Sarah Halloran, MD

What is your practice philosophy? I love working in a team environment with other providers and staff. I care deeply about shared decision making with patients.  

What are you passionate about? And why? I am passionate about caring for the underserved. I spent the majority of my residency caring for marginalized populations and derived a great sense of purpose from this.  

If I wasn’t a provider, I would be a: Architect. I love looking at houses/buildings and exploring different design techniques.  

Why did you become a provider? When did you know this was the career for you? I always loved math and science so I knew I wanted something where I could spend time with these subjects. Additionally, I loved volunteering and working closely with people. Medicine was the perfect combination of these and allowed me to be in a career path where I am continually being challenged and learning new things.  

Something I have learned from my patients is: Patients are the ones who have to live with what we prescribe as providers. Choosing a treatment plan that doesn’t work within their lifestyle or their values/goals is going to fail every time.  

One of the challenges of this career that I enjoy is (and why):  I really struggle with talking about obesity, especially in childhood. I find it hard to be able to have open communication about lifestyle changes and treatment options without implying blame on the patient.  

My personal health goal is: Continue to find some way to exercise every day.  

What is the best thing you’ve done for your health or the best health advice you’ve received? I started swimming regularly after a knee injury and it has brought me into better health. I love my YWCA. 

What are you most proud of? Completing medical school and residency.  

What are a few of your personal achievements? Running two marathons- Boston in 2013 and Grandma’s in 2021.