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Sarah Hughes

MD Candidate | Emergency Medicine Residency Applicant Focused in Trauma, Resuscitation & Acute Care | MBA – Healthcare Administration | Team-Driven | Service-Oriented

About

A life-saving surgery at 18 changed more than my health, it gave me purpose. Shadowing the surgeon who treated me sparked a passion for operative medicine that has grown into a calling to serve patients during their most critical moments.

Now a 4th-year medical student at Saint James School of Medicine, I’m applying to  Emergency Medicine. My passions are rooted in acute care, critical thinking, and serving diverse communities, making Emergency Medicine the perfect fit. I thrive in high-acuity, team-based environments where decisive action changes lives. I am driven by a lifelong commitment to delivering compassionate, efficient, and impactful care. 

With a biology degree from Wright State University, research in immune modulation, and a 4.0 MBA in Healthcare Administration, I bring a foundation that blends clinical insight with systems thinking. My rotations in South Texas—including at a Level I trauma center—have solidified my drive to pursue a career where I can lead, adapt, and deliver immediate impact.

I’m eager to train where curiosity, grit, and patient-centered care are at the heart of medicine.

Highlights

  • Elected President of Student Government Association 

  • Completed Emergency Medicine rotation at a Level I trauma center along the Mexico/USA border

  • Traveled to Belize as part of a Medical Mission Trip

  • Completed Emergency Medicine in a rural community in the Appalachian mountains.

  • Earned a 4.0 GPA in MBA while in medical school

  • Authored and submitted several papers, currently under review for publication

  • Peer Reviewer for Annals of Medicine and Surgery & International Journal of Surgery

Associations

  • American College of Emergency Physicians
  • American College of Surgeons
  • Association of Women Surgeons
  • Emergency Medicine Residents Association
  • Texas College of Emergency Physicians
  • American Medical Student Association

Sarah Hughes

MD Candidate | Emergency Medicine Residency Applicant Focused in Trauma, Resuscitation & Acute Care | MBA – Healthcare Administration | Team-Driven | Service-Oriented

Education

Doctor of Medicine (M.D.)
Saint James School of Medicine
*Est graduation date: November 2025

Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.)
Urbana University (2015-2017)
Health/Health Care Administration/Management 

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Wright State University (2013-2014)
Biological Sciences 

Ohio Wesleyan University (2010-2012)
Pursued Biological Sciences degree, transferred to Wright State to complete

Clinical training

Skills

Surgical & Procedural Skills

  • Assisted in robotic and laparoscopic procedures including bariatric surgery, cholecystectomy, appendectomy, and hernia repairs

  • Participated in open surgical cases involving wound debridement, amputations, incision & drainage, ostomy creation, and bowel anastomosis

  • Proficient in sterile technique, surgical instrumentation, and operative field assistance

Emergency & Acute Care Skills

  • Performed or assisted with intubation, suturing, laceration repair, and fracture reductions

  • Participated in trauma alerts, rapid responses, Code Blues, and trauma evaluations in a Level I trauma center

  • Assisted with lumbar punctures, wound care, and procedural sedation

  • Skilled in triage decision-making, resuscitation support, and acute stabilization

Diagnostic & Interpretation Skills

  • Interpreted X-rays and CT scans in both surgical and emergency settings

  • Recognized surgical emergencies including acute abdomen, perforation, and bowel ischemia

  • Collaborated in multidisciplinary teams for high-acuity patient management

Professional Competencies

  • Effective communicator in fast-paced, high-stress environments

  • Comfortable working in interdisciplinary teams including trauma, surgical, and critical care teams

  • Strong foundation in evidence-based practice, leadership, and patient-centered care

Core rotations

Internal Medicine – South Texas Health System, McAllen, TX and ASAS Health Clinic, Edinburg, TX

General Surgery – South Texas Health System & STHS Heart Hospital, McAllen, TX
Edinburg Regional Medical Center& Edinburg Children's Hospital, Edinburg, TX
Knapp Medical Center, Weslaco, TX

