Meet Sarah Blumenthal, MD

Dr. Blumenthal is an orthopedic surgeon at Keck Medicine of USC who specializes in treating traumatic injuries such as fractures, tendon ruptures, ligament tears and joint dislocations.

Here’s what you won’t find on her resume.

She debated multiple future careers as a child.

“When I was little, I thought I wanted to be either the president or an astronaut — obviously rather dissimilar fields. My parents like to reminisce though that one of my favorite toys as a small child was a skeleton I chose as a toy from a bookstore. During high school, I was involved heavily in speech and debate as well as the school newspaper, and I considered becoming a lawyer. My interest in medicine came much later though.”

Performing was a favorite hobby.

“People may be surprised to learn that I attended music camp almost every summer while growing up. I played the violin in solo competitions and in several orchestras for many years.”

She’s an animal person.

“When I’m not working, I enjoy riding my bike and rock climbing with my husband. We have two cats who are great to play with and cuddle. Animal therapy is incredibly calming!”

On trading careers with anyone in the world:

“I wouldn’t even daydream about it. I love what I do!”

A love of science inspired her medical career.

“I always enjoyed studying science and questioning the inner workings of biology. I majored in neurobiology in college and found both physiology and anatomy fascinating. This interest inspired me to find a practical application for my scientific curiosity, and I decided to become a doctor. I like using my hands and problem-solving, so orthopedic surgery was a perfect fit.”

Seeing her patients recover is rewarding.

“The most rewarding part of my job is seeing patients bounce back from severe, life-altering traumas. When I finally see a patient walk after a horrific injury that has taken months of hard work for recovery, I feel an immense sense of satisfaction that I was able to participate in their journey and help in some small way.

Piecing fractures back together is akin to putting a difficult puzzle back together. But the big picture involves helping a patient achieve a positive outcome.”

She’s inspired by her colleagues.

“I love working in academic medicine because this environment allows me to be inspired every day by the outstanding work my fellow surgeons produce. I enjoy discussing difficult and challenging cases with my colleagues. Their advice and wisdom make me a better surgeon. The opportunity to do research and develop new treatment modalities is truly rewarding.”

What patients can expect from her approach:

“I would describe my bedside manner as honest and forthcoming. I am both realistic and optimistic. I always strive to follow the gold standard in medicine and stay up to date on the most innovative strategies, because the better a physician I am, the better my patients will do.”

Her top advice for medical students interested in orthopedics:

“Orthopedic surgery involves much more problem-solving and creativity than you might realize. In the past, people may have thought that orthopedic surgeons simply fix broken bones. This specialty is really an art form in its own way. You need to be both patient and decisive to be a good surgeon. Quality matters, and good radiographic outcomes correlate with good clinical outcomes.”

An enhanced imaging technique changed orthopedic care.

“The most impactful advancement in my field was the advent of modern fluoroscopy. It dramatically changed orthopedic trauma. Reducing fractures correctly (which means putting them back together) requires visual and radiographic confirmation. How can you fix something if you can’t see it?”

She is involved in research efforts.

“I am working on several clinical trials designed to improve orthopedic trauma care. Most of this work centers on fracture care.”

Keck Medicine stands out for its culture of teamwork.

“I have extremely supportive colleagues at USC Orthopaedic Surgery at Keck Medicine, and that environment fosters better medicine. We all share a common goal of providing modern and patient-centered care, and we work collaboratively to make that vision a reality.”

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