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Sarah Jane Commander

MD, MHS, RPVI

Sarah Jane Commander, MD MHS RPVI is a General and Vascular Surgeon with Texas Vascular Associates. Dr. Commander is dedicated to combining technical precision with a patient-first approach, ensuring her patients feel fully informed and supported throughout their treatment. She specializes in providing comprehensive vascular care, with a focus on complex open and endovascular aortic reconstruction—including open thoracoabdominal aneurysm repair and physician-modified endografts.

Dr. Commander graduated with honors from Stanford University with a Bachelor of Science in biology and a minor in chemistry. She earned a Master of Health Sciences in clinical trials from Duke University, and her Medical Doctorate from Baylor College of Medicine, where she was inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha. She completed her residency in General Surgery at Duke University and her advanced fellowship training in Vascular Surgery at the University of Florida. She has published over 60 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters, served as the principal investigator for 6 grants, and was the recipient of an NIH T-32 fellowship in Clinical Pharmacology.

Education:

  • Stanford University – Bachelor of Science in Biology with Honors, Minor in Chemistry (2013)
  • Baylor College of Medicine – Medical Doctorate (2017)
  • Duke University – Master of Health Sciences in Clinical Trials (2021)

 

Post-Doctoral Training:

  • General Surgery Residency – Duke University (2017–2024)
  • Vascular Surgery Fellowship – University of Florida (2024–2026)

Research Fellowships:

  • Vascular Surgery Research Fellow – University of Florida (2024-present)
  • Vascular Surgery Research Fellow – Duke University Medical Center (2022-2024)
  • Pediatric Research Fellow – Duke Clinical Research Institute (2019-2023)
  • Pediatric Surgery Research Fellow – Duke University Medical Center (2018-2024)
  • Pediatric Plastic Surgery Research Assistant – Texas Children’s Hospital (2014-2017)
  • Pediatric Surgery Research Assistant – Texas Children’s Hospital (2014-2018)

Presentations:

  • Clark SJ, Sheikh F, Akinkuotu A, Zamora IJ, Lee TC, Olutoye OO, Mehollin-Ray A, Cass DL. Prenatal Measurements of Vessel Size May Improve ECMO Cannulation for Infants with CDH. Conference: 10th Annual Academic Surgical Congress. Section: Quick shot presentation. February 3rd 2015; Las Vegas, Nevada. Presentation.
  • Clark SJ, Hu A, Constantine G, Greenburg S, Lu L. Puff of Smoke: An Uncommon Cause of Cerebrovascular Accidents. Texas American College of Physicians Associates Resident’s Day. April 30th, 2016; Houston, Texas. Presentation. Won 3rd place in Resident’s Category. Presentation.
  • Commander SJ, Goss M, Shi Y, Flores R, Vasudevan S. Simultaneous Bilateral Thoracotomy Performed for Metastatectomy in Pediatric Malignancies. Conference: 12th Annual Academic Surgical Congress. Section: Quick shot presentation. February 3rd 2017; Las Vegas, Nevada. Presentation.
  • Commander SJ, Shi Y, Goss J, Vasudevan S. Postoperative complications for children undergoing primary malignant liver tumor resection. Conference: 17th Annual American Pediatric Surgical Association Meeting. Section: Clinical. May 4th 2017. Hollywood, FL. Oral Poster Presentation.
  • Commander SJ, Ellis D, Williamson H, Grabski D, Sallah AY, Derbew M, Fitzgerald T. Predictors of Burnout and Depression in Surgeons Practicing in Sub-Saharan Africa. Conference: Conference: 15th Annual Academic Surgical Congress. Section: Global Surgery. February 6th 2020, Orlando, FL. Presentation.
  • Commander SJ, Cerulo M, Leraas H, Reed C, Achey M, Wachsmuth L, Schooler G, Tracy EA. Hepatic angiosarcoma in children is associated with increased rates of surgical resection and improved overall survival compared with adults. Conference: 20th Annual American Pediatric Surgical Association Meeting/ International Society of Paediatric Surgical Oncology Symposium. Section: Surgical Oncology. May 13th 2020. Virtual Presentation.
  • Commander SJ, Gonzalez D, Kumar KR, Spears T, Cohen-Wolkowiez M, Zimmerman KO, Lee JH, Hornik CP. Population Pharmacokinetic Modeling and Simulation of Milrinone to Characterize Predicted Exposure Response Relationships to Hypotension. Conference: Society of Critical Care Medicine. January 2021. Virtual Presentation.
  • Commander SJ, Oyania F, Bingana C, Ajidiru L, Ellis D, Situma, M Fitzgerald TN. Delays In Pediatric Colorectal Care Lead To Unnecessary Healthcare Expenditure: A Standard Of Care Phase For The Implementation Of A Mobile Health Program. Conference: American College of Surgeons. Section: Global Surgery and Humanitarian Outreach. Virtual Presentation. October 2021. Won Excellence in Research Award.
  • Commander SJ, Oyania F, Bingana C, Ajidiru L, Ellis D, Situma, M Fitzgerald TN. Non-standardized nutritional parameters offer varied perceptions of malnutrition in pediatric surgical patients in Uganda. Conference: 22nd Annual American Pediatric Surgical Association Meeting. Section: Surgery. May 2022. Presentation. Virtual Presentation.
  • Commander SJ, Voit A, Williams Z, Cox MW. Outcomes of Excimer Laser IVC Filter Retrieval in Conjunction with Other Advanced Techniques. Conference: 36th Eastern Vascular Society Annual Meeting. October 1st 2022. Philadelphia, PA.
  • Commander SJ. Rural Surgery: Serving a Forgotten Population. Duke General Surgery Grand Rounds. May 5th, 2024. Durham, NC.
  • Commander SJ, Shahid Z. Type B Aortic Dissection. Conference: International Aortic Symposium. December 6th 2024. Orlando, Fl.
  • Commander SJ, Shahid Z, Back M. Carotid Patch Infection Management. Conference: Florida Vascular Society Case Reports Seminars. February 26th, 2026. Gainesville, FL.

