Sarah Luu is a hematologist at Austin Health in Melbourne, VIC. She looks after people who have blood conditions or problems that link back to the spleen and the way the body handles infection.
Her work often involves care after a splenectomy and the longer-term effects that can show up after the spleen is removed. In many cases, this includes helping patients understand what changes to expect and what to watch for at home. At times, it can also mean sorting out symptoms when they don’t seem to fit neatly, and making sure the blood and immune side of things is considered.
Sarah also supports people who may be at risk of post-splenectomy syndrome. This can be a stressful thing to deal with. The main goal is clear, practical care—spotting issues early, reducing the chance of complications, and making sure patients know how to get help quickly if they feel unwell.
Because the spleen plays a role in fighting germs, her patient care can connect with sepsis as well. Sepsis is serious, and it can move fast. Sarah focuses on the blood-related parts of the situation, working with the wider team so treatment decisions are made with the full picture in mind. This might include looking into results, helping interpret what’s going on, and supporting safe follow-up after hospital care.
At Austin Health, Sarah works as part of a hospital-based team. That matters, because blood conditions and infection risks can overlap, especially when someone is unwell. Her approach stays grounded: listen carefully, explain things in plain language, and help people feel more steady while they go through tests and treatment.
Over time, she sees a wide range of patients, from people in the middle of acute illness to those planning longer-term care after surgery. Some patients come in with new concerns. Others have been managing their condition for a while and want reassurance that everything is being checked properly.
If there’s research involved in her care at Austin Health, it’s used as a supporting part of treatment, not as the main focus. The priority is still day-to-day clinical care—making decisions that fit the person in front of her and the situation they’re in today.
