Biographical summary
Sara K. Daniel, M.D., is a surgical oncologist whose clinical practice centers on treating complex abdominal cancers. She is deeply committed to helping patients facing challenging diagnoses find hope and options through advanced surgical care. Her work combines precision, compassion, and collaboration, always focused on improving outcomes and quality of life.
Areas of Expertise
Dr. Daniel provides specialized care for patients with rare and aggressive tumors, offering surgical solutions tailored to each person's individual needs. Her clinical focus includes:
- Peritoneal surface malignancies: Comprehensive management of cancers affecting the lining of the abdominal cavity, including cytoreductive surgery and intraperitoneal therapies, such as HIPEC (heated chemotherapy).
- Gastric cancer: Expertise in advanced surgical techniques for stomach cancer, including minimally invasive approaches.
- Retroperitoneal sarcoma: Surgical treatment of complex soft tissue tumors located deep within the abdomen.
- Small bowel neuroendocrine tumors: Advanced surgical treatment for these rare tumors, with a focus on optimizing outcomes and preserving quality of life.
Research
Dr. Daniel's research is dedicated to improving intraperitoneal therapies for patients with metastatic disease. She explores minimally invasive techniques and novel drug delivery methods within clinical trials, aiming to expand treatment possibilities for patients who often have limited options. Her commitment to advancing care reflects a belief that research and surgery go hand in hand to create better futures for patients.
She also completed an observership in gastric cancer surgery and research at Seoul National University Hospital in South Korea, gaining global insights that inform her approach to care.
Outside of the hospital, Dr. Daniel enjoys gardening and spending time in nature with her husband, son, and two dogs.
Conditions treated
Procedures performed
Mayo Clinic locations
Education
- 2024
Fellowship - Complex General Surgical OncologyStanford University
- 2022
Residency - General SurgeryUniversity of Washington
- 2015
Doctor of MedicineUniversity of Virginia
- 2011
Bachelor of Science in Biology - Microbiology and Cell Science, Public Health MinorUniversity of Florida
Activities and honors
Certifications
- 2025
Complex General Surgical OncologyAmerican Board of Surgery
- 2023
General SurgeryAmerican Board of Surgery
Awards and honors
- 2023
Korean International Gastric Cancer Week Travel Grant
- 2020
Fibrolamellar Cancer Foundation Research Travel Grant
- 2015
R. Scott Jones Award in Surgery
- 2014
Alpha Omega Alpha
- 2009
Phi Beta Kappa
- 2008
Howard Hughes Undergraduate Research AwardScience for Life
Professional memberships
- 2023 - present
Commiittee MemberPeritoneal Surface Malignancy Consortium, Gastric Cancer Guidelines Committee
- 2018 - 2022
Resident and Fellowship Committee MemberUW General Surgery Resident Engagement and Action Committee
- 2015 - 2021
Resident MemberAmerican College of Surgeons
- 2013 - 2015
Medical Student Committee MemberUniversity of Virginia
Publications