“It’s more important to know what sort of person has a disease than to know what sort of disease a person has.” This Hippocrates quote, shared by Dr. John Phillips during our Heart of Innovation interview, perfectly captures why Dr. Sara Rose-Sauld has been recognized as America’s PAD Podiatrist of the Year for 2025.
((Watch the interview below!))
Dr. Rose, a podiatrist at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, sees beyond the condition to understand the whole person—a perspective that has made her exceptionally effective at healing complex wounds and preventing amputations that others might have deemed impossible.
This award comes directly from patients who’ve experienced her life-changing care. They consistently highlight how Dr. Rose addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of peripheral artery disease (PAD)—poor circulation mainly in the legs which affects one in five people over the age of 60.
Finding Her Calling in Saving Limbs
During our interview, Dr. Rose shared that treating complex PAD cases wasn’t her original career plan. “I did not go into podiatry thinking this is what I was going to do. I went into podiatry thinking I was going to treat kids and sports and everything was going to be cute.”
Her perspective changed when she discovered the profound impact she could make through limb salvage. “When you treat these patients, it’s actually extremely rewarding as a clinician to make a significant difference in a life. The patient that I’m actually saving their foot and saving their limb, potentially saving their life, I found that a lot more rewarding than making someone’s foot look a little cuter or bunion a little straighter.”
Building Bridges for Better Patient Care
After completing extensive training in limb salvage during her surgical residency in Florida, Dr. Rose joined Mass General, where there was a significant need for her expertise. But as our guest co-host Dr. Alper pointed out, Mass General wasn’t traditionally podiatry-friendly.
How did she overcome this challenge? “What I did was just make a whole bunch of friends,” she explained. Her breakthrough came when Dr. Anita Dua, a vascular surgeon who started around the same time, paged her about a patient facing potential amputation. Their collaboration prevented that amputation and sparked a powerful working relationship that has saved countless limbs since.
This partnership highlights the importance of team-based care for PAD patients. Dr. Phillips noted during our conversation, “There’s such a symbiotic relationship… it truly does take a village to take care of these people. No one person can do it themselves.”
The Power of Compassion: Holding a Patient’s Hand
What truly sets Dr. Rose apart is her deep compassion for patients. She shared a story about a large, intimidating patient who already had one leg amputated and a partial amputation on his other foot. When he came in for a skin graft, he refused to let the nursing staff place an IV and threatened the resident.
Where others saw an uncooperative patient, Dr. Rose recognized fear. “He was scared that he was going to lose his other leg,” she explained. Her solution was remarkably simple: “I literally held this man’s hand while he got the IV put in.”
That compassionate act made all the difference. “If I had not sat there holding this man’s hand, I think he may not have another leg because he would have not gone into the operating room that day.”
Looking Beyond “Non-Compliance”
Dr. Rose challenges the typical “non-compliance” label often applied to patients. “A lot of times these patients, they’re labeled noncompliant, and a lot of times they are. But sometimes there’s a reason behind that,” she points out.
She gives a practical example: “They’re not elevating their leg—maybe they don’t have a place to elevate their leg at home.” This perspective shift from judgment to understanding has helped countless patients receive more effective care.
Empowering Patients Through Education
Patient education is another cornerstone of Dr. Rose’s approach. She finds that patients at all educational levels are interested in understanding their treatment options.
“Even when they’re involved in a clinical trial, they think it’s the coolest thing. They want to learn more about it,” she explains. “We see a lot of different people… homeless people, very well-educated Harvard staff, celebrities… It doesn’t matter. They all have some interest when you’re like, ‘Hey, look at this. This is the latest data we’ve come up with.’”
The Emotional Reality of Limb Salvage
Despite her remarkable success, Dr. Rose candidly shared the emotional toll of cases where amputation couldn’t be avoided. She recounted the devastating story of a Somali patient with five children whom she had treated for years. Despite extensive efforts involving interpreters and spiritual care, the patient initially refused a life-saving amputation when she became septic from an infection.
“By the time they did consent, it was too late,” Dr. Rose shared, clearly still affected by the loss. This willingness to share both triumphs and heartbreaks shows her deep commitment to her patients.
Creating a Legacy in PAD Care
Dr. Rose doesn’t just treat PAD patients—she’s transforming how the entire medical community approaches limb salvage. During our conversation, Dr. Alper reflected on the evolution of podiatric involvement in PAD treatment. “When I was training—the first 20 years of my practice—this was not even an option on the radar for a podiatrist.”
Back then, podiatrists primarily served as “gatekeepers,” identifying the disease and referring patients to other specialists. Dr. Rose represents a new approach. As Dr. Alper put it, “Sarah was right out in front with working with other physicians, other specialties to really make sure that the patient got everything they needed.”
Through lectures across the country, she’s also inspiring the next generation of podiatrists to embrace limb salvage. “She’s inspiring the students as well to say, ‘This is something that I could do,’” Dr. Alper explained. This educational impact will save thousands more limbs in the years to come.
Warning Signs of PAD You Shouldn’t Ignore
The work of physicians like Dr. Rose demonstrates that PAD doesn’t have to lead to amputation. But early intervention is key, and recognizing symptoms is the first step.
Warning signs of PAD include:
- Leg pain when walking that goes away with rest
- Wounds on your feet or toes that heal slowly or not at all
- Coldness in your lower leg or foot
- Numbness or weakness in your legs
- Shiny skin or color changes in your legs
- Weak or no pulse in your legs or feet
If you experience any of these symptoms, don’t dismiss them as normal signs of aging. They could indicate PAD, and timely treatment can prevent serious complications.
Where to Find Help for PAD
Call our Global PAD Association’s Leg Saver Hotline at 1-833-PAD-LEGS to:
- Learn more about PAD and its treatment options
- Discuss your symptoms with knowledgeable staff
- Get help finding skilled PAD specialists in your area
- Access resources for lifestyle modifications that can improve your condition
You can also find support through our communities:
- Join our Facebook PAD group at padsupportgroup.org
- Connect with our PAD walking group at walkingsupportgroup.com
Dr. Rose’s story reminds us that with the right care approach—one that combines clinical expertise, collaboration across specialties, and genuine compassion—we can save both limbs and lives. Sometimes, saving a limb starts with something as simple as holding a patient’s hand and truly seeing the person behind the disease.
Disclaimer: These awards are not to be considered an endorsement for any specific doctor. They are nominated and voted on by patients and an independent panel. Always do your homework to find the best doctor for your situation. You can call the Global PAD Association’s hotline for help finding appropriate care for your specific needs.