Sarah Papa, MD

I was born and raised in Vernon, NY and lived in upstate NY for my entire life before coming to UVA. I completed my undergrad degree in biology at SUNY Geneseo and initially decided to go to physical therapy school at SUNY Upstate Medical University. While in physical therapy school, I felt increasingly drawn toward medical school, and surgery in particular, through my experiences in the anatomy lab and being diagnosed with thyroid cancer. At the conclusion of physical therapy school, I chose to stay at SUNY Upstate to complete my medical degree and fell in love with general surgery.

My current interest in surgery is general surgical oncology, with a special interest in sarcoma surgery. My long-term goal is to work at an academic medical center where I can be involved in both education and research in addition to clinical medicine. I am excited to be joining the UVA Surgery family as I take this next step in my journey.

Outside of the hospital, I enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. I grew up riding horses. I also enjoy hiking, kayaking, and playing basketball, and am an avid reader