Dr. Sara Edwards
Board-certified orthopaedic surgeon in Northern California
Meet Dr. Sara L. Edwards, a highly skilled orthopaedic surgeon in San Francisco with a specialized focus on treating shoulder, elbow, and knee injuries. Her expertise encompasses the surgical management of shoulder arthritis, including advanced procedures such as complex shoulder arthroplasty—reconstruction or replacement of the shoulder joint—and revision surgeries for patients requiring further intervention. Dr. Edwards provides comprehensive care for patients of all ages, addressing sports-related injuries across the spectrum, from recreational participants to elite athletes.
Dr. Edwards is deeply committed to advancing the field of orthopaedics through research. Her research interests are centered on evaluating patient outcomes following shoulder arthroplasty and labral repair, a procedure that corrects damage to the cartilage in the shoulder. Additionally, she has a keen interest in injury epidemiology, studying the characteristics of injuries, identifying risk factors, and understanding the demographics of those most affected. Her research also delves into the biomechanical evaluation of shoulder arthroscopic procedures, with a specific focus on the mechanisms involved in proximal humerus fractures, which are breaks that occur near the top of the upper arm bone. Moreover, Dr. Edwards is dedicated to injury prevention, particularly among young athletes, aiming to reduce the risk of injuries and improve long-term athletic health.
Dr. Edwards’ distinguished medical career began at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, where she earned her medical degree and completed a rigorous residency in orthopaedic surgery, culminating in her role as chief resident. To further specialize in sports medicine, she pursued a fellowship in orthopaedic surgery at Columbia University, where she was honored to serve as the Charles S. Neer MD Shoulder and Elbow Fellow, a prestigious position that underscored her commitment to excellence in shoulder and elbow surgery.
In addition to her clinical practice and research, Dr. Edwards serves as a team physician for several prominent institutions, including City College of San Francisco, the University of San Francisco, and the Oakland Ballet, where she provides orthopaedic care to dancers. Her experience extends to her former roles as the orthopaedic surgeon for the University of California, Berkeley, where she cared for athletes in football, rugby, women’s basketball, and gymnastics, and as the head orthopaedic surgeon for the Northwestern University Wildcats. Her extensive experience with both collegiate and professional athletes highlights her ability to handle a wide range of orthopaedic conditions and underscores her reputation as a trusted expert in sports medicine.
Education
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, MD, 2000
Residencies
Northwestern University, Orthopaedic Surgery, 2005
Fellowships
Columbia University, Orthopaedic Surgery, 2006
Board Certifications
Orthopaedic Sports Medicine, American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. Orthopaedic Surgery, American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.
Academic Title
Professor