Lisa Madaras, at the age of 43, to a tragic stroke.

Those fortunate enough to know her witnessed a life defined by strength, humility, kindness, and selflessness. Megan was a warrior, packed into a 5’3″ frame, and spent her life fighting for her patients, striving to improve healthcare, and working selflessly to make the world better through her many passions and talents.
Megan’s academic journey was exceptional. At Hampton Roads Academy, not only did she take every AP course available to her, but she swept many of the academic awards at the annual awards ceremony, where each announcement of “Megan Madaras!” drew amazed laughs from her classmates. Her younger brothers became accustomed to hearing, “You’ve got big shoes to fill!” as they arrived in her previous teachers’ classrooms.

She continued to Washington University in St. Louis, her parents’ alma mater, where she earned a Bachelor and Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering. Upon graduating cum laude, an acceptance to the University of Virginia School of Medicine led her back to Virginia. When she graduated in 2008, she remained in Charlottesville to complete her residency in Internal Medicine at the UVA Hospital. Officially Dr. Madaras, she began her career in medicine at the University of Virginia Long-term Acute Care Facility, where she brought genuine compassion and connection to patients with complicated and severe medical conditions requiring prolonged hospitalizations.

In 2012, Dr. Madaras relocated to Richmond after accepting a position at the Veteran’s Central Virginia Health Care System. This position was a tremendous career opportunity and had the added benefit of proximity to her family in Yorktown. Her initial work focused exclusively on providing clinical care and teaching as an academic hospitalist. Her dedication to medical education and talent for teaching earned her the Best Teacher in General Medicine Clerkship award from Virginia Commonwealth University Health Care System in 2015. In 2018, Dr. Madaras was recruited as the Associate Chief of the newly created Clinical Command Center. She was instrumental in building the foundation of the center and subsequently was offered a variety of other leadership roles. Dr. Madaras was well known for tirelessly applying her brilliant creativity with integrity and compassion for the improvement of the healthcare systems in which she worked. Her colleagues fondly remember her presence brightening any room and her dedication to easing the burdens of those around her.

The Covid pandemic was a difficult time for Dr. Madaras, as it was for all providers. She never wavered in the face of the pandemic, despite the demands of caring for patients, navigating the crises, and managing shortages. She would want to thank all her colleagues who stood shoulder to shoulder with her through the pandemic.

In her little spare time Dr. Madaras served as a volunteer Medical Director for the Free Clinic in Charlottesville for over thirteen years, touching innumerable lives through this service.

Outside of work, Megan was committed to making a difference in other ways. She was an avid gardener and cared for a magnificent pollinator garden in her backyard. She also served as an election official to support free and fair elections. Wherever possible, she maintained a personal principle to speak up for those who might otherwise not have a voice. She viewed the world as a melting pot of cultures to be treasured and loved to travel with her mother, Judy, her Aunt Kathy, and friends. Her travels and studies took her on a trek across Costa Rica, adventures in Antarctica, New Zealand, Europe, and all over the US. On a regular basis, she could be found tackling an intense workout at her local gym, RVA Performance Training. Whenever she had the chance, she could be found pouring over recipes and cookbooks as well as cooking and baking with her mother.

Megan is survived by her parents, Eric and Judy Madaras of Yorktown, Virginia; her two brothers, David (Amanda) Madaras from Ketchum, Idaho, and Scott Madaras from Albuquerque, New Mexico; her niece Charlie (3); and nephew Gus (1). She deeply cared for a favorite Aunt Kathy (Bruce) Mitton from Tucson, Arizona and her second cousin Carolyn Klamp; and many other aunts, uncles, and cousins from the Madaras, Klamp, and Clark families. She bonded for life with her family dogs Puzzle, Hurley, Whiskey, and Ollie. Megan also had many deep and meaningful friendships formed over the course of her life, medical career, and years of dedication to CrossFit. Special thanks to Dr. Katherine Coffey-Vega, Dr. Trishana Glover, Dr. Seth Brant, and Jen King, who supported her with fierce devotion during her care and passing.

In her memory, Megan would request that you perform an act of kindness for someone who needs your help and get in your 30 minutes of exercise to “prevent your decline and decay!”

Megan will be remembered as a brilliant academic, a dedicated physician, a passionate advocate, and a loving family member and friend. Her legacy of kindness, strength, and enthusiasm for life will live on in all who knew her.