Dr. Robert Alan Sofferman, an Emeritus Fellow, passed away on October 14,2015, at his home surrounded by his loving family, at the age of73. Dr. Sofferman, known to many as Dr. Bob, was inducted as an Active Fellow in 1995 and was elevated to emeritus status in 2012.
Graduating from Lehigh University in 1963 as a member of Omicron Delta Kappa and Alpha Epsilon Delta, he was a magna cum laude graduate of the University of Maryland School of Medicine in 1967. His surgical internship was performed at the University of Colorado in 1968, where he met and married his wife of 47 years, Barbara (McCann) Sofferman.
In 1975 the family moved to Colchester, VT, where Bob took what he thought would be a temporary appointment as a member of the Department of Otolaryngology and Assistant Professor of Surgery at the University of Vermont College of Medicine. He loved it so much that he remained there throughout his career, becoming Chairman of the Otolaryngology Department at Fletcher Allen Health Care in 1977, and Professor of Surgery in the college of medicine in 1993. During his tenure as chairman, the department grew from three to ten surgeons in addition to many other support staff.
“Dr. Bob” was a consummate teacher, and was extremely committed to giving back to his profession. He wrote and edited many articles in professional journals, presentations and served as a guest lecturer or visiting professor at symposia around the world. The most fulfilling aspect of his professional career was helping to train his many residents and medical students, many of whom became like family. Dr.
Sofferman was a pioneer in many aspects of his profession, including the implantation of cochlear implants in the 1980s and promoting and teaching the use of ultrasound in the practice of otolaryngology in more recent years. After retirement, he continued to train Otolaryngologists in the use of ultrasound. He was a strong advocate for the development of an accreditation program for otolaryngology instruction in ultrasound.
In addition to this being an ALA Fellow, he was a member of the Vermont State Medical Society, American Academy of Otolaryngology, American Board of Otolaryngology, American Head and Neck Society. the Triological Society and other local, state and national associations.
Bob is survived by his wife Barbara; his daughter, Rebecca, and son, Brooke (Corrina) Sofferman; his mother Helen Sofferman: his sister, Lynn (Rob) Donner; grandchildren and several nephews, nieces, and cousins.