Sanna Herwald, MD, PhD joined the Section of Interventional Radiology as an assistant professor in 2025.
In 2010, she obtained her undergraduate degree from Pomona College and received a Fulbright fellowship to conduct research in a molecular biology lab at Kyoto University in Japan. She earned her medical degree at Tufts University School of Medicine and PhD in Molecular Microbiology at Tufts University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences in 2019.
Dr. Herwald finished her preliminary internship at California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco in 2020. She completed her integrated diagnostic and interventional radiology residency at Stanford University Medical Center.
Where are you from?
I grew up in Pittsburgh, PA.
Why did you choose radiology?
I was introduced to Interventional and Diagnostic Radiology at a symposium for medical students. I still remember thinking, “Wow, if you explain to me what I’m looking at, I can see all of that with my own eyes. And you can use that information to perform innovative and minimally-invasive treatments. I have to learn more about this!” I’m so grateful that I went to that symposium!
What are your professional interests?
Part of what drew me to Interventional Radiology was the wide range of procedures we do to treat many different medical conditions. Although I have broad interests in Interventional Radiology, I find I have a special interest in the drains that Radiologists place using imaging guidance. As interventional radiologists we are usually the main medical team managing these drains. Although these drains usually work well, we do meet patients whose drains don’t work as well as we would like. I am intrigued by the ways that we could use new technologies and techniques to improve the experience of patients with these drains.
Why did you choose to work at UW–Madison?
At the beginning of my job search, I heard wonderful things about UW–Madison from multiple friends and mentors, and I knew that I needed to learn more. The more I learned, the more I realized that UW–Madison was a truly unique place where I could feel supported in both clinical practice and research and be mentored by incredibly kind and accomplished colleagues.
What are your hobbies?
I love taking walks and trying new food.