Sarah Russo

Editing Samples

Guided by ongoing curiosity and a deep respect for nature, Sarah’s path as an herbologist evolved into a career as an editor, writer, and communications strategist. For more than 13 years, her work has spanned research, environmental advocacy, creative writing, and ethical considerations in health and science. She supports writers by providing constructive feedback that inspires them to carry their stories through to the final draft. Her editing and proofreading work has appeared in peer-reviewed scientific papers, legal reports, educational curricula, and international presentations. She offers both short- and long-form editing in technical and artistic realms. Her passion for both science and creative expression has led to collaborations with medical and research teams as well as creatives across six continents.

Scroll down to explore editing examples and view her writing portfolio here.

Healthcare & Wellness

  • Intercultural Health: Bridging Traditional and Western Medicine

    Examines how unifying Indigenous healing practices with Western medicine can improve equity and effectiveness in health systems worldwide.

    International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research and Service (ICEERS) (2023)

    Learn More

  • Ways to Balance Hormones Through Diet & Supplements

    Explores how dietary interventions can influence hormone levels and promote overall well-being.

    Victory Rejuvenation Center (2024)

    Discover

  • What to Know About Insulin Resistance

    Clarifies the science behind insulin resistance and offers practical prevention tips.

    Victory Rejuvenation Center (2022)

    Read On

  • Food Cravings & Your Period: Why They Happen and Actions to Take

    Explains hormonal changes that trigger food cravings throughout the menstrual cycle.

    Victory Rejuvenation Center (2023)

    Explore

  • Embrace Your Hormones!

    Examines the roles of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone and the benefits of bioidentical hormone therapy.

    Victory Rejuvenation Center (2023)

    Read On

  • Endometriosis in Transgender Men: A Call for Inclusive Healthcare

    Addresses the need for equitable care for all people experiencing endometriosis.

    Victory Rejuvenation Center (Jun 2024)

    Dive In

  • Exploring Holistic Approaches to Managing Painful Periods and Dysmenorrhea

    Covers the impact of dysmenorrhea and natural treatment possibilities.

    Victory Rejuvenation Center (Oct 2023)

    Learn More

  • Compassion Fatigue: Helping the Helper

    Matt Cascio, RN discusses compassion fatigue and how this can impact those in the healthcare sector.

    Society of Cannabis Clinicians (2020)

    Explore

  • Cannabis and Breastfeeding: Clinician Perspective on Current Research & Safety Considerations

    Dr. Wilson-King outlines the current science and the existing research gaps regarding cannabis use during breastfeeding.

    Victory Rejuvenation Center (2022)

    Read On

  • Clinician Insight on Cannabis Use During Pregnancy

    The use of cannabis during pregnancy is becoming more common. An expert in women’s health outlines the research to date and where there is uncertainty.

    Victory Rejuvenation Center (Nov 2021)

    Learn More

  • First Aid for Protestors- A Good Samaritan’s Guide & Packing List

    Dr. Sarah Mann gives tips to help protesters care for themselves and those around them.

    Society of Cannabis Clinicians (2020)

    Discover

  • About Cannabis-Infused Suppositories

    Presents expert insight on dosage, effectiveness, and pain relief potential.

    Victory Rejuvenation Center (2024)

    Examine Findings

  • THC, Testosterone, and Opioid Suppression

    Genester Wilson-King, MD, FACOG explains how the endocannabinoid system influences testosterone levels and research on opioids’ suppressive effects on hormonal health

    Victory Rejuvenation Center (2023)

    Explore

Scientific Peer-Reviewed Papers

  • Main Targets of Ibogaine and Noribogaine: Mechanistic Overview

    Edited a paper examining the pharmacology and therapeutic potential of ibogaine.

    Journal of Psychopharmacology (2023)

    Read On

  • Identifying Setting Factors Associated with Improved Ibogaine Safety: Systematic Review

    Refined PRISMA-based analysis for safer clinical contexts.

    European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience (2023)

    Explore

  • Hallucinations and Hallucinogens: Psychopathology or Wisdom?

    Provides clarity on the cultural interpretation of hallucinations and implications for policy.

    Culture, Medicine, and Psychiatry (2023)

    Discover

  • Longitudinal and transcultural assessment of hallucinogens, well-being, and post-traumatic growth during COVID-19 pandemic

    Analysis on the well-being among users of psychedelics during the pandemic.

