Diane E Pappas, MD, JD

Diane E. Pappas, MD, has been a pediatrician at UVA for more than 20 years. Her clinical focus is caring for underserved and vulnerable populations, especially children and families dealing with poverty and adversity. Over the course of her career, she has worked diligently to identify resources and strategies to support families in need. 

In 2005, she was a founding member of the UVA Department of Pediatrics Child Health Advocacy Program (CHAP), a medical-legal partnership. Working with the UVA Law School and the Legal Aid Justice Center, CHAP streamlines access to legal services for patients to allow them to address basic needs that negatively impact their health, such as housing conditions and denial of public benefits.

Dr. Pappas has also worked closely with the Virginia Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Medical Society of Virginia to organize the annual pediatric White Coat Day. This event gives providers the opportunity to meet with legislators in Richmond to discuss what is best for the health of children and families in the Commonwealth.  

Dr. Pappas is the Medical Director of Blue Ridge Care Connection for Children, a Title V program that helps children with physical disabilities. She has been educating herself and others about the impact of childhood trauma and ways to support resilience in our children and families. She also has a deep interest in the identification and management of mental health issues in children. As Director of Child Advocacy, she dedicates much of her energy to these issues and to educating the next generation of physicians.

Born and raised in Charlottesville, Dr. Pappas received her undergraduate degree from the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg prior to attending UVA School of Law. She then pursued a medical degree from the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond, where she also completed residency training in pediatrics.

When she is not working, Dr. Pappas enjoys travel, reading, trying new restaurants, museums and spending time with her husband, children, and two cats.

Gender

Female

Languages

English

Age Groups Seen

Infants (0-2)
Children (2-12)
Adolescents (12-21)

Primary Education

Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine

Residency

Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine

Certification

American Board of Pediatrics (Pediatrics)

Appointment

Director - Child Advocacy, Medical Director - Child Health Advocacy Program, and Blue Ridge Care Connection for Children

• Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society Burtis Burr Breese Award, 2011 
• VA Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics Child Advocacy Award, 2009