Sarah Leaf, MD, provides care with the Springfield Clinic’s Family Medicine Department and sees patients at Springfield Clinic Wabash.

Dr. Leaf earned her undergraduate degree in nutrition from Illinois State University. After working as a registered dietitian for several years, she completed her medical degree and family medicine residency at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine.

Medicine was not Dr. Leaf’s original career path; in fact, she began her professional journey as a ballerina before an injury led her to explore other opportunities. She returned to school to study nutrition and worked as a dietitian, but soon realized she wanted to play a larger role in helping patients improve their health and well-being.

As a family medicine physician, Dr. Leaf is passionate about developing long-term relationships with her patients and providing personalized care that reflects each person’s unique needs and values. “With family medicine,” she says, “you get to build relationships over time, get to know their kids, sometimes see multiple generations and learn about them over time.”

Outside of the clinic, Dr. Leaf enjoys spending time with her young son and keeping up with his endless energy. Whether they are visiting local parks, playing outdoors or enjoying family time together, she values being active and making memories with her family. As a lifelong resident of the Springfield area, she also appreciates the opportunity to live and serve in the community she has called home for most of her life.