    Scientific Reports (Nature) (2023)

    Read More

Policy & Advocacy

  • Papaver Somniferum: Basic Info

    The history, cultural significance, medicinal uses, and legal context of the opium poppy.

    ICEERS (2024)

    Read On

  • Kratom: Exploring Energetics & Recipes for A Stigmatized Herb

    James Brent, DDS explores kratom’s traditional applications, pharmacological effects, and energetic properties.

    (Herbs for the Apocalypse 2021)

    More

  • Mushrooms and Women’s Wellness: Amplifying the Potential of Psilocybin

    Interview with Jennifer Chesak discussing the impact of mushrooms on women’s health.

    ICEERS (2023)

    Explore

  • Spotlighting Ayahuasca Statistics in Four Countries

    Comprehensive report on the usage and safety across nations.

    International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research and Service (ICEERS) (2023)

    Learn More

  • Plant Medicine and the Ego: A Process of Reintegration

    An in-depth look at the complexity of ego dissolution related to master plant experiences.

    ICEERS (2022)

    Further Info

  • The Multifaceted Names of Psychoactive Amphibians: From “Bufo” to Kambô

    Clears up confusion around consciousness-expanding fauna.

    ICEERS (2022)

    Examine Findings

  • Is There Such a Thing as a Bad Ayahuasca Trip?

    David Londoño, clinical psychologist, explores how challenging experiences can be managed and integrated.

    ICEERS (2023)

    Discover

  • Avoid Taking What Ayahuasca “Tells” You Literally

    A psychologist describes how people sometimes make wrong decisions after experiencing an altered state of consciousness.

    ICEERS (2023)

    Further Info

  • Ayahuasca, Global Consumption & Reported Deaths in the Media

    Shaped the narrative around media portrayal and statistics.

    ICEERS (2023)

    Explore

Clinical Perspective

  • Herbs & the Mind/Body Connection

    James Brent, DDS outlines the mind/body connection and how cannabis and other herbs may help bring the gut and the brain into alignment.

    Society of Cannabis Clinicians (2021)

    Explore

  • Cannabis Education in Communities of Color

    A statement from a clinician's organization advocating for equitable cannabis education in underserved communities.

    Society of Cannabis Clinicians (Sep 2021)

    Read On

  • Combining Cannabis With Other Herbs

    James Brent, DDS reviews the literature on the potential synergy cannabis can have with other plants.

    Society of Cannabis Clinicians (2020)

    Read On

  • Changing My Specialty

    Dr. Sarah Mann tells the story of one of her patients who inspired the shift towards a cannabis integrated practice.

    Society of Cannabis Clinicians (2019)

    Full Article

  • Tic Disorder Management with Cannabis: A Family’s Tale Meets the Science

    Combines a family's experience with pediatric tic disorders and current research on cannabis-based treatments.

    Society of Cannabis Clinicians (2021)

    Further Info

  • Communication Using The Heart and Cannabis

    James Brent, DDS explores how listening with the senses and tuning into our hearts allows us to have a special relationship with plants.

    Society of Cannabis Clinicians (2021)

    Learn More

  • Cannabis in End-of-Life Care

    Dr. Genevieve Newton explores how cannabis therapeutics may be a beneficial addition to hospice and palliative care.

    Society of Cannabis Clinicians (2021)

    Examine Findings

  • In Memoriam: Honoring Dr. Jim Brent’s Multifaceted Approach to Cannabis

    Dr. Brent was a retired dentist and an avid herbalist, which framed his perspective on cannabis and integrating it into the greater botanical medicine compendium.

    Society of Cannabis Clinicians (2021)

    Read On

  • Calling the Cannabis Nurses Hotline

    Eloise Theisen, NP and Katherine Golden, RN give an insider perspective of what it’s like to operate a free hotline aimed at educating the public on cannabis therapeutics.

    Society of Cannabis Clinicians (2021)

    Read On

  • Sex, Intimacy, and Cannabis

    Sarah Mann, MD separates myth and conjecture from what is known (and unknown) about cannabis and sex.

    Society of Cannabis Clinicians (2020)

    Explore

  • Indicas versus Sativas: A Distinction Without a Difference

    A student from Oakton Community College submitted a compelling answer to the question: what is the real difference between indicas and sativas?

    Society of Cannabis Clinicians (2021)

    Learn More

  • Cultivating a Deeper Relationship with Cannabis Medicine

    James Brent, DDS explores the deeper connection healthcare professionals can have with the cannabis plant inspired by the herbalist perspective.