 

Posters:

  • Clark SJ, Sheikh F, Akinkuotu A, Zamora IJ, Lee TC, Olutoye OO, Mehollin-Ray A, Cass DL. Mainstem Bronchial Atresia: A Lethal Anomaly Amenable to Fetal Surgical Treatment. Conference: 2nd Annual Baylor College of Medicine Research Day Symposium. Department: Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery. June 4th, 2014; Houston, Texas. Poster
  • Clark SJ, Shi Y, Goss J, Vasudevan S. Vascular Invasion as a Predictor of Prognosis in Surgically Treated Hepatoblastoma. Conference: 16th Annual Henry J.N. Taub/James K. Alexander Medical Student Research Symposium. March 10th, 2016; Houston, Texas. Poster.
  • Clark SJ, Shi Y, Goss J, Vasudevan S. Vascular Invasion as a Predictor of Prognosis in Surgically Treated Hepatoblastoma. Conference: Texas Children’s Hospital Surgical Research Day. May 6th, 2016; Houston, Texas. Poster.
  • Commander SJ, Shi Y, Goss J, Vasudevan S. Vascular Invasion as a Predictor of Prognosis in Surgically Treated Hepatoblastoma. Conference: 4th Annual Baylor College of Medicine Research Day Symposium. Department: Michael E. Debakey Department of Surgery. June 8th, 2016; Houston, Texas. Poster.
  • Commander SJ, Ha TA, Kueht M, Rana A, Goss J, Vasudevan S. Infectious complications and risk of recurrence following surgical treatment of pediatric hepatoblastoma. Conference: Henry J.N. Taub & James K. Alexander Medical Student Research Symposium. Section: Clinical. March 9th 2017. Poster.
  • Commander SJ, Kueht M, Ha TA, Rana A, Goss J, Vasudevan S. Infectious complications following surgically treated pediatric hepatoblastoma. Conference: American Transplant Congress. Section: Clinical. April 30th 2017. Poster. Won Best Poster.
  • Commander SJ, Goss M, Shi Y, Flores R, Vasudevan S. Simultaneous Bilateral Thoracotomy Performed for Metastatectomy in Pediatric Malignancies. Conference: Texas Children’s Hospital Surgical Research Day. May 19th 2017. Houston, Texas. Poster.
  • Commander SJ, Ha TA, Kueht M, Rana A, Goss J, Vasudevan S. Infectious complications and risk of recurrence following surgical treatment of pediatric hepatoblastoma. Conference: Texas Children’s Hospital Surgical Research Day. May 19th 2017. Houston, Texas. Poster.
  • Commander SJ, Shi Y, Vasudevan S. Postoperative complications for children undergoing primary malignant liver tumor resection. Conference: Texas Children’s Hospital Surgical Research Day. May 19th 2017. Houston, Texas. Poster.
  • Commander SJ, Shi Y, Goss J, Vasudevan S. Postoperative complications for children undergoing primary malignant liver tumor resection. Conference: 5th Annual Baylor College of Medicine Research Day Symposium. Department: Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery. June 7th, 2017; Houston, Texas. Poster.
  • Commander SJ, Shaw B, Yoeli D, Rana A, Goss J. A Long-Term Experience with Expansion of Milan Criteria for Liver Transplant Recipients. Conference: 18th Annual State of the Art American Society of Transplant Surgeons Winter Symposium. January 12th, 2018; Miami, Fl. Poster
  • Commander SJ, Shaw B, Yoeli D, Rana A, Goss J. A Long-Term Experience with Expansion of Milan Criteria for Liver Transplant Recipients. Conference: American Transplant Congress. Section: Clinical. June 2nd 2018; Seattle, WA. Poster. Won: Poster of distinction
  • Commander SJ, Ellis D, Williamson H, Oyania F, Ruhigwa C, Situma M, Fitzgerald T. The hidden mortality of congenital anomalies in Uganda. Conference: 20th Annual American Pediatric Surgical Association Meeting/ International Society of Paediatric Surgical Oncology Symposium. Section: Global Health. May 14th 2020. Virtual Poster.
  • Commander SJ, Cerullo M, Arjunji N, Leraas HJ, Reed CR, Tracy ET. Improved Survival and Increased Rate of Surgical Resection Associated with Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Children Compared to Adults. Conference: American Academy of Pediatrics Annual Meeting. Section: Section on Surgery. September 2020. Virtual Poster.
  • Commander SJ, Cerullo M, Arjunji N, Leraas HJ, Reed CR, Tracy ET. Improved Survival and Increased Rate of Surgical Resection Associated with Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Children Compared to Adults. Conference: Duke University Medical Center Surgery Research Day. Section: Clinical Research. April 2021. Virtual Poster.
  • Commander SJ, Cerulo M, Thornton S, Leraas HJ, Joseph S, Tracy ET. Grade missingness does not appear to affect outcomes in pediatric surgical oncology patients. Conference: American Academy of Pediatrics Annual Meeting. Section: Surgery. October 2021. Virtual Poster.

