Meet Susan Davis

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Susan Davis a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Susan, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

From an early age, I learned the value of resilience in the face of adversity. Growing up between the structured, bustling life in Oak Park, Illinois, and the rugged, off-the-grid camp in the woods taught me how to adapt to two very different worlds. In the city, I navigated life with three brothers, one of whom seemed determined to make me tougher. But it was the camp, surrounded by nature’s raw beauty and challenges, that truly built my resilience. Without electricity or running water, I learned how to hunt, fish, start a fire, and find my way under the North Star. I experienced firsthand what it meant to survive and thrive, regardless of my surroundings.

This dichotomy became my foundation. It’s why I run towards problems rather than away from them, whether it’s an emergency in the ER or a family crisis. Life has thrown its fair share of hardships my way—losing my father, a broken marriage, raising three teenagers while finishing my education, and, most recently, the passing of my youngest brother from undetected colon cancer. Add to that back-to-back hurricanes that destroyed my home and car, and you have a year that tested me in every possible way.

But resilience isn’t just about enduring; it’s about growing through each challenge. My life has been a series of these tests, each one reinforcing my commitment to push forward, help others, and build something meaningful. It’s why I started CodePRep, and it’s what drives me to continue, even when the journey seems impossible. Resilience, for me, isn’t just a trait—it’s a way of life.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m Dr. Susan B. Davis, founder of CodePRep and a dedicated advocate for improving healthcare team preparedness in high-stakes, low-frequency situations like cardiac arrest. As a nurse and innovator, my passion is helping healthcare professionals build the confidence and competence to respond effectively when it matters most. CodePRep is a training solution designed to bridge the gap between compliance and real-world readiness. In healthcare, we often face a compliance-driven culture where life-saving skills are sometimes reduced to check-the-box exercises. I created CodePRep to go beyond that—to give healthcare teams hands-on, scenario-based training in their environments with their equipment and teams.

What’s unique about CodePRep is that it isn’t just a course; it’s a transformation. We bring the training directly to each department—whether it’s Med-Surg, OB, Radiology, or the OR—tailoring it to meet their specific challenges and patient needs. We emphasize in-situ simulations to help teams practice in real-life settings, building the muscle memory and confidence needed to act decisively in emergencies. This year, we’re expanding CodePRep’s reach with new partnerships and initiatives, including participating in the ViVE and HLTH UA 2024 conferences. We’re honored to be showcased as a Nurse Approved innovator, connecting with leaders in healthcare technology to explore ways to make CodePRep accessible to more institutions.

At its core, CodePRep is about creating a community of “Resuscitation Ready” healthcare professionals equipped to save lives. I’m excited about the future of healthcare and the potential for innovation to impact patient outcomes. This journey is only just beginning. I’m committed to growing CodePRep to reach as many healthcare teams as possible, empowering them to deliver the highest standard of care in those critical moments.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, three qualities have been instrumental in my journey: resilience, adaptability, and a deep-rooted commitment to lifelong learning.

1. Resilience: Building something meaningful, especially in healthcare, comes with countless obstacles, setbacks, and moments of self-doubt. Resilience is what keeps you pushing forward when the odds seem stacked against you. For me, resilience was forged through personal experiences and challenges, from growing up with three brothers to dealing with life-altering events. For anyone early in their journey, remember that resilience is like a muscle; it strengthens each time you push through a difficult moment. Seek out mentors and role models who embody resilience, and don’t shy away from challenges—they are opportunities to grow stronger.

2. Adaptability: In healthcare and entrepreneurship, change is constant. Whether it’s new technology, evolving regulations, or unexpected life events, you have to be able to pivot and adjust. When COVID-19 hit, adaptability became a key component of my work, as I had to rethink how to deliver hands-on training when in-person sessions were limited. My advice is to practice flexibility. Don’t get too attached to one way of doing things; instead, stay open to alternative paths. Embrace change as a chance to innovate rather than a roadblock.
3. Lifelong Learning: Healthcare is a field that evolves rapidly, and to stay relevant, you have to be a constant student. For me, this meant going back to school multiple times, earning my bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees, and continually updating my knowledge in resuscitation science. For those starting out, invest in your education—whether formal or informal. Attend workshops, seek certifications, read industry journals, and never stop asking questions. Knowledge is power, and the more you know, the more equipped you’ll be to make a real impact.

Advice for the Journey: Embrace the long game. Success doesn’t happen overnight, especially in fields as challenging as healthcare and innovation. Surround yourself with people who inspire you, and don’t be afraid to seek help or guidance when you need it. Find mentors who will challenge you to grow, and remember that every setback is a setup for a comeback.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Absolutely! I’m actively seeking partners and collaborators who can bring their expertise and energy to the journey of commercializing, packaging, and scaling CodePRep. Specifically, I’m looking for a fractional COO—someone who complements my vision and approach, someone who not only understands the resilience it takes to push forward despite obstacles but who also brings a sense of joy and humor to the process. Building something impactful should be both challenging and fulfilling, and I want to work alongside individuals who find laughter and purpose in the journey, no matter how tough it gets.

If you have a strategic mindset, a strong operational background, and a passion for transforming healthcare, I’d love to connect. Let’s see how we can make a real impact together! Please feel free to reach out to me directly through LinkedIn or email. Let’s make a difference, one bold step at a time.

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