pediatrician, Maria Nanagas, MD, wins prestigious American Academy of Pediatrics Award

The Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) presented its prestigious 2009 Arnold Friedman Community Pediatrician Award to Maria Nanagas, MD, at a special presentation on November 14. The award is given in recognition of the efforts and dedication of pediatricians serving their local communities. Dr. Nanagas has been recognized for her "long-time service to the children and youth in the Dayton area." 

Dr. Nanagas is medical director of The Children's Medical Center of Dayton's Children's Health Clinic, and has served the Dayton community for over 30 years making lasting impressions on children