Pediatrics – Edinburg Children's Hospital, Edinburg, TX

Obstetrics & Gynecology – Edinburg Regional Medical Center, Edinburg, TX

Psychiatry – Tropical Texas Behavioral Health

Family Medicine – ASAS Health Clinic, Edinburg, TX

Elective rotations

Internal Medicine – South Texas Health System, McAllen, TX

Nephrology – ASAS Health Clinic, Edinburg, TX

Emergency Medicine (Level I)- South Texas Health System, McAllen, TX

General Surgery – South Texas Health System & STHS Heart Hospital, McAllen, TX
Edinburg Regional Medical Center & Edinburg Children's Hospital, Edinburg, TX
Knapp Medical Center, Weslaco, TX

Pediatric Emergency Medicine- Children's Hospital, Edinburg, TX

Emergency Medicine (Rural-away)- Beckley Appalachian Regional Hospital, Beckley, WV

Global Health (away)- Global Brigades Medical Mission Trip, Belize, Central America

Family Medicine (away)- Knapp Medical Center. Weslaco, TX

Work experience

2020present

Assistant to the Chief Financial Officer

Counterpart CFO
  • Provided high-level financial support across multiple clients, covering payroll management, invoicing, accounts payable/receivable, billing, tax preparation, and budget planning.
  • Collaborated with diverse businesses to streamline financial operations, demonstrating adaptability and effective multidisciplinary coordination.
  • Maintained consistent performance in part-time professional work while undertaking full-time medical education, showcasing time management and dedication.
2019-112021-09

English Second Language Teacher

VIPKid
  • Delivered over 6,000 one-on-one virtual English lessons to students aged 3-16, tailoring instruction to individual learning styles and developmental levels.
  • Earned TEFL Basic and Advanced certifications, showcasing expertise in pedagogy and English language instruction.
  • Cultivated advanced cross-cultural communication skills through interaction with diverse student populations; effectively navigated language barriers using creativity, patience, and clarity.
2015-052020-02

Director of Communications

Nurse Next Door
  • Development of content related to caregiving, patient support, and healthcare education, emphasizing compassionate, community-based care initiatives.
  • Promotion of health services through digital platforms with alignment to patient advocacy principles and professional healthcare standards.
  • Collaboration on interdisciplinary initiatives by leveraging skills in surgical education, patient advocacy, and cross-functional teamwork.
2013-062014-06

Undergraduate Student Researcher- Microbiology & Immunology

Wright State University
  • Conducted research on microbial interactions in the Emerald Ash Borer, exploring potential applications for reducing symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
  • Contributed to scientific presentations showcasing laboratory progress and findings.
  • Collaborated with a multidisciplinary team in a laboratory setting, fostering effective communication and teamwork in a dynamic research environment.

Publications

  • Manuscripts Under Review:
    Primary and Co-author on 4 journal articles currently under peer review for publication in high-impact medical journals.
    Actively developing an additional manuscript with planned submission in the coming months.

  • Peer Reviewer:
    Served as a peer reviewer for the Annals of Medicine and Surgery and the International Journal of Surgery, critically evaluating submissions for scientific accuracy, clarity, and relevance in the field of surgery and acute care.

Volunteer

Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America -Volunteer & Team Leader (2011- Present)

  • Founded and led “Hope – Team Sarah,” raising thousands of dollars through the Take Steps annual walk to fund IBD research, patient support programs, and advocacy initiatives.

  • Volunteered at local Take Steps events, supporting thousands of participants by organizing logistics, providing encouragement, and strengthening community outreach for those affected by Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Global Brigades Medical Mission Trip- Belize (September 2025)

  • Selected to join a 14-day medical mission providing care to underserved communities in rural Belize. Will assist with triage, patient education, and clinical support alongside local and international healthcare professionals.
  • Focused on delivering primary care, improving access to medical resources, and strengthening cross-cultural clinical skills in resource-limited settings.

Student Government Association- Saint James School of Medicine - President

  • Organized and led executive board meetings, coordinated strategic initiatives, and facilitated effective communication through oversight of class representatives.
  • Fostered collaboration among faculty, administration, and student organizations to enhance the overall medical education experience.
  • Addressed and resolved student concerns diplomatically while promoting professionalism, advocacy, and accountability within the institution.
  • Previously served as Class Representative and Vice President; currently serving as President for all clinical students in South Texas.