Worthington (Sandy) George Schenk III, MD, a professor in UVA’s Department of Surgery, died on February 7, 2024, after a battle with cancer. Schenk was a general surgeon who specialized in surgical procedures to help patients with renal failure and diagnostic ultrasound for parathyroid disease. He was also skilled in dialysis access surgery, surgical critical care, and vascular surgery.

Born October 24, 1950 to Dr. Worthington George Schenk II and Jean Lyons Schenk, Sandy spent his childhood growing up in Buffalo, NY and Hanford Bay, NY on Lake Eerie. After his graduation from Kenmore High School, he continued his education at the University of Rochester, where he completed a bachelor’s degree in chemistry in 1972. Sandy graduated from Duke Medical School in 1974, aspiring to be a surgeon like his father. He completed his general surgery residency at Duke as well as a post graduate fellowship in trauma surgery.

Beginning his career as a trauma surgeon at the University of Virginia in 1982. Sandy became an integral part of the surgery department. Being a doctor was his true calling in life. He was loved and admired by patients, colleagues and residents. He loved helping people, whether it was giving a second opinion or throwing annual surgery department parties at his farm in the summer.

A seasoned pilot, Sandy spent a great deal of time flying, his favorite pastime. The proud owner of a Piper Seneca aircraft, he loved to fly anywhere his plane would take him. Those lucky enough to see him in the captain’s seat could feel his passion as he flew through the sky. Sandy also loved spending time at his farm, “palpating the earth” and playing with his “power tools.” Sandy created a nature lover’s haven for family and friends to enjoy.

Sandy is preceded in death by his mother, father, and sister Lura. He leaves behind the love of his life, Tracey, and their two children Christina and Ryan, who were his pride and joy. Also surviving are brothers Gregory (Nancy) Schenk and Andrew Schenk; sisters Elsa Kimbell, Molly Schenk and Martha Schenk. He also leaves behind special friends who were more like family to Sandy, Dr. John Hanks, Dr. R. Scott Jones and Ms. Della Winstead, his assistant of 17 years.

A celebration of life will take place at the Greencroft Club in Charlottesville, Virginia, on March 16th, 2024, from 2:00pm-5:00pm for those who knew and loved Sandy. The family wishes this event to be a true celebration of Sandy’s life and his lifetime achievements. Come and enjoy photos, artifacts, share memories and tell stories from Sandy’s beautiful life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made in his honor to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.