Volunteering at Scottish Rite for Children in high school planted a seed that eventually led Dr. Sofia Shirley to her specialty of pediatrics. She has always adored children, and now that she is ready to start her career as a doctor, the variety of the specialty offers exactly what she wants in a career.

Sofia Shirley, M.D.

What this award means: This award is particularly meaningful because of how much I value the opinion of our excellent Pediatrics faculty here at UT Southwestern. I hope to carry with me what they’ve taught me and to honor this award’s namesake in my future career.

Mentor comment: Sofia embodies the spirit of the Kurt Ian Wey Award. She is a natural leader who directs with compassion and grace and is not afraid of tackling difficult problems. Sofia is as comfortable engaging in public health studies as she is tackling systems-based challenges faced by hospital administration. Everyone in our Department who has had the opportunity to work with her has come away impressed with her potential to be a future leader in her chosen subspecialty. – Soumya Adhikari, M.D., Associate Professor of Pediatrics

Background and family: I grew up about 15 minutes away from UT Southwestern and am so lucky that my parents have been incredibly supportive of me throughout this entire journey. I have four older half-siblings, a very energetic cavapoo, and a wonderful fiancé.

What led to your career path: I’ve always adored working with kids and tried to think of how to incorporate that into my career early on. I started volunteering at Scottish Rite for Children in high school and was inspired by its mission, innovation, and the compassionate care delivered there. Working with families here at Children’s Medical Center Dallas solidified the decision for me.

College: I graduated from Vanderbilt University with a degree in human and organizational development and minors in biology, Spanish, and medicine, health, and society. I really enjoyed the opportunity during my undergraduate education to delve into the systems-based processes that are so prevalent in the health care industry.

UTSW activities: I became involved early on with the clinics at Union Gospel Mission, which provide free medical care to men, women, and children experiencing homelessness. My work there always reminded me why I wanted to go into medicine in the first place. I have also really enjoyed serving as a peer mentor and getting to pass on some of what I’ve learned to first- and second-year students.

Surprising fact: One of my side jobs in college was working as an extra in TV shows like Nashville or filmed concert specials – it was a pretty good gig to get paid to listen to such talented musicians.

Future plans: Part of why I chose pediatrics is that there are so many different aspects of it that I love! It’s going to be very hard for me to choose what subspecialty – or not – that I ultimately pick, but regardless I want to be known for, listening to my patients and their families with open ears and an open mind. I also would love to stay involved with medical education.

About the award: The award recognizes a fourth-year medical student who shows empathy and compassion for sick children, has significant knowledge, and maintains a good sense of humor. Dr. Wey was a 1998 UT Southwestern graduate who died in a car accident. The award was established by family and friends to honor his life.