Sarah Campbell, PA

Biography

Mom x 6. Former paramedic. Community volunteer. And passionate about the highest and best ortho care.                       

As a mom of six children and background as a paramedic, there’s very little that physician assistant Sarah Campbell hasn’t seen.

It’s that personal and professional experience, along with a fresh PA education later in life, that brought Campbell to the VCU Health Orthopaedics team, where she specializes in treating musculoskeletal infectious disease and wound care. Such patients have complex wounds from persistent and underlying infections, tissue damage, non-healing surgical wounds and those from traumatic injury.  

“As a paramedic in Richmond, I transported many patients to VCU with life-threatening illness or injury who were later discharged with positive outcomes. And I’ve also seen firsthand the excellent care given to my own family members who have been patients at VCU,” she says. “I really wanted to become part of that. And today I’m on a team that pushes boundaries to find answers, delivers compassionate care to all and helps people live healthy and fulfilling lives.”

During her training as a physician assistant, she did a rotation with VCU Health’s orthopaedic surgery. “I fell in love with the specialty,” she says. “Ortho is something all of us will experience at some point in our life through injury, illness or advancing age. Good bone, joint and muscle care is so important in maintaining optimal health throughout our lives.”

She collaborates closely with surgeons, infectious disease specialists and fellow advanced practice providers like PAs and nurse practitioners (NPs) to create personalized treatment plans for each patient. “Together, we are going to find the best plan for each person to help them heal from wounds, preserve threatened limbs and live their best lives,” she says.

In addition to her clinical work, Sarah is an active member of her hometown community of Williamsburg, where she volunteers with the Community of Faith Mission, providing emergency shelter for those without homes during winter months. Her commitment to service has not gone unnoticed: Campbell received the Excellence in Service Award from the City of Williamsburg in 2021, a testament to her positive attitude, leadership and dedication during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Advice to Patients

“Find a provider who listens with empathy and truly makes you feel listened to and understood. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and communicate. The best care is given when the provider and patient work together as partners.”