Title: Medical Director PICU
Company: Bon Secours Saint Mary’s Hospital
Location: Midlothian, VA United States

Sara Gay had thought about becoming a doctor since she was a child. When she started college, however, she initially majored in political science and sociology because she wanted to get involved in helping the black movement. After taking a biology course, she decided switched gears, realizing it was a much better fit for her.  Dr. Gay has since become an expert in pediatric medicine, with a specialty in pediatric critical care. She currently utilizes these talents as the medical director of the pediatric intensive care unit at the Bon Secours Saint Mary’s Hospital. In her role with the PICU, she is involved in growing programs, education and research, as well as patient care.

Dr. Gay prepared for her career by receiving her M.D. from Howard University College of Medicine. She completed her residency through the District of Columbia General Hospital, Howard University and completed her fellowship at the University of Louisville Affiliated Hospitals – Kosair Children’s Hospital. With all her experience and practice, she believes her greatest strengths are her ability to confront issues, think quickly and maintain equanimity.

The biggest personal challenge Dr. Gay has faced so far was learning how to balance her work and home life as a single mother. Professionally, her biggest obstacle has been overcoming the discrimination she found as a black female in medicine. Now with four decades in the field, however, she considers her greatest career accomplishment to be expanding her hospital’s pediatric ICU department to a larger unit.

Dr. Gay is affiliated with a number of organizations associated with her medical career, including the Society for Pediatric Sedation and the Society for Critical Care Medicine. She is also on the executive board of the Full Circle Grief Center and the Howard University Medical Alumni Association. Looking to the near future, she hopes to retire from clinical medicine, but continue to teach and conduct research. When she is not working, Dr. Gay likes to read and spend time with her dogs. She also rescues cats and dogs, and does grooming and obedience training as well.

Contact Sara W. Gay, MD: