About Me
About Me
Natasha grew up working on her family’s small farm and ranch in rural Nebraska. Taking care of the veterinary needs of livestock sparked an early interest in surgery. As a first-generation college student, she triple-majored in biology, chemistry, and music while playing softball and tennis at Morningside University in Sioux City, Iowa. During medical school at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, life-changing neurosurgical procedures captivated her like nothing else ever had. She also became highly involved in patient advocacy and health equity work through local legislatures and organized medicine. Between her third and final years of medical school, she completed a master's degree in public health with a focus on health policy at Harvard.
Medical Areas of Interest
She genuinely believes that everything within neurosurgery is fascinating and has a particular interest in skull base, vascular, and pediatric neurosurgery. Natasha plans to continue her health policy and advocacy work throughout her neurosurgical career, bringing a health equity lens to the field of neurosurgery.
Interests & Hobbies
In her spare time, Natasha enjoys all things outdoors, including ocean diving, hiking, biking, bouldering, camping, skiing, horseback riding, tennis, and disc golf. Before medical school, she was a yoga instructor and maintains a regular practice of meditation. For a creative outlet, she writes and plays the flute and piano.
Why Utah?
Her interview experience at the University of Utah was her favorite and most memorable along the trail. This program is the most ideal combination of everything Natasha was looking for in a residency program: excellent depth and breadth of neurosurgical experience with world-class neurosurgeons, enriching academic resources and opportunities, a fantastic culture conducive to curiosity and deep learning, and no shortage of outdoor activities. Salt Lake City is a beautiful place to work and live!
Hometown
Phillips, Nebraska
Dr. Graves' Publications
