Sarah Pederson has reshaped how Georgia delivers forensic medical care to survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and human trafficking. She created a first-of-its-kind training program that integrates clinical instruction with hands-on scenario-based education that includes law enforcement and advocates. She is deeply committed to expanding nurses’ expertise and ability to assess and treat injuries.
Her supervisor, Amy Hutsell says, “Sarah is one of the hardest-working people I know. She has vision and a unique ability to bring people together to build the programs survivors need.”
In one notable example, as the Statewide Forensic Medical Coordinator, Pederson was instrumental in expanding acute medical services for victims of human trafficking. In Georgia, law enforcement operations that are focused on recovering human trafficking victims now include a mobile medical clinic so forensic nurses can offer immediate care.
Pederson also created a groundbreaking forensic nurse training program at Georgia’s Public Safety Training Center, integrating clinical instruction with hands-on scenario-based education that includes law enforcement and advocates. Her efforts have dramatically increased the number of skilled forensic nurses statewide, expanding survivors’ access to trauma-informed care—especially in underserved areas.
Pederson is a leader dedicated to growing the profession of forensic nursing, expanding nurses’ expertise and ability to assess and treat injuries. She has contributed to national forensic nursing standards, helping develop certifications like the Interpersonal Violence Strangulation Evaluation and the Advanced Forensic Nurse designation. As a mentor for countless nurses, she leads by example, spending many late nights on the front lines providing hands-on care.
Now, Pederson begins a new chapter as a psychiatric nurse practitioner serving veterans, motivated to address the dearth of mental health services for trauma survivors. She believes healing from trauma, whether caused by battle or sexual violence, deserves the same urgency and care.
We proudly recognize Sarah Pederson for the systems she has changed, the collaborations she has led, and the care she has expanded. She is a true Champion of Change.