Profile: Sarah Kilbourne, MD

Division of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine
FELLOW PROFILE: SARAH K. KILBOURNE, MD

I grew up in Rochester Hills, Michigan, which is just north of Detroit. I went to the University of Michigan for undergraduate (go Blue!), and moved to New Orleans for graduate school and medical school at Tulane University, and then on to Charlottesville for my residency and fellowship. I’m at the end of my third year, and plan to stay on as an attending come July [2015].

Why pulmonary/critical care medicine?

I have always really enjoyed this field; I knew it would be the right one for me, even when I was an intern. The complexity of patient care is definitely what hooked me — but it is caring for patients and their families under really tough circumstances that is most rewarding. Pulmonary physiology is dynamic, interesting and challenging, and the contrast between practicing pulmonary medicine in an outpatient setting and on a medical intensive care unit is invigorating and a welcome change in my day-to-day practice. It also gives me an opportunity to see a wide variety of disease processes in many different stages.

Why UVA?

UVA has given me tremendous opportunities and I’m delighted to be able to stay as an attending in the Pulmonary/Critical Care Division.

Proudest achievement outside the professional realm?

Being part of the relief efforts immediately after Hurricane Katrina. New Orleans was my home for five years and it was a privilege to be able to give back during such a difficult time in its history.

What are you usually doing in your spare time?

Hanging out with my dog, Maddie, and my fiancé, Justin — either at home, on the Downtown Mall or hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Words to live by?

Simple. The Golden Rule: treat everyone as you would wish to be treated.