Sonja N. Van Hala
( out of 49 reviews )

Sonja N. Van Hala, MD, MPH, DipABLM, FAAFP

Languages spoken: English

Clinical Locations

Sugar House Health Center

Salt Lake City
801-581-2000

  • Sonja Van Hala, MD, MPH, FAAFP is a board-certified family medicine physician and board-certified lifestyle medicine physician who welcomes patients of all ages to her practice. She sees patients through virtual visits (telemedicine) only. She received her medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School in 1998 and her family medicine residency training at the University of Utah in 2001. She completed a faculty development fellowship with a focus on teaching at the University of Utah in 2003 and earned a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Utah. Her professional interests include full spectrum family care for patients of all ages, in particular women's health, lifestyle medicine, and mental health. Her research interests are leadership skills, provider wellness, and quality improvement education in medical education. In her leisure time, Dr. Van Hala enjoys live music, whole food plant-based cooking, yoga, trail-running with her dog, skiing, gardening and hanging out with her husband and two children.

    Specialties

    Board Certification

    American Board of Family Medicine
    American Board of Lifestyle Medicine

    Patient Rating

    4.7 /5
    ( out of 49 reviews )

    The patient rating score is an average of all responses on our patient experience survey. The rating averages scores for all questions about care from our providers.

    The scale on which responses are measured is 1 to 5 with 5 being the best score.

    Patient Comments

    Patient comments are gathered from our patient experience survey and displayed in their entirety. For the convenience of our visitors, some patient comments have been translated from their original language into English while preserving their original meaning as accurately as possible. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.

    November 07, 2024
    SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER

    Dr. Van Hala is a caring doctor. She takes time to understand the issue, and provide personalized care. I appreciate the way she cares for patients.

    November 06, 2024
    SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER

    I was initially unsure about connecting with a primary care provider virtually, but over time, I've come to appreciate the experience. While Dr. Van Hala can sometimes run behind schedule, our appointments are always productive and never feel rushed. She takes the time to explain and include me in my treatment plans, is proactive about preventative health, and is resourceful in consulting with colleagues when needed. also appreciate how she ensures my multidisciplinary care feels unified. She always addresses my questions, making me feel heard and involved in my care. Overall, I'm very satisfied with the care and attention she provides.

    November 04, 2024
    SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER

    Very kind and a great listener. Explains things in a clear and concise way!

    October 04, 2024
    SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER

    she is a caring doctor and takes the time to listen to people and is understanding.

    June 14, 2024
    SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER

    Dr. Van Hala is the most amazing, kind, compassionate and brilliant doctor I have ever worked with. I appreciate her care for my health through the years more than words can explain and I would recommend her without hesitation to anyone, in person or online. She is the best!

    May 09, 2024
    SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER

    Dr Van Hala is kind and a wonderful listener.

    October 19, 2023
    SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER

    good care

    July 11, 2023
    SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER

    Dr. Van Hala was awesome. She was kind and personable; listened to me and was very patient and detailed in her explanation.

    May 20, 2023
    SUGAR HOUSE HEALTH CENTER

    It is always good to leave an appointment with great guidance & kindness.

    See More Patient Comments

  • Sonja Van Hala, MD, MPH, FAAFP is a board-certified family medicine physician and board-certified lifestyle medicine physician who welcomes patients of all ages to her practice. She sees patients through virtual visits (telemedicine) only. She received her medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School in 1998 and her family medicine residency training at the University of Utah in 2001. She completed a faculty development fellowship with a focus on teaching at the University of Utah in 2003 and earned a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Utah. Her professional interests include full spectrum family care for patients of all ages, in particular women's health, lifestyle medicine, and mental health. Her research interests are leadership skills, provider wellness, and quality improvement education in medical education. In her leisure time, Dr. Van Hala enjoys live music, whole food plant-based cooking, yoga, trail-running with her dog, skiing, gardening and hanging out with her husband and two children.

    Board Certification and Academic Information

    Academic Departments Family & Preventive Medicine -Professor (Clinical)
    Board Certification
    American Board of Family Medicine
    American Board of Lifestyle Medicine

    Education history

    Fellowship David Eccles School of Business, Health Science Leadership Development Program 2016 Mini-Fellowship
    Fellowship National Institute for Program Director Development (NIPPD) Fellowship Fellow
    Fellowship Curriculum Development - University of Utah, Family & Preventive Medicine Academic Fellow
    Graduate Training Public Health - University of Utah M.P.H.
    Chief Resident Family Medicine - University of Utah, Family & Preventive Medicine Chief Resident
    Residency Family Medicine - University of Utah, Family & Preventive Medicine Resident
    Internship Family Medicine - University of Utah, Family & Preventive Medicine Intern
    Research Fellow Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation - University of Michigan, Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Research Fellow
    Professional Medical Medicine - University of Michigan Medical School M.D.
    Undergraduate Biology - University of Michigan B.S.

