Beth Sanley, MD ABFM
“I never saw myself as a teacher; however during residency, I found that fellow residents were drawn to me for help and advice—I realized I really enjoyed that role. I did not have the easiest road to becoming a doctor—I had my fair share of struggles in medical school. I now know that I was not alone. Now that I am on the other side, I want to be there for others who had similar experiences. I want to inspire medical students and residents to follow their dreams and never give up. I want to give back to the field of medicine and help teach the next generation.”
Dr. Beth Sanley grew up in Seward, Nebraska. She attended Nebraska Wesleyan University and graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Biology, with minors in Chemistry and Psychology. She earned her Medical Degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center and completed her Family Medicine residency at Lincoln Family Medicine Residency Program.
Early on, Dr. Sanley had a passion for math and science when she was younger. That, paired with her love for animals, led her to want to be a veterinarian. However, when her sister became very ill with bacterial meningitis when she was in middle school, she was drawn toward a different path–humans.
The variety that family medicine offers what Dr. Sanley loves most about her specialty. She loves that you can focus on whatever you want in your career, such as outpatient, inpatient/hospitalist, palliative, pediatrics, emergency medicine–or you can do it all. She has always had a special interest in working with patients who are at the end of their life, i.e. palliative and hospice medicine. Since the birth of her son in her second year of residency, her love and passion for pediatrics has blossomed. She also loves the relationships she has developed over the years with her patients, and feels it is so special being there for them in their happiest of times while also supporting them in some of their worst times.
Dr. Sanley knew she wanted to practice in Lincoln after having her son. All of her family lives in or near Lincoln and family is very important to her. When looking at different options, joining the Lincoln Family Medicine Residency faculty was the right choice for her. It allows her to take care of her own patients in the hospital and deliver babies, which not many family practice clinics in Lincoln still do, and to educate and train future family medicine physicians. She is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with the residents, and she hopes to add a unique view to the program as their newest faculty member. When it comes to one piece of advice for residents, Dr. Sanley encourages them to jump in with both feet even though it can be scary–that is how you learn. She also suggests that residents not be afraid to ask for help as that is what faculty is there to offer.
When she is not working, Dr. Sanley, her husband (Josh), and their two sons (Wyatt and Arlo) love spending time together. They enjoy doing things outdoors, like camping, hiking, and fishing. They also have two Labrador Retrievers, Gracie and Willow, who keep them very busy. She also enjoys cooking, carpentry, and DIY projects.