Sofija Volertas

Sofija Volertas, MD is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, where she is a member of the Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology within the Department of Medicine. She maintains her clinical practice at UNC Health and is actively involved in medical education and research.

Dr. Volertas received her undergraduate education at Duke University, attended medical school at Georgetown University School of Medicine, completed her residency at the University of Chicago, and finished her fellowship at the University of Michigan.

Dr. Volertas' clinical and research focus centers on IgE-mediated diseases, including environmental allergies (allergic rhinitis), urticaria (hives), anaphylaxis, and food allergy. She also sees patients with immune dysfunction and has a personal interest in integrative medicine, with a particular focus on adolescents and young adults transitioning to adult care. Her academic interests include medical education, wellness, and telehealth, where she leads initiatives focused on teaching communication skills, "webside" manner, and professionalism in virtual care settings. She has delivered TEDx Talks on topics related to her expertise.

Her research spans several important areas in allergy and immunology, including mast cell disorders, food allergy testing protocols, and epidemiological studies of conditions like mastocytosis. Dr. Volertas has demonstrated particular interest in translating research findings into practical clinical applications, especially in the context of evolving clinical guidelines.

Dr. Volertas is actively involved in teaching medical students and residents at UNC. Her educational contributions include quality improvement initiatives in resident education, particularly focused on improving transition care for patients. She has published research examining how to enhance educational experiences during critical transition periods in patient care.

Her clinical practice emphasizes that "human connection is the root of healing," reflecting her holistic approach to patient care that integrates traditional medical approaches with integrative medicine principles, particularly for adolescent and young adult patients navigating the transition to adult healthcare systems.