Robert F. Anda, MD, MS

Keynote Speaker

Dr. Anda played the principal role in the design of the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study and serves as its Co-Principal Investigator. He has presented findings from the ACE Study at Congressional Briefings and numerous conferences around the world.  Over 25 years, the study evolved into a national movement to assess the childhood origins of health and social problems in more than 30 U.S. states, and is being replicated in numerous countries by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Dr. Anda now works as Co-Founder of ACE Interface, delivering training materials at the state and community level about neurobiology, epigenetics, ACEs, resilience, and community capacity development. His dream is to help create a trauma informed nation. 

Dr. Anda graduated from Rush Medical College in 1979 and received his Board Certification in Internal Medicine in 1982.  During 1982-1984 he completed a Fellowship in Preventive Medicine at the University of Wisconsin where he also received a Masters Degree (MS) in Epidemiology. He spent 20 years conducting research as a medical officer in the U.S. Public Health Service at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta.  His research involved a variety of areas including disease surveillance, behavioral health, mental health and disease, cardiovascular disease, and childhood determinants of health.

Dr. Anda has more than 200 peer-reviewed and government publications such as the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) and book chapters.  In addition, he has received numerous awards and recognition for scientific achievements. He and his work are highlighted in the documentary “Resilience” by Jamie Redford that was accepted to the 2015 Sundance Film Festival and is now available across the nation. Dr. Anda lives in Atlanta, Georgia.