Sarah Gloria Običan, MD

My name is Sarah Običan, and I’m a Maternal-Fetal Medicine physician specializing in the care of patients with high-risk pregnancies, particularly those involving birth defects. My clinical and academic focus includes fetal echocardiography, fetal therapy, and teratology. I currently serve as an Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of South Florida (USF), where I’ve been part of the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Division since 2015. I’m also the Medical Director of MotherToBaby Florida and a board member for both the Organization of Teratogen Information Specialists and the Reproductive Toxicology Center.

My journey into this field began with an incredible mentor, Dr. Anthony Scialli, who introduced me to the science of teratology and reproductive toxicology. His mentorship inspired me to pursue a fellowship in Teratology during my early academic career at George Washington University. Since then, I’ve integrated my training into my clinical work, including directing Florida’s Teratogen Information Service and performing in-utero procedures such as fetal shunts and laser ablations for twin-to-twin transfusion through our Fetal Care Center.

I joined BDRP at the encouragement of Dr. Scialli, but I stayed because I found my scientific home. Over the years, BDRP and the broader MotherToBaby community have provided me with not only knowledge but a strong sense of belonging. It’s a scientific community where clinical medicine, bench research and public health science intersect meaningfully, and I hope to contribute my clinical perspective to ongoing research and discussions.

Outside of medicine, my greatest joy comes from spending time with my family. I also have a lifelong passion for flamenco dancing—an art form that’s been woven into my life for over 30 years and continues to ground me outside the hospital and academic life.

I am proud to be a part of BDRP and look forward to contributing to the community that has given me so much.