Comprehensive care for children and adolescents with endocrinology disorders, including diabetes, growth disorders, thyroid conditions and more.
Conditions and diseases associated with a child’s endocrine system are often much different than their adult counterparts. Endocrinology disorders in children require a team approach — engaging not only the child and their family, but also existing primary care providers and other needed pediatric specialties to ensure every child receives a treatment plan tailored to their unique needs.
Inova Children's endocrinologists are highly qualified
to treat diabetes and other pediatric conditions related to growth and development with
sensitivity and compassion. These experts are well versed in pediatric
hormonal conditions affecting growth and sexual development and
understand fully their impact on a child’s physical and emotional health.
We collaborate with many local Virginia health care providers, including the George Mason University Center for Psychological Services and the Inova Center for Wellness and Metabolic Health, to provide children and their families access to the best possible care close to home.
Inova Children's Endocrinology and Diabetes Care Specialists
Inova Children’s Endocrinology includes some of the region’s top pediatric endocrinologists. Additionally, the team offers a wide range of expertise in pediatric endocrinology, including psychological support.
Medical Director
Oksana Lazareva, MD
Oksana Lazareva, MD, serves as Medical Director of Endocrinology. She is board certified in pediatric endocrinology and was named a Washingtonian Top Doctor in 2022. She completed her residency at the Infants and Children’s Hospital of Brooklyn Maimonides Medical Center and a fellowship at the State University of New York (SUNY) - Downstate Medical Center. She grew up in Smolensk, Russia, and has practiced in the Washington, DC area since 2011.
Dr. Lazareva's clinical interests include the management of diabetes mellitus, growth disorders, Turner syndrome, thyroid disorders, congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
In her free time, Dr. Lazareva enjoys reading, spending time with her family, playing tennis and volleyball, playing violin, and hiking.
Diabetes and Endocrinology Specialists
Rida Javaid, MD
Rachel Modarelli, MD
Deepa Badrinath Murthy, MD
Otilia Neacsu, MD
Bianca Pinto, MD
Jennifer Sapolsky, FNP
Haley Smith, CPNP-PC
Inova Children's Behavioral Health Team
This team plays a key role in providing comprehensive, multidisciplinary care for children, supporting both their mental and emotional well-being.
Robyn Mehlenbeck, PhD
Nupur Gupta, PsyD
PAWS (Pediatric Weight & Wellness Services)
PAWS offers comprehensive, compassionate care for children and adolescents ages 11 and up. Our multidisciplinary team, including pediatric endocrinologists, a nurse practitioner, a clinical pharmacist, dietitian, and psychologist, work together focusing on lifestyle modifications as the foundation for weight management while screening for medical conditions associated with obesity.
Program Structure:
- Patients must be at least 11 years of age
- Six monthly visits with a physician or nurse practitioner plus our specialized nutritionist
- Each appointment is 45 to 60 minutes
- Separate meetings with our clinical psychologist throughout the 6-month program
- Weight loss medications prescribed when medically necessary
- Specialist referrals provided when needed
- Maintenance follow-up visits every 3 to 6 months after program completion
PAWS Clinic Team Members:
How to Refer: Ask your pediatrician to refer you to Inova Children's Endocrinology. They should select Dr. Rida Javaid and note "PAWS" in the referral comments.
Individualized Diabetes Education and Counseling
Inova's diabetes educators work with you and your child to provide comprehensive education on diabetes treatment and management. Our programs include continuous glucose monitoring, insulin pump therapy, weight management support, and personalized diabetes management and education tailored to your child's needs.
The team features child-focused expertise in all areas of pediatric endocrinology, especially disorders associated with:
- Growth
- Puberty
- Thyroid gland
- Adrenal gland
- Sex differentiation
- Glucose metabolism (diabetes mellitus/hypoglycemia)
- Bone and mineral metabolism
- Water metabolism (diabetes insipidus)
- Pituitary/hypothalamus
- Menstrual irregularities, including Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Available treatments and services:
- Diabetes education
- Psychological support
- Initiation and monitoring of insulin pump treatment
- Initiation and monitoring of Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems
Events and support for your family
Inova L.J. Murphy Children’s Hospital offers many resources to patients and families
living with diabetes.
Insulin affordability/diabetes care discount programs
Download: Insulin Cost-Saving Resource Guide 
Camps
Diabetes summer camps are a great way for children with diabetes to learn
more about their disease, gain independence from their parents, meet other
children who have similar healthcare needs and simply have fun. Check back for dates of upcoming camps.
Community-based events
Inova participates in community-based events throughout the year in
Northern Virginia and the DC metro area. Major events include walks
sponsored by the American Diabetes Association and Juvenile Diabetes
Research Foundation to raise much-needed funding for increased
awareness and to support research.
For information regarding our current community involvement, call Inova
Diabetes Center at 1-877-511-GOAL (4625).