Rooted in Rochester: Dr. Tina Sosa’s Path from Child Life Volunteer to Children’s Hospital Leader

Born and raised in Rochester, Tina Sosa has a lifelong connection to the University of Rochester Medical Center—one that began at birth.

She was born at Strong Memorial Hospital, where she received care as a child and watched her mom undergo breast cancer treatment during her middle and high school years. Those early experiences gave Tina a deep appreciation for the care and compassion that define UR Medicine—and inspired her to get involved herself.

Learning the Power of Care, One Saturday at a Time

Shortly after graduating from Gates-Chili High School, Tina began exploring opportunities to get involved in the medical field. Wanting hands-on experience and a way to give back, she joined the Friends of Strong volunteer program—a decision that would set the course for her career.

For four years, Tina dedicated two hours every Saturday morning to volunteering with UR Medicine’s Golisano Children’s Hospital patients and their families. From organizing crafts and games to spending time on the play deck’s outdoor area, she found purpose in creating moments of comfort and connection.

“Not only did I get to see how medical care was provided,” she says, “but I was able to bring joy to kids and families who were going through something incredibly difficult.”

Some moments stand out vividly years later—like meeting two siblings who survived a devastating house fire in 2008. “They were so severely injured when they came in,” she remembers. “Seeing them recover and eventually leave the hospital—it was miraculous. The care they received was phenomenal.”

Building a Future in Pediatric Medicine

Tina’s volunteer work solidified her passion for pediatrics. After graduating from SUNY Geneseo, she returned to the University of Rochester for medical school—a decision she says was shaped by her Friends of Strong experience.

“Volunteering here at UR Medicine’s Golisano Children’s Hospital really showed me what a wonderful atmosphere this is—to learn, to work, and to receive care. It’s a big part of what brought me back.”

She earned her medical degree in 2014 and matched into a pediatric residency at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, where she also completed her fellowship.

After seven years in Cincinnati, Dr. Tina Sosa, M.D., M.Sc., returned home in 2021 to join Golisano Children’s Hospital as a pediatric hospitalist and associate chief quality officer. In 2023, she was named Chief Quality Officer.

Today, Tina’s early volunteer experiences continue to shape how she approaches her work.