Sofia Wicker Velez

Biography and Expertise of Sofia Wicker Velez

Sofia Wicker Velez applies her specialized knowledge in pediatric nutrition at the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center. Her expertise covers gastroenterology, functional abdominal pain, liver transplant recovery, critical care nutrition, and the clinical application of the ketogenic diet. She focuses on an integrative approach that incorporates both conventional medical nutrition therapy and complementary strategies to improve patient health outcomes.

A significant aspect of her work is the co-development of the Gastrointestinal Functional Treatment (GIFT) Center. This multidisciplinary clinic provides comprehensive care for children with complex feeding needs and functional gastrointestinal disorders. Therefore, the GIFT Center model created by Sofia Wicker Velez and her colleagues is a direct application of the congress theme “Integration of TCIM into Health Systems,” demonstrating how collaborative, holistic care can be institutionalized.

Furthermore, her work supports evidence-based public health solutions. Through research and clinical practice, she investigates and applies treatments for disorders of gut-brain interaction, a complex pediatric health challenge. This focus aligns with the congress’s emphasis on scientific validation and the principles of the Gujarat Declaration, aiming to build a credible evidence base for integrative health interventions.

Professional Career

The professional career of Sofia Wicker Velez is centered at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, where she has established herself as a specialist in pediatric clinical nutrition. Her trajectory reflects a commitment to both direct patient care and the advancement of her field through research and education within a high-acuity medical environment.

Her roles have involved increasing levels of responsibility, from providing specialized nutrition services to developing new clinical programs and mentoring the next generation of dietitians. This combination of clinical innovation and academic contribution defines her professional impact.

• Pediatric Clinical Dietitian Specialist II, Johns Hopkins Children’s Center (November 2020 – Present): In this role, she provides inpatient and outpatient nutrition care with a specialization in GI diseases and functional disorders. Her responsibilities include co-developing and leading nutritional care at the multidisciplinary GIFT Center. Additionally, she serves as a preceptor and coordinator for dietetic interns and Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) students and educates medical residents, fellows, and staff on pediatric nutrition topics.
• Research Consultant, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine (2021 – 2024): As a consultant, she supported the design and implementation of nutrition-related research studies. Her work also involved creating culturally relevant educational materials and enhancing participant engagement in clinical research.

Academic Qualifications

Sofia Wicker Velez built her expertise upon a strong academic foundation in food and nutrition science. Her education provided the scientific and clinical knowledge necessary for her specialized practice in pediatric dietetics. Her pursuit of an advanced degree reflects an ongoing commitment to deepening her understanding of human nutrition.

This academic training, combined with practical experience through a clinical internship, has equipped her with the skills to address complex nutritional challenges. Consequently, her qualifications are integral to her ability to contribute to an evidence-based, integrative care model.

• Master of Science (MS), Human Nutrition – University of Alabama (Expected December 2025)
• Dietetic Internship (Clinical emphasis) – Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center (2020)
• Bachelor of Science (BS), Food and Nutrition (Dietetics) – California State University, Sacramento (2019, Magna Cum Laude)

Licenses and Certifications

Her professional standing is further validated by several key licenses and certifications, which demonstrate her qualifications and specialized skills.

• Registered Dietitian (CDR #86143983)
• Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist (Maryland #DX5101)
• Certified Lactation Counselor (#355856, 2024)
• Johns Hopkins Medicine International Qualified Bilingual Staff (Spanish)

Research, Publications, and Presentations

Sofia Wicker Velez actively contributes to the scientific discourse in pediatric nutrition through publications and presentations at professional conferences. Her scholarly work focuses on characterizing and improving multidisciplinary care models for children with abdominal pain-related disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI). This research is vital for developing standardized, effective treatment protocols.

Her presentations translate clinical innovations into practical knowledge for other healthcare practitioners. By sharing the experiences and outcomes from the GIFT Center, she helps disseminate a successful model for integrative pediatric care. This educational outreach is crucial for advancing the field.

Key Publication

• Wicker S. Characterization of Multidisciplinary Programs for Abdominal Pain-Related Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction. Clinical Pediatrics (Philadelphia). 2025;64(2):123-134. doi:10.1177/00099228251316367

Selected Presentations

• APN 2024: Multidisciplinary Approach to Holistic Care: Gastrointestinal Functional Treatment Center
• APN 2024: Gastrointestinal Functional Treatment Center: Practical Applications
• 51st Annual Pediatric Trends 2024: Harmonizing Gut and Mind: Multidisciplinary Solutions for DGBI
• 39th Annual Pediatrics for the Practitioner Update 2024: GI Functional Disorders
• Digestive Disease Week 2025 (Poster): Understanding the Impact of Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Field Stimulation in Children: Insights from Patient and Parent Questionnaires
• NCH Jacksonville Pediatric Grand Rounds (July 2026): Harmonizing Gut and Mind

Further Information

Information about the clinical and research activities of Sofia Wicker Velez can be found through the official publications and departmental websites of The Johns Hopkins Hospital and Johns Hopkins Children’s Center. These resources provide context for her work within one of the nation’s primary medical institutions.