    Society of Cannabis Clinicians (2020)

    Read On

  • Cannabis, Anxiety & Depression

    Dr. Genevieve Newton outlines the preclinical and clinical research on the applications of cannabis for anxiety and depression.

    Society of Cannabis Clinicians (2021)

    Further Info

  • The Gaping Hole in Medical Education on Cannabis

    Sarah Mann, MD analyses the knowledge gap in medical schools on cannabis therapeutics and how education can empower both healthcare professionals and the patients that they serve.

    Society of Cannabis Clinicians (2021)

    Discover

  • Cannabis Use Leads to Heart Attacks? Healthcare Providers Set the Record Straight

    Clarifies misconceptions around cannabis and cardiovascular health by offering evidence-based perspectives for patients and clinicians.

    Society of Cannabis Clinicians (2021)

    Explore

  • Cannabis Nurses Answer Common Patient Inquiries

    Three seasoned Cannabis Nurses share their insight on modes of administration, patient access, and the adversity to the cannabis “high”.

    Society of Cannabis Clinicians (2020)

    Read More

  • Cannabis Nurses Share Info from the Front Lines

    Cannabis nurses share their experiences on the challenges and rewards of integrating cannabis into patient care.

    Society of Cannabis Clinicians (2020)

    Discover

  • A Day in the Life of a Cannabis Nurse

    Dawn-Marie Steentra, LPN guides us through a typical day as a Cannabis Nurse. The work requires ongoing compassion and enthusiasm for patient advocacy.

    Society of Cannabis Clinicians (2020)

    Read On

  • Cannabis & The COVID-19 Pandemic: A Physician’s Perspective

    Joe D. Goldstrich, MD, FACC outlines what we know about the antiviral properties of cannabis and whether or not it could be helpful or detrimental for COVID-19.

    Society of Cannabis Clinicians (2020)

    Further Info

  • Update on the Vape Pen Crisis: Considerations for Healthcare Professionals

    Discusses the health risks associated with vaping and helps healthcare professionals address patient concerns.

    Society of Cannabis Clinicians (2020)

    Learn More

  • SCC Consensus on Delta-8-THC

    The Society discusses Delta-8-THC, its safety profile, and considerations for clinicians and patients.

    Society of Cannabis Clinicians (2021)

    Discover

Testimonials

  • “Sarah is what people often call a hidden gem. You may initially hire her for a specific role, but it won’t take long to realize she could thrive in any position within your organization. Her skills in editing, writing, and proofreading are particularly outstanding, in both informal and scientific pieces. What truly sets her apart is her sense of dedication — she doesn’t just complete tasks; she approaches each one with care and a strong sense of responsibility, always striving for the highest standard. She is the kind of person who raises the bar for everyone around her."

    —Genís Onà, PhD, Study Coordinator and Researcher, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu (Barcelona)

  • “Sarah is a master editor, and she has transformed many of my writings. She has been an invaluable part of helping Victory Rejuvenation Center communicate the mission and services of our medical practice. She has a deep understanding of our mission and can clearly write and edit complex medical material for diverse audiences. Her work has greatly helped expand our presence both locally and internationally. I'm deeply grateful for her insight, precision, and compassionate perspective on the complex terrain we navigate.”

    —Dr. Genester Wilson-King, Founder & Director, The Victory Rejuvenation Center

  • "As a writer, Sarah is very talented and multi-faceted, having worked on articles, interviews, newsletters, reports and monographs, including translation from Spanish to English. She thrives when working with clear goals, outcomes and timelines, advancing with creative and editorial autonomy along the process from start to finish. She has eye for detail and excellence in everything she writes and edits."

    —Benjamin De Loenen, Founder of the International Centre for Ethnobotanical Education, Research and Service

  • “Sarah is a botany expert with a strong commitment to community movements. Her philosophy demonstrates a creative and innovative vision. She is deeply dedicated to unlocking the potential of plants and promoting a respectful and transformative approach to working with them. She combines science, activism, and originality in a way that makes her a unique figure in her field.”

    —Òscar Parés, CEO, Clínica Sinaptica

  • “Herbs for the Apocalypse is a timely and much-needed comic for a world increasingly disconnected from nature. It provides insightful commentary on capitalism, work, community, and society. I’ve never seen anything else reference and discuss herbs so thoughtfully."

    —Justin Kander, Patient-Reported Outcomes Specialist, The Whole Health Oncology Institute

 
 
 

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