Biography

Sara M. Turner Cooper is a certified physician assistant with a doctoral degree in immunology from Purdue University. She has worked alongside Dr. Schneider in endocrinology for several years, managing patients with diabetes, thyroid disorders, and osteoporosis across all three of our San Diego locations.

Before entering clinical medicine, Sara completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, where her research focused on immunological mechanisms in complex disease. She then earned her Master of Medical Science (MMS) degree from Mercyhurst University, followed by NCCPA certification as a physician assistant.

Sara is particularly skilled at managing complex insulin regimens and supporting patients through the initiation and ongoing optimization of continuous glucose monitoring technology. Her scientific background gives her an unusual depth of understanding of the physiological mechanisms underlying the conditions she treats — and her patients consistently value her patience, thoroughness, and clarity.

She has contributed to the clinical research program at Diabetes & Endocrine Specialists and remains engaged with developments in the field of endocrinology and diabetes technology.

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Training & Education

• PhD in Immunology — Purdue University
• Postdoctoral Fellow — University of Alaska Fairbanks
• MMS (Master of Medical Science) — Mercyhurst University
• BA — Pomona College

Clinical Interests

• Diabetes management — insulin optimization, CGM initiation and training
• Thyroid disorders — hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s, nodule surveillance
• Osteoporosis and bone health
• Endocrine care for patients with complex medical histories