I write with the sad news that Dr. Dena Hofkosh, Professor of Pediatrics, Emeritus, passed away at her home surrounded by her family early this morning. She was 68. The cause was ovarian cancer. 
Dr. Hofkosh was an outstanding physician, educator, and leader and advocate for the most vulnerable. She was born in New York, NY, received her B.A. and M.D. degrees from NYU, and completed pediatrics residency and fellowship in ambulatory and community pediatrics at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. She joined the faculty in the Department of Pediatrics as an assistant professor in 1984 and retired as an emeritus professor in 2021.
Dr. Hofkosh served in a number of leadership roles during her tenure as a faculty member, perhaps none more important than directing our pediatrics residency program from 1997 to 2014. In her capacity as program director, she helped to develop the Combined Program in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics and the Triple Board Program as well as specialized training tracks within the Pediatrics Residency, including the Pediatric Advocacy, Leadership, and Service Program, and she supervised the training of ~ 700 Pittsburgh pediatricians. She also contributed to residency training nationally through her educational scholarship and her service as President of the Association of Pediatric Program Directors.
In addition to her educational leadership, Dr. Hofkosh was our inaugural Vice Chair of Faculty Affairs and developed several new initiatives that contributed immensely to the professional fulfillment of our faculty. She established the Office of Faculty Development, expanded its staff to four, and developed programs for faculty orientation, mentoring, education skills development, and promotion support. She also established the Wellbeing Taskforce in the Department of Pediatrics and launched several programs to promote physician wellness.
In addition to these important responsibilities, Dr. Hofkosh dedicated her career to promoting equity in who we are and how we care. As a founding member of Pride Health, she contributed amply of her talents to serve and support members of the LGBTQI community, faculty, staff, learners, and providers, and foster an open, inclusive, and affirming environment in which to practice, work, and learn.
A service will be held for Dr. Hofkosh at Rodef Shalom (4905 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213) on Thursday at 11 AM. Those unable to attend may view the service here.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Dr. Dena Hofkosh Endowed Fund for Faculty Development through the UPMC Children’s Hospital Foundation.
A legacy comes from personal and professional accomplishments and more importantly from those cared for, taught, counseled, and led along the way. Dr. Hofkosh lived a purposeful life powered by love. We will miss her.
Terence S. Dermody, M.D.