Her Story
About Julia
Julia Terhune is a distinguished surgical oncologist and Assistant Professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, specializing in skin and soft tissue tumors. With extensive training and experience in complex surgical care, she has dedicated her career to advancing patient outcomes through compassionate, evidence-based medicine. Dr. Terhune completed her medical degree at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, followed by a seven-year general surgery residency at the University of Maryland Medical Center and a two-year fellowship in Complex General Surgical Oncology at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Throughout her career, Dr. Terhune has combined clinical excellence with a passion for education and mentorship. As a faculty member at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, she is committed to training the next generation of physicians and has been recognized with teaching awards from the general surgery residency program. Her professional expertise and dedication to surgical oncology have led to active involvement with organizations including the American College of Surgeons and the Society of Surgical Oncology.
Before pursuing medicine, Dr. Terhune began her career as a high school biology teacher through Teach For America, an experience that shaped her passion for education and advocacy. She continues to support learning and development both professionally and within her community through involvement in her children's schools. Dr. Terhune attributes her success to pursuing meaningful work that brings personal fulfillment and credits mentor Rochelle Williams for inspiring her humanistic approach to patient care and leadership.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Julia
01What do you attribute your success to?
I really think a lot of the success just comes from finding what is going to make you happy. Every job is hard at times, but if you really love what you do, you're going to be willing to get up and fight and do it again. Surviving residency with two young kids in fellowship was a proud moment for me as a mom.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Mentor Rochelle Williams helped train me and had a humanistic approach to patients that I admired and tried to emulate. She was always supportive and believed in me.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Know who you are and what you're willing to give of yourself to achieve your career goals, and stay true to yourself. Make sure that you're making decisions that really reflect who you are and what you want, and not what external factors are telling you to do.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The over-involvement of insurance companies in medical decisions creates friction. We spend a lot of wasted time arguing with insurance companies over how to care for patients when there are clear guidelines.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Family and education are big for me. I'm a strong education advocate and active in my kids' schools. Being a role model for my kids is important.
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