Dr Hafler received her Master's Degree in Education, specialising in maternal and child health from Columbia University and her Doctorate in Education from Harvard University. She focuses on assisting faculty, students, and Residents to explore innovative ways to effectively promote learning in both the classroom and the clinical settings. Promoting, influencing and nurturing a climate in which physicians, Residents and students can teach — and learn — has been foremost among her career objectives. Through the TLC, Dr Hafler directs the Medical Education Fellowship for faculty educators as well as Medical Education Elective courses for both medical students and Residents. She also collaborates with Yale-New Haven Hospital, offering Resident-as-teacher programmes for all Residents.

Dr Hafler runs an active research programme applying qualitative research methods in medical education. She collaborates with and mentors clinicians and faculty on the elements of qualitative research in the field of medical education and medical care. In turn, mentored faculty members have learned to develop and demonstrate the tools necessary to effectively teach and lead others. Dr Hafler is very widely published with book chapters, curriculum materials and original articles in medical education and clinical journals. She frequently serves as visiting professor internationally and has been invited to present regularly at regional and national professional meetings.