Profile II: Dr. Julie Ann Sosa, A Trailblazer in Surgery and Leadership

Dr. Julie Ann Sosa’s journey to becoming the Chief of Surgery at the University of California,

San Francisco (UCSF) is a testament to resilience, curiosity, and the power of embracing one’s

unique path. Her career, marked by unexpected twists and a commitment to innovation, has

made her a transformative leader in surgery, research, and health equity.

Growing up, Dr. Sosa did not envision a career in medicine. Initially drawn to journalism and

economics, she pursued a research project on the labor market for PhDs in the arts and sciences

after college. When the data revealed a bleak job outlook, she heeded her father’s advice, a

physician himself, and pivoted to medicine. She took a leap of faith and applied to Johns

Hopkins School of Medicine, where she was accepted. Reflecting on this pivotal moment, she

says, “If a line is the shortest distance between two points, I have never known that line in my

life. My path has been filled with curves and switchbacks, but I don’t regret any of it. It has made

me a better physician and scientist.” This marked the beginning of a journey that would lead her

to become one of the most influential surgeons and leaders in her field.

Dr. Sosa’s path to surgery was anything but linear. During her third year of medical school, a

surgical sub-internship on the chairman’s service sparked her passion for the operating room.

She trained as a general surgeon, initially following the traditional path of becoming a

pancreatic surgeon. However, she soon realized it wasn’t the right fit. Embracing her curiosity

and openness to change, she transitioned to endocrine surgery, where she found her true calling.

“I realized that I didn't like pancreatic surgery. It didn’t make me happy. So, I had to recreate

myself again, and that’s how I became an endocrine surgeon,” she recalls. This willingness to

adapt and reinvent herself has been a hallmark of her career, allowing her to excel as a surgeon,

scientist, and leader.

As an endocrine surgeon, Dr. Sosa has dedicated her career to treating patients with thyroid,

parathyroid, and adrenal disorders. Her clinical expertise is matched by her commitment to

research, where she has made significant contributions to understanding the epidemiology and

outcomes of benign and malignant endocrine diseases, with a focus on thyroid cancer. Her work

has not only advanced surgical techniques but also improved patient care on a global scale.

Under her leadership, the Department of Surgery has seen its NIH funding double.

Dr. Sosa’s leadership journey is equally remarkable. After serving as a faculty member at Yale

and Duke, she was encouraged by colleagues to apply for the role of Chair of the Department of

Surgery at UCSF. Despite initial doubts and imposter syndrome, she took the leap, becoming the

second consecutive woman to hold this prestigious position. “I think so many of us have

imposter syndrome. That’s why having a network of allies and colleagues who lift you up and see

truths in you that you don’t see yourself is so important,” she reflects. Under her leadership,

UCSF’s Department of Surgery has flourished, prioritizing innovation, diversity, and health

equity. One of her proudest achievements is establishing salary equity within the department,

ensuring fair compensation for all faculty members regardless of gender, race, or ethnicity. “We

have established equitable compensation for women and men, and based on race and ethnicity.

I am so proud of that because it is a statement of our values,” she says. This groundbreaking

initiative reflects her unwavering commitment to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace.

Dr. Sosa’s leadership philosophy is rooted in curiosity, creativity, and optimism. She believes

that curiosity drives innovation, while creativity is essential for solving complex

problems—whether in the operating room, the research lab, or the boardroom. “Surgeons must

be creative because you will come across patients with problems you’ve never encountered

before. Creativity is what brings me the greatest joy in this job,” she explains. Her optimism,

which she describes as “almost pathologic,” sustains her in the face of challenges, from

navigating the complexities of academic medicine to addressing systemic barriers in healthcare.

She also emphasizes the importance of courage, particularly for leaders who must make difficult

decisions and advocate for change. “Courage is the secret sauce. It’s a work in progress, but

every day, I feel like I’m getting better at it,” she shares.

Health equity is a central focus of Dr. Sosa’s work. As a Latina and woman in surgery, she is

deeply committed to addressing disparities in healthcare access and outcomes. “I live and work

in a minority-majority state, and I am very concerned that not everyone has fair access to

healthcare. We need a workforce that reflects the patients we serve,” she says. Through her

research and leadership, she strives to create a more inclusive and representative field, ensuring

that all patients receive the highest quality of care. Her efforts extend beyond UCSF, as she

advocates for policy changes and systemic reforms to reduce healthcare inequities on a national

level.

Dr. Sosa’s impact is not limited to her clinical and administrative roles. She is a mentor and role

model for countless trainees, particularly women and underrepresented minorities in surgery.

She encourages them to embrace their identities as strengths and to pursue their passions with

courage and determination. “I am proud that I live my truth. Bringing my identities

together—being a woman, a Latina, an immigrant, and a surgeon—has become my superpower,”

she says. Her journey, filled with unexpected turns and challenges, serves as an inspiration to

those navigating their paths in medicine.

Looking ahead, Dr. Sosa remains focused on advancing surgical care, promoting health equity,

and mentoring the next generation of leaders. She envisions a future where technology and

innovation enhance patient outcomes while ensuring that care remains accessible to all. “We

need scientists, clinicians, educators, policymakers, and advocates to work together to solve big

problems. Talk is cheap—we need resources and action,” she emphasizes. Her work in salary

equity and workforce inclusivity serves as a model for other institutions, demonstrating that

meaningful change is possible with commitment and collaboration.

Dr. Sosa’s credentials reflect her exceptional contributions to surgery and academia. She earned

her medical degree from Johns Hopkins University and completed her surgical training at the

Johns Hopkins Hospital. She holds a master’s degree in human sciences from Oxford and the

esteemed title of Leon Goldman, MD Distinguished Professor of Surgery at the University of

California, San Francisco (UCSF), where she has served as Chair of the Department of Surgery

since 2018. A leading figure in endocrine surgery, Dr. Sosa specializes in thyroid cancer and has

made significant contributions to the field through her extensive research. She has authored

over 400 peer-reviewed publications and 80 book chapters and reviews, with her work primarily

centered on outcomes research, healthcare delivery, hyperparathyroidism, and thyroid cancer.

Her scholarly achievements have solidified her reputation as a pioneer in both clinical practice

and academic surgery.

Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Sosa is a devoted advocate for work-life integration.

She understands the importance of recharging and finding joy outside of work, whether through

travel, spending time with loved ones, or simply enjoying the beauty of San Francisco and

Sonoma with her family and two dogs, Twinkie and Brownie. “Don’t sweat the small stuff. Keep

your eye on the prize—what are the values that get you up in the morning? That’s what matters,”

she advises. Her ability to balance the demands of a high-pressure career with personal

fulfillment is a testament to her resilience and perspective.

Dr. Julie Ann Sosa’s story is one of perseverance, innovation, and leadership. From her

non-traditional path to medicine to her groundbreaking work in surgery and health equity, she

has left an indelible mark on her field. Her unwavering commitment to curiosity, creativity, and

courage ensures that her impact will continue to shape the future of surgery for generations to

come.