    Selected Publications

    Journal Article

    1. Van Hala S, Taylor E, Cochella S (2024). Leadership Development in Graduate Medical Education: A Pilot Study of Implementation of a Validated Self-assessment Instrument. Family Medicine, 56(6), 387-392.
    2. Fortenberry KT, Cochella S, Stoesser K, Ose D, Taylor E, Frame K, Van Hala S (2022). Teaching Self-directed Learning Skills Through a Resident-Led Milestones Process. PRiMER, 6(40).
    3. Knox J, Fortenberry KT, Qeadan F, Tingey B, Holman A, Stoesser K, Van Hala S (2021). Implementing an Anonymous Closed-Loop Feedback Process and Associations With ACGME Annual Survey Scores in a Family Medicine Residency. Fam Med, 53(10), 878-881. (Read full article)
    4. Locke AB, Fortenberry KT, Sullivan E, Ose D, Tingey B, Qeadan F, Henson A, Van Hala S (2020). Use of a Feedback Survey as a Part of a Wellness Champions Program to Improve Academic Faculty Satisfaction and Burnout: Implications for Burnout in Academic Health Centers.. Glob Adv Health Med.
    5. Pohl SD, Van Hala S, Ose D, Tingey B, Leiser JP (2020). A Longitudinal Curriculum for Quality Improvement, Leadership Experience, and Scholarship in a Family Medicine Residency Program. Fam Med, 52(8), 570-575.
    6. Badarane D, Knox J, Camacho A, Magill MK, Van Hala S, Jones JL (2019). Increasing Chlamydia Testing Rates via Targeted Outreach. PRiMER. 2019 Jan 1;3:17. PRiMER Peer-Reviewed Reports in Medical Education Research, 3(17).
    7. Jones KB, Fortenberry K, Sanyer O, Knighton R, Van Hala S (2018). Creation of a Family Medicine Residency Blog. Int J Psychiatry Med, 53(5-6), 427-435.
    8. Van Hala S, Cochella S, Jaggi R, Frost C, Kiraly B, Pohl S, Gren L (2018). Development and Validation of the Foundational Healthcare Leadership Self-assessment. Fam Med, 50(4), 262-8.
    9. Fortenberry KT, Van Hala S, Frost CJ (2017). Establishing a Culture of Intentional Wellness: Lessons From a Family Medicine Resident Focus Group. DOI:10.22454/PRiMER.2017.597444. 1(12).
    10. Saffel-Shrier S, Gunning K, Van Hala S, Farrell T, Lehmann W, Egger M, Miniclier N (2012). Residency redesign to accommodate trends in geriatrics: an RC-FM variance to establish a patient-centered medical home in an assisted living facility. Fam Med, 44(2), 128-31. (Read full article)
    11. Joy EA, Van Hala S, Cooper L (2009). Health-related concerns of the female athlete: a lifespan approach. Am Fam Physician, 79(6), 489-95. (Read full article)
    12. Hobson WL, Avant-Mier R, Cochella S, Van Hala S, Stanford J, Alder SC, Croskell SE (2005). Caring for the Underserved: Using Patient and Physician Focus Groups to Inform Curriculum Development. Ambul Pediatr, 5(2), 90-5.
    13. Joy EA, Van Hala S, Marshall E (2004). Pregnancy as an opportunity for behavior change. Curr Sports Med Rep, 3(6), 327-9. (Read full article)
    14. Joy EA, Van Hala S (2004). Musculoskeletal curricula in medical education: filling in the missing pieces. Phys Sportsmed, 32(11), 42-8. (Read full article)
    15. Bahng SC, Van Hala S, Nelson VS, Hurvitz EA, Roloff DW, Grady LA, Lewis CC (1998). Parental report of pediatric tracheostomy care. Arch Phys Med Rehabil, 79(11), 1367-9.
    16. Van Hala S, Nelson VS, Hurvitz EA, Panzi A, Bloom DA, Ward MJ (1997). Bladder management in patients with pediatric onset neurogenic bladders. J Spinal Cord Med, 20(4), 410-5. (Read full article)

    Letter

    1. Van Hala S, Cochella S, Frost C, Gren L (2018). Collaborative Skills Essential to Leadership [Letter to the editor]. Fam Med, 50(9), 712-3.
    2. Fortenberry K, Knox J, Van Hala S (2018). What do Residents Want for Burnout Prevention? … Time [Letter to the editor]. Acad Med, 93(3), 343-344.
    3. Jones KB, Sanyer O, Fortenberry K, Van Hala S (2017). Resident Education Through Blogging and Other Social Media Platforms. [Letter to the editor]. J Grad Med Educ, 9(2), 256-256.
    4. Van Hala S (2007). Maximizing workflow with an EHR. [Letter to the editor]. Fam Pract Manag, 14(6), 13. (Read full article)

