Worthington G Schenk III, MD

As a general surgeon, Worthington G. “Sandy” Schenk, III, MD, specializes in surgical procedures to help patients with renal failure and diagnostic ultrasound for parathyroid disease. He is also skilled in dialysis access surgery, surgical critical care, and vascular surgery. 

A native of upstate New York, Dr. Schenk initially aspired to become an analytical chemist. However, wanting to directly serve others, he followed in the footsteps of his father, who also was a surgeon. Dr. Schenk considers each patient to be an important member of their own healthcare team.

“My approach to working with patients is to present to them the nature of their condition and the options for treatment in language they can understand,” says Dr. Schenk, who earned his medical degree from Duke University School of Medicine. “That way, they can be better prepared to participate in the decision-making of their own medical care.”

A surgeon at UVA for more than 30 years, Dr. Schenk strives to offer patients a sense of hope that the right diagnosis and treatment can offer a high quality of life.

“We have a saying in my office: ‘These aren’t problems; they are opportunities,’” he says.

Outside of work, Dr. Schenk, a pilot, enjoys flying.

• Former VP, Southern Surgical Association
• CME (Continuing Medical Education) Master Educator Award
• Academy of Distinguished Educators
• UVA President’s Award for Teaching Excellence