Essentia Health colorectal surgeon Dr. Sarah Diaz balances healing in the OR and service in the skies

As National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month spotlights the importance of early detection and prevention, Essentia Health colorectal surgeon Dr. Sarah Diaz brings a unique blend of dedication to her patients and her community through her dual roles in medicine and military service. 

A native of Duluth, Dr. Diaz graduated from East High School and always felt drawn to return home.  

“The second you leave Duluth, you find out you want to come back,” she said.  

After training and practicing in other states, she joined Essentia last July. She was drawn by the opportunity to raise her three young children – ages 8, 6 and 3 – in the place she loves. Her husband, Dr. Daniel Diaz, a physician specializing in sports medicine at Essentia, shares her commitment to family and community. 

Dr. Sarah Diaz always knew she wanted to become a surgeon. During her residency, she discovered a deep love for the colorectal field.  

“I have a passion for taking care of patients with cancer,” she said. “I get to work with a wide variety of patients, who are sometimes very sick, as well as people who are just looking to improve their quality of life.” 

That variety keeps her engaged, from clinic visits and colonoscopies to robotic surgeries and complex procedures. She appreciates the robust teamwork at Essentia, including support from advanced practice providers who make the group feel like a family of like-minded caregivers. 

Beyond the operating room, for the last 15 years, Dr. Diaz has served as a flight surgeon with the 148th Fighter Wing in Duluth. This position in the Minnesota Air National Guard involves occupational medicine for pilots, flight crews and support personnel – managing everything from routine ailments to determining flight readiness.  

“It’s a pretty cool job that provides us with really unique training,” she said. “For me, being a colorectal surgeon, it’s using a totally different part of my brain and using the knowledge I gained while in medical school.”  

The experience keeps her well-rounded, offering tactical, hands-on training opportunities in a unique environment. 

“I get to be with some really cool people at the 148th,” she said. 

Service runs deep in Dr. Diaz’s family. Her father served in the military as a physician for 37 years and still works at Essentia. Her brother actively serves, following in the footsteps of their grandparents. 

“It’s tradition in my family,” Dr. Diaz said. “It’s super important. We love our country and love being able to serve it and follow in the footsteps of people like my dad and grandfathers. It’s also nice to give back to the community. We serve overseas but we also serve Minnesota and Duluth.” 

Essentia’s designation as a Military Friendly Employer® makes such commitments possible. 

“The relationship with Essentia and its ties to the military are awesome,” she said. “They have been so supportive in my drill schedule and getting ready for an upcoming deployment. Knowing my salary continues while I’m away allows me to focus fully on serving, without added financial stress.” 

As National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month brings attention to rising cases, especially among those under the age of 55, Dr. Diaz gently encourages vigilance.  

“We know that colorectal cancer is on the rise among patients under the age of 55, so if you notice changes, you should talk to your primary care doctor,” she advises. “The majority of patients with issues do not have colon cancer. But the rise of this disease in young people is very alarming. The majority of the time, gastrointestinal issues are not colon cancer, but they can still have a big impact on your quality of life. It’s important to get it checked out.” 

Through her work at Essentia and her service with the 148th Fighter Wing, Dr. Diaz embodies the spirit of giving back – healing patients one day and supporting those who defend our nation the next, all while staying rooted in the Duluth community she calls home. 

Colorectal cancer awareness 

Signs of colorectal cancer include changes in bowel habits; bloody stool; constantly feeling full; cramping or persistent abdominal pain; unexplained weight loss; and fatigue. Learn more about screenings at Essentia Health here.