Inova L.J. Murphy Children's Hospital > Pediatric Services > Inova Children's Endocrinology

Children’s Endocrinology

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.

Our Team

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


Dr. LazarevaOksana 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

Rinku Mehra, MD
Otilia Neacsu, MD
Mia Pingul, MD
Lindsey Waldman, MD
Haley Smith, CPNP-PC
Jenny Sapolsky, FNP-BC, CDCES
Robyn Mehlenbeck, PhD
Nupur Gupta, PsyD


Other Pediatric Endocrinology Providers

Melody Y Shi
Douglas O. Sobel
Chelsi L Flippo

Specialized Programs and Services

Individualized diabetes education and counseling for your child

Inova's diabetes educators will meet with you and your child to cover essentials on diabetes treatment and management. Programs include continuous glucose monitoring, insulin pumps, weight management, and individual diabetes management and education.

Learn more about diabetes educational programs for children and how you can register.

Conditions and Treatments

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
Patient Information
Family Resources

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 PDF


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).


Support groups

Capital Area Type 1 Diabetes Support is a good source of activities and events. Families of children who live with type 1 diabetes can join this membership-based Yahoo! Group that provides support and resources to DC-area families. Learn more about this support group PDF icon