About Ms. Lupa
Sarah Lupa, PA-C, is a board-certified Physician Assistant specializing in medical and aesthetic dermatology. She sees patients for general dermatologic conditions including acne, warts, rashes and skin cancer evaluations. She is also extensively trained in cosmetic procedures such as neuromodulators and fillers.
Special Areas of Interest
Skin Cancer and Aesthetic Procedures
Certification
Board Certified: National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants
Memberships
American Academy of Physician Assistants
The Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants
The Illinois Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants
Practice Philosophy
To act on the principle that we should treat others as we, ourselves, would wish to be treated.
Past Experience
Sarah completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Missouri-Columbia earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. She then earned a Masters of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in North Chicago in 2013. Prior to Dermatology, Sarah spent 4.5 years practicing in Cardiothoracic Surgery. Since developing a more personal connection to the specialty of Dermatology, she has been practicing in general, surgical and aesthetic dermatology for the last 5 years.
Sarah is able to diagnose and treat patients of all ages and backgrounds, prescribe medications, and perform office procedures. She regularly attends conferences and trainings for the newest cosmetic procedure techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Physician Assistants:
1. Is she a doctor? No, she is what is referred to as a mid-level practitioner, similar to a nurse practitioner. She is able to see patients, write prescriptions, and order tests.
2. Will she be a doctor? No, she has completed her formal training and passed national certification boards for physician assistants. She is not an intern or studying to be a doctor.
3. How much/what type of experience does she have? She has 4.5 years practicing in Cardiothoracic Surgery and general, surgical and aesthetic dermatology for 5 years.
4. Is she a nurse or medical assistant? No. Sarah has a bachelor’s degree in biology and a Masters of Science in Physician Assistant Studies. She is a board-certified physician assistant.
5. What is the difference between a physician and a physician assistant?
The main difference between a physician and physician assistant is the amount of time spent in training. Physicians spend more time in school and also have to go through internships and residencies. Physicians can practice independently while PAs work with physicians and are ultimately under the physician’s supervision.
6. What does PA-C mean? It means physician assistant-certified. It means the person has graduated from an accredited program and has passed testing by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
7. Can she prescribe medications? Yes. She is able to write and prescribe prescriptions.
8. How long have PAs been around? Since the 1960’s, physician assistants have helped to expand the delivery of quality medical care.