Book Chapters:

  • Commander SJ, Shah, SK. Acute and Chronic Limb Ischemia. Principles and Practices of Hospital Medicine, 3rd edition. (Chapter 263). McGraw Hill
  • Commander SJ, Tracy ET, Rice HE. Surgical Disorders of the Spleen. Fundamentals of Pediatric Surgery, 978-3-031-07523-0, 152105_3_En, (Chapter 99). Springer Nature.

 

Article Reviews & Commentaries:

  • Meaike JD, Clark SJ, Hollier LH Jr. Review of “’Go With Your Gut’ – Reflections on Selecting a Surgical Subspecialty” by Graffeo C. Annals of Surgery 2015;262(1):18-19 J Craniofacial Surgery. 2015 Nov;26(8):2428-2429.
  • Clark SJ, Pickrell BB, Hollier LH Jr. Review of “Effect of the World Health Organization Checklist on Patient Outcomes: A Stepped Wedge Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial” by Haugen AS, Softeland E, Almeland SK, et al. Annals of Surgery 2015;261(5):821-828. J Craniofacial Surgery. 2015 Nov;26(8):2426.
  • Clark SJ, Hollier LH Jr. Review of “An Analysis of the Citation Climate in Neurosurgical Literature and Description of an Interfield Citation Metric” by Madhugiri VS, Sasidharan GM, Subeikshanan V, et al. Neurosurgery 2015;76(5):505-513. J Craniofacial Surgery. 2015 Nov;26(8):2427.
  • Clark SJ, Hollier LH Jr. Review of “Impact of Trainees on Length of Stay in the Emergency Department at an Academic Medical Center” by Dehon E, McLemore G, McKenzie LK. Southern Medical Journal 2015: 108(5): 245-248. J Craniofacial Surgery. 2015 Nov;26(8):2427-2428.
  • Clark SJ, Hollier LH Jr. Review of “Procedure Delegation by Attending Surgeons Performing Concurrent Operations in Academic Medical Centers: Balancing Safety and Efficiency” by Beasley GM, Pappas TN, Kirk AD Annals of Surgery 2015: 261(6): 1044-1045. J Craniofacial Surgery. 2015 Nov;26(8):2427.
  • Clark SJ, Meaike JD, Hollier LH Jr. Review of “Survey of the American College of Surgeons Scholarship Recipients: A Story of Generating Academic Leaders” by Upchurch G, Freischlag J, Novicoff W, et al Journal of American College of Surgeons 2015;220(6):1122-1127. J Craniofacial Surgery. 2015 Nov;26(8):2428.
  • Clark SJ, Trost JG, Hollier LH Jr. Review of “Presidential Forum Discussion: Development of Surgical Scientists” by Weigel R, Upchurch G, Eberlein T, Lucas C. Ann Surg 2015;262:555–562. J Craniofacial Surgery. 2015 Dec;27(1):273-274. PMID: 26703060
  • Clark SJ, Meaike JD, Hollier LH Jr. Review of “Components of Hospital Perioperative Infrastructure Can Overcome the Weekend Effect in Urgent General Surgery Procedures” by Kothari A, Zapf M, Blackwell R, et al. Ann Surg 2015: 262(4): 683-691. J Craniofacial Surgery. 2016 Jun;27(4):1110. PMID: 27152566
