The Salisbury, Maryland medical community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of Dr. Sarah Assali, DO, a talented and compassionate general surgeon at TidalHealth, whose untimely passing has left colleagues, patients, and loved ones devastated.

Known for her dedication to advancing surgical care and for the kindness she extended to every patient, Dr. Assali’s passing is not only a profound loss to her family and friends but also to the countless individuals whose lives she touched through her work in medicine.

Born with a passion for science and service, Dr. Assali pursued her dream of becoming a physician with determination and excellence. She earned her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, where she distinguished herself as a driven and compassionate student.

Her commitment to her field led her to complete a general surgery residency at Allegheny Health Network in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where she further honed her expertise and became highly respected among her peers.

At TidalHealth, Dr. Assali built a reputation as not only a skilled surgeon but also a trusted caregiver. She had a special interest in advanced minimally invasive and robotic surgery and became DaVinci certified in robotic surgery, bringing cutting-edge techniques to her patients.

Her clinical focus on hernia and abdominal wall reconstruction demonstrated her commitment to improving the quality of life for those she treated, and she also provided vital diagnostic care through procedures such as upper GI endoscopy and colonoscopy.

Her work extended beyond the operating room. Dr. Assali was also a researcher, writer, and educator, authoring several publications, abstracts, and scholarly blogs that contributed to the advancement of surgical knowledge.

She was an active member of the American College of Surgeons and the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons, where she participated in a broader community of professionals dedicated to improving surgical standards and patient outcomes.

Colleagues describe her as a surgeon of rare dedication—someone who combined technical precision with genuine compassion. Patients and their families remember her warmth, patience, and ability to explain even the most complex procedures with clarity and care.

For many, she was not just a doctor but a guiding presence who gave them strength during some of their most difficult times. Beyond her professional life, Sarah was a beloved daughter, sister, friend, and mentor.

Those who knew her personally recall her radiant smile, her thoughtful nature, and her unwavering support for those around her. She lived a life defined by service, kindness, and an unshakable commitment to making the world better through her work and her relationships.

The sudden loss of Dr. Sarah Assali leaves an irreplaceable void in both the medical field and the lives of those who loved her. While her time on earth was far too short, her legacy will endure through the patients she healed, the knowledge she shared, and the love she gave so freely.

Her memory will remain a source of comfort and inspiration to all who were privileged to know her.