Name, MD/DO + any additional degrees: Sara E. Hensley, MD

College/University:  University of Miami

Medical School: University of Kentucky

Hometown: Calvert City, KY

Clinical and Research Interests: clinical:  MIS/acute care surgery/critical care, abdominal wall reconstruction, advanced endoscopy; research:  abdominal aortic aneurysms, bariatric surgery in pre-heart transplant patients, reflux surgery in post-lung transplant patients

What were you looking for in a residency program?

I was looking for a large academic program with robust research opportunities and complex patient population, an affordable cost of living, and co-residents that I would get along with.

What are the strengths of the UF program?

It checks all the boxes for surgical residency at a large academic center – good case numbers, complex patients, great research, graduated autonomy. What makes UF special is the unwavering support from our program director and chair, faculty who want to teach in the OR and feel strongly about training excellent surgeons, and the best co-residents anyone could ask for.

What do you like best about living in Gainesville?

I enjoy the small college town vibe and I love the affordability. We bought a home my intern year and have 3 dogs and a beautiful backyard. There are enough activities to keep you entertained on your off days, plenty of restaurants/bars, natural springs/rivers within 20 minutes from the hospital, and Gulf and Atlantic beaches within about an hour and a half from the hospital.

List of hobbies/interests: spending time with my 3 pups (Biscuit, Dixie, Parker), teaching myself hand embroidery, biking, yoga