  • Clark SJ, Hollier LH Jr. Review of “Is Intracranial Pressure Monitoring of Patients With Diffuse Traumatic Brain Injury Valuable? An Observational Multicenter Study” by Yuan Q, Wu X, Cheng H, et al. Neurosurgery. 2016;78:3:361-369 J Craniofacial Surgery. 2016 October:27(7):1910. PMID: 27438440
  • Commander SJ, Fitzgerald TN. “Invited Commentary: “Familial Non-Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma in Pediatric Age: Our Surgical Experience”” World J Surg. 2021 Aug; 45(8):2480-2481. PMID: 33956195.

  • Skills Competition Winner at Vascular Annual Meeting – 2016
  • Society of Vascular Surgeon’s Travel Scholarship to attend Vascular Annual Meeting – 2016
  • Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery Medical Student Travel Scholarship Award – 2016
  • Third Place Presentation at Texas American College of Physicians Associates Resident’s Day – 2016
  • Best Poster at the American Transplant Congress Annual Meeting – 2017
  • Medical School Dean Selection Committee – 2017
  • Poster of Distinction at the American Transplant Congress Annual Meeting – 2018
  • Appleseed Resident Teaching Awards – 2018, 2019, 2023
  • Resident Council – 2019-2020
  • Medical Education Leadership Track – 2019-2020
  • Principles of Pediatric Clinical Pharmacology Symposium – 2019-2021
  • Surgeons as Educators Symposium Organizer – 2019-2021
  • Graduate Medical Education Associate Director Selection Committee – 2020
  • Sabiston Teaching Scholar – Assistant Clerkship Director for Surgery – 2020-2021
  • Surgical Resident Skills Committee Advisor – 2020-2021
  • Excellence in Research Award from the American College of Surgeons – 2021
  • Eastern Vascular Society Trainee Travel Scholarship – 2022
  • Administrative Chief Resident – 2023-2024

Stanford University Undergraduate Minor Research Grant – 5/2010-9/2010
Commander, SJ (PI)
Biomedical sciences undergraduate research

Stanford University Undergraduate Major Research Grant – 5/2011-9/2011
Commander, SJ (PI)
Biomedical sciences undergraduate research

Stanford University Undergraduate Major Research Grant – 5/2012-9/2012
Commander, SJ (PI)
Biomedical sciences undergraduate research

Association for Academic Surgery Global Surgery Research Fellowship Award – 2/2019-6/2020
Commander, SJ (PI)
Mobile Health Program to Revolutionize Pediatric Surgical Care in Uganda

T32GM086330 – 7/2019-6/2021
University of North Carolina and Duke University Clinical Pharmacology T32
Brouwer K, Cohen-Wolkoweiz M (Co-PI)
NICHD Clinical Pharmacology T32 Fellowship

Duke Clinical Research Institute Executive Director Pathway Fellows Award – 1/2020-6/2022
Commander, SJ (PI)
Perioperative Tissue Penetration of Antimicrobials in Infants

Thrasher Research Fund’s Early Career Award – 1/2020-12/2022
Commander, SJ (PI)
Perioperative Tissue Penetration of Antimicrobials in Infants

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