At Sandy Springs Pediatrics, Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to honor leaders whose work tangibly improves children’s lives. Few pediatricians embody that mission more than Yvonne A. Maldonado, MD, FAAP, FPIDS, FIDSA — a nationally recognized expert in pediatric infectious diseases, vaccines, and epidemiology whose research and advocacy have guided families, clinicians, and policymakers across the country.
Who is Dr. Yvonne Maldonado?
Dr. Maldonado is the Taube Professor of Global Health and Infectious Diseases at Stanford University and a Professor of Pediatrics (Infectious Diseases) and of Epidemiology & Population Health. She also serves in senior leadership at Stanford Medicine, where her roles have included Senior Associate Dean for Faculty Development and Engagement and prior service as Interim Chair of the Department of Medicine (2023–2024).
A daughter of Mexican immigrants and the first in her family to attend college, Dr. Maldonado completed medical school at Stanford University School of Medicine, pediatric residency at Johns Hopkins, and fellowship in pediatric infectious diseases. Her career has spanned rigorous research, clinical care at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, and public service.
National Leadership in Children’s Vaccines & Infectious Diseases
- Chair, AAP Committee on Infectious Diseases (COID), 2018–2022. In this role, Dr. Maldonado helped craft guidance that many pediatricians—including our team in Atlanta—use when counseling families about routine and travel immunizations.
- Liaison to the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and long-standing advisor to federal and state agencies on vaccine policy.
- Expert media and public-health voice. During measles resurgence and COVID-19, she has been a trusted, on-record expert explaining risks and evidence-based prevention for families.
(Context you may have seen in recent headlines: in 2025, federal leadership changes affected multiple vaccine advisory roles nationally; Dr. Maldonado publicly commented on the process, underscoring the importance of continuity in science-based immunization policy.) (KQED)
Research that Reaches the Exam Room
Dr. Maldonado’s work covers vaccine-preventable diseases (measles, mumps, rubella, polio, rotavirus), pediatric HIV, and health-equity questions that determine which children benefit from life-saving vaccines—and which are left behind. She founded Stanford’s first pediatric HIV clinic and leads NIH, CDC, WHO, and Gates-funded studies.
A representative example for families: her co-authored Pediatrics paper on how non-medical vaccine exemptions fuel preventable outbreaks—practical science that helps clinicians counsel parents on the real-world risks of skipping shots.
Honors & Professional Recognition
- National Academy of Medicine (elected 2023)—one of the highest honors in health and medicine.
- Leadership across societies including Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society (PIDS) and Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA).
Why Her Work Matters to Atlanta-Area Families
Greater Atlanta — Sandy Springs, Roswell, Dunwoody, Brookhaven, and the Northside/Scottish Rite corridor — welcomes families from diverse backgrounds. Dr. Maldonado’s career proves that rigorous science + cultural understanding helps kids thrive. Three takeaways we carry into every well-visit:
- Vaccines protect communities. When immunization rates drop, diseases like measles resurge — especially risky in schools, daycares, and busy travel hubs. We align our counseling with AAP and ACIP evidence synthesized by leaders like Dr. Maldonado.
- Equity is prevention. She has shown that access barriers — not parental love or concern — often drive under-vaccination. Our practice emphasizes clear, judgment-free conversations, bilingual resources, and flexible scheduling to close those gaps.
- Data builds trust. Transparent discussion of benefits and risks—grounded in the strongest studies — is essential to help parents make confident choices. Dr. Maldonado’s scholarship models this approach.
A Role Model for Future Pediatricians
For many trainees—especially Latina and Latino physicians — Dr. Maldonado’s path shows what’s possible: leading cutting-edge research, shaping national vaccine policy, and mentoring the next generation while honoring community roots. Her story resonates strongly during Hispanic Heritage Month and year-round.
How We Put These Lessons to Work at Sandy Springs Pediatrics
Sandy Springs Pediatrics has cared for Atlanta’s children for more than 50 years, now at 6100 Lake Forrest Drive, Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30328. Inspired by national leaders like Dr. Maldonado, we:
- Follow AAP/ACIP schedules closely and personalize guidance for premature infants, kids with chronic conditions, and teens.
- Offer same-day sick visits, travel vaccine counseling, and evidence-based infection-prevention tips for school, sports, and trips.
- Keep a focus on clear communication — so every family understands what’s recommended and why.
What are her research interests?
Measles, polio, rotavirus, MMR, pediatric HIV, COVID-19 epidemiology, and vaccine policy/uptake.
If you have questions about vaccines, measles exposure, or infection-prevention for school, daycare, or travel, our board-certified pediatricians are here to help — with the same science-driven, compassionate approach championed by leaders like Dr. Maldonado. Request an appointment or call our office in Sandy Springs today. (404) 252-4611