Join us as Dr. Sofia Teferi ('93) delivers the final Dr. Myra Berman Kurtz '66 Seminar of 2023. 

MYRA BERMAN KURTZ '66 SEMINAR
The Kurtz Seminar series was endowed by the late Myra Berman Kurtz '66 and her husband, Dr. Stuart Kurtz, to present speakers at Goucher College who will inspire undergraduate students to pursue careers in a variety of fields.

Dr.  Sofia Teferi earned her Bachelor of Art Degree from Goucher College, in Towson Maryland. She earned her Medical Degree from George Washington University School of Medicine, in Washington D.C, and completed her Pediatric residency at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA.  

Dr. Teferi started her career as a community pediatrician in an underserved federally qualified health center. She was the only pediatrician in the entire county serving a very vulnerable population. In 2007, she started working as a pediatric hospitalist in a community hospital in Richmond. In 2014, she became Chief of Pediatrics, broadening her supervision over all pediatric services.  

During her tenure as Chief of Pediatrics, she improved the care of children and built a comprehensive pediatric program. She worked with nursing, physicians, and ancillary staff to ensure that the care provided to the children and families was safe and of the highest quality. Dr. Teferi implemented safety measures through the electronic medical record, as well as implemented best practice guidelines for the clinical staff. She was instrumental in working with community pediatricians in improving the quality of care for their patients. 

Dr. Teferi has also had the privilege of being involved with some of the most vulnerable pediatric populations, as medical director of the pediatric forensic medicine program and as a volunteer on mission trips to Ethiopia and Peru.

In her work as medical director of the nurse forensic program, she provided oversight for the evaluation of children that have been physically and sexually abused. She implemented protocols for evaluations and management of these very difficult cases. In Ethiopia, She had the opportunity to organize CME activities for local pediatricians. This included lectures and simulation activities for up to 200 local pediatricians. Most recently Dr. Teferi had an opportunity to advocate for a vulnerable community in Huacho, Peru. 

Her current role at Georgetown University adds academic expertise to her portfolio. She is involved in teaching residents and medical students and being involved in shaping the next generation of pediatricians.

Dr. Teferi is also involved in research at the Medstar Health Research Institute.  She is currently working on several projects including a grant with the NIH.