Getting to Know: Sarah Frommer
Sarah is a Craniofacial and Pediatric Surgery Fellow at the University of Texas, United States where she is getting prepared to enter this exciting field and work with children.
Where are you now?
Austin, Texas, USA
What's your official title? What does it mean to you?
I am a Craniofacial and Pediatric Surgery Fellow. This means that I am one year closer to being done with schooling, and getting prepared to enter an exciting and worthwhile field.
What is your educational background?
I have a B.S. Biomedical Engineering degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Minnesota, and my MD from the University of Minnesota. I completed a combined Plastic Surgery Residency at Brown University, and am now completing my Craniofacial Fellowship at the University of Texas.
Why did you become a surgeon?
I love working with my hands and being able to create.
“The best professional advice that I ever received was to do something because it makes YOU happy, not other people because you can never make everyone happy.”
What is your area of specialty?
I am currently figuring this part of my career out now, but I can already share that I love working with the pediatric population.
What's the best professional advice that anyone ever gave you?
Do something because it makes YOU happy, not other people, because you can never make everyone happy.
What books are on your nightstand?
Principles and Practice of Pediatric Plastic Surgery Volume 1, Surgical Approaches to the Facial Skeleton, Scarf Style, and The Bistro Cookbook.
Coffee or tea?
Sugar Free Red Bull, but only the 8oz size.
Name five artists on your iPod?
U2, The Weeknd, Muse, Taylor Swift, and Sia.
What is most fulfilling to you in your work?
Being able to have a positive impact on another person’s life.
“AO CMF is a great way for me to connect with colleagues from around the world about craniofacial surgery. We are a passionate group who want to expand our field and share our knowledge.”
Tell us about the most important experience in your life as a surgeon.
I took care of many sick patients as a resident in the surgical ICU. I interacted with their families, to help them understand what was happening with their loved one. I remember one patient. His entire family was bedside every day, as he fought to stay alive. Eventually, every organ system shut down, and yet he was still hanging on. His wife asked what she should do. I explained that while her husband was very strong and a fighter, that his body was not as strong as his will. The family came to understand that all of the medical interventions were just prolonging the inevitable. They then decided only to provide comfort measures. After he passed away, his wife came up to me, gave me a hug, and thanked me.
If you weren't working in the medical field, what would your dream job be?
Either a popstar or the next Martha Stewart…Korean Style!
Do you have a mantra or favorite saying?
If other people can do it, then I can too!
In a few words, what does AO CMF mean to you?
It is a great way for me to connect with colleagues from around the world about craniofacial surgery. We are a passionate group who want to expand our field and share our knowledge.