Biology Program Provided the Springboard Anthony Sarage ’00 Needed to Become a Podiatric Surgeon

By Judith Kelliher

Anthony Sarage ’00 knew he wanted a career that would incorporate service to others, a hallmark of a Springfield College education, and he was also ultimately interested in the medical field.

The College’s Biology program met his early-on needs.

“I chose the Biology major because it incorporated prerequisite classes needed for medical school, but offered flexibility to be exposed to multiple different science-related classes,” Dr. Sarage said. “The faculty provided a wealth of knowledge and diverse experiences that greatly enhanced the Biology curriculum while also providing ample time for one-on-one discussions about subject matter.”

His experiences at the College provided the springboard that led Dr. Sarage to become a podiatric surgeon, a career that has so far spanned 17 years as a partner and surgeon at Western Massachusetts Podiatry Associates, Inc., in East Longmeadow, Mass. The practice specializes in all aspects of podiatric care, including elective/trauma surgery, biomechanics, and pediatric care.

After graduating from Springfield College in 2000, Dr. Sarage earned his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine at Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in 2004. He followed that up with his surgical residency at Yale University from 2004-07.

Dr. Sarage says a welcome aspect of his profession and practice is that while they specialize in the foot and ankle, they see a wide variety of patients and pathology—from the pediatric to geriatric patient populations and everyone in between, along with competitive athletes to weekend warriors. They also treat a surgically diverse population, including urgent trauma and infections to elective procedures that focus on longstanding structural deformities. 
 
“There is literally never a dull moment. The thing I most enjoy about my job is being able to comfort my patients either by enabling them to leave their appointment physically feeling better or by relating to them a plan that will provide them a solution to their pathology,” Dr. Sarage said.

What Dr. Sarage came to understand as he continued his education at Springfield College was that learning didn’t just take place inside a classroom. He took advantage of participating in different organizations, which helped him to be organized in order to balance extracurricular activities and coursework. In addition, serving as a New Student Orientation leader and board member, Leadership Training Conference leader and board member, resident assistant, and class president for four years in the Student Government Association had their benefits.

“I was exposed to leadership responsibilities and social interaction that substantially prepared me for the ongoing relationships I have built with patients over the years. There were also multiple SC graduates in the medical field that I was able to talk with to better understand the challenges and benefits of a career in health care,” he said.

Since graduating in 2000, Dr. Sarage has remained connected to the College in impactful ways, including serving eight years on the Alumni Council and currently as a member of the Board of Trustees (since 2020).

“Springfield College has been so influential in my life. If I can in some small way aid in the advancement of Springfield College now and in the future, I would happily participate any way I can,” he said.

In thinking back on his time on Alden Street, Dr. Sarage said there are “too many great memories” and it would be impossible to limit it to just one. Although, he does have a particular fondness for when he played intramural floor hockey, which he noted with a laugh: “I was a member of, and I think most historians would agree, the greatest intramural floor hockey team in Springfield College history.”

“The personal relationships that I made at Springfield College are the thing that I will always keep with me. I still keep in contact regularly with friends from SC,” he said. “I think overall I won’t forget my first day as a freshman at NSO and realizing very quickly that I was in the right place.”