Our Member of the Week blog introduces you to our fellow level members, showcasing their unique work and commitment to IOF. We feature different fellows who have made extraordinary contributions to the field of Interventional Orthopedics.
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Connect with Dr. Pastoriza
Meet Sarah Pastoriza, DO
Sarah Pastoriza, DO was born and raised in Miami, FL. She graduated from college at the University of Florida as an Engineer and fun fact: she was also a javelin thrower. Dr. Pastoriza completed medical school at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Bradenton, FL and then completed a preliminary surgical intern year at Kendall Regional Medical Center in Miami, FL. She completed PM&R residency at Metro Health Medical Center in Cleveland, OH; Pain Fellowship at University of Alabama-Birmingham, and Centeno-Schultz Clinic Fellowship in Broomfield, CO.
Currently, Dr. Pastoriza works as a pain physician and is building orthobiologics programs at University Hospitals in Cleveland, OH. She is also the current Associate Program Director to the PM&R residency program. Dr. Pastoriza is double board certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation and pain medicine.
Q&A with Dr. Pastoriza
IOF: Who are your biggest mentors in regenerative medicine and why?
Dr. Pastoriza: My biggest mentor is Dr. James Leiber. He was faculty at LECOM when I was a medical student and I later became his patient. I had a 5th MTP fracture with a torn ATFL and CFL, he treated me and I was able to get out of a boot I wore for over 3 months due to constant pain. Still good to this day!
He was the physician who originally opened my eyes to the field of regenerative medicine and prompted the fellowship at Centeno-Schultz Clinic. Drs. Jason Markle, John Pitts, Matthew Hyzy, John Schultz and Chris Centeno were all pivotal in my training and teaching me the skills I have today.
IOF: What are you most proud of?
My children. They are 4- and 1-years-old and they are my world.
IOF: What is your best advice for others wanting to get into regenerative medicine?
Go to IOF, go to TOBI, network and talk to as many people working in the field as possible to figure out what works best for you and what can help your practice and patients.