20 Under 40: Sara Wilhelm

Photo by Nathan Ham

Sara has been a physician assistant at Cotton-O’Neil Pediatrics for the past 13 years, providing medical services to children ages 0-21. Actively involved in the industry, she serves as a voice for her peers and helps develop policies through Stormont Vail's Advanced Practice Practitioner Advisory Board.

Her love of community prompted her to start Party with a Purpose as a way to raise money for families in need. That annual event has grown to more than 100 people, raising $7,000 to spend on adopted families.

What do you see as your role to make Topeka a better place to live and work? For almost 14 years I've been taking care of Topeka kids as a physician assistant at Cotton-O'Neil Pediatrics. I love educating families about healthy habits and helping them navigate the growing years, which can prove to be pretty tough in so many ways. I love helping to improve the health of our community.

Where do you see Topeka in 10 years? In 10 years I see Topeka continuing to be a thriving community of people working to make it a great place to live and raise a family. It's important for Topeka to aim to be the place people want to spend their time on the weekends. I'm hopeful that Topeka will be the place that my children would want to start their careers as well.