    Other

    1. Van Hala S (2024). A Harrowing Elixir. (3, p. 9).
    2. Van Hala S (2023). The Snowstorm. JAMA (329(20), p. 1742).
    3. Van Hala S (2023). The Snowstorm. Published online. As of 6/6/23: 7,025 views. JAMA.
    4. Van Hala S (2021). I Am Sorry, Honey. Voices From the Faculty: A Collection of Stories From University of Utah School of Medicine Faculty (2, p. 23). University of Utah Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine.
    5. Van Hala S (2010). The Autopsy (poem). Fam Med (6(42), p. 397).
    6. Van Hala S, Rowell K (1996). Partner Violence: How You Can Recognize and Intervene in Partner Abuse, A Guide for Health Care Providers (Handbook). Ann Arbor: University of Michigan American Medical Women's Association.

    Video/Film/CD/Web/Podcast

    1. Van Hala S (2019). Rose, Thorn, Bud [Web]. Salt Lake City, UT: Family Medicine Vital Signs: Utah Family Medicine Residency Blog.
    2. Stoesser K, Van Hala S (2019). VBAC (Vaginal birth after cesarean section) [Web]. Society of Teachers of Family Medicine, Family Medicine Residency Curriculum Resource.
    3. Van Hala S (2018). Tending to Transition [Web]. Salt Lake City: Family Medicine Vital Signs: Utah Family Medicine Residency Blog. Available: https://fammedvitalsigns.com/2018/07/03/tending-to-transition/.
    4. Fortenberry K, Knox J, Van Hala S (2018). What Do Residents Want For Burnout Prevention? Time [Web]. Family Medicine Vital Signs: Utah Family Medicine Residency Blog. Available: https://fammedvitalsigns.wordpress.com.
    5. Pohl S, Van Hala S, Ransco M, Leiser J (2018). How the University of Utah Prepares Family Medicine Residents to Lead Value Improvement Efforts [Web]. Available: https://catalyst.nejm.org/residents-lead-value-improvement-efforts/.
    6. Van Hala S (2017). Vulnerability in Leadership [Web]. Salt Lake City: Family Medicine Vital Signs Blog. Available: https://fammedvitalsigns.wordpress.com/2017/07/25/vulnerability-in-leadership/.
    7. Van Hala S (2016). Who is YOUR Doctor? [Web]. Salt Lake City: Family Medicine Vital Signs Blog: Utah Family Medicine Residency Blog. Available: https://fammedvitalsigns.wordpress.com/2016/07/19/who-is-your-doctor/.
    8. Van Hala S (2015). You Don't Have to Feel Overwhelmed with Your First Newborn [Podcast]. The Scope, University of Utah Health Sciences Radio. Available: http://healthcare.utah.edu/the-scope/shows.php?shows=0_c5l79l1q.
    9. Van Hala S (2015). Transparency in Wellness [Web]. Family Medicine Vital Signs: Utah Family Medicine Residency Blog. Available: https://fammedvitalsigns.wordpress.com.
    10. Van Hala S (2014). Tenets for Internship and Beyond [Web]. Salt Lake City: Family Medicine Vital Signs: Utah Family Medicine Residency Blog. Available: https://fammedvitalsigns.wordpress.com/2014/07/01/tenets-for-internship-and-beyond/.
    11. Kiraly B, Van Hala S (2014). Practice Management Curriculum: An Evolving Design [Web]. The Society of Teachers of Family Medicine (STFM) Family Medicine Digital Resource Library. Available: http://www.fmdrl.org/4795.
    12. Van Hala S, Leiser J, Kiraly B, Backman R, Jones K (2013). Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) in a Family Medicine Residency Program: Leveraging Three Missions [Web]. The Society of Teachers of Family Medicine (STFM) Family Medicine Digital Resource Library. Available: www.fmdrl.org/4357.
    13. Leiser J, Van Hala S, Backman R, Kiraly B (2011). Order From Chaos: Improving Quality of Care in a Resident/Faculty Practice Through Integrated Team Meetings [Web]. The Society of Teachers of Family Medicine (STFM) Family Medicine Digital Resource Library. Available: www.fmdrl.org/3621.
    14. Van Hala S, Leiser J, Backman R (2008). Tools to Implement and Teach the "Care Team Model" in a Family [Web]. The Society of Teachers of Family Medicine (STFM) Family Medicine Digital Resource Library. Available: www.fmdrl.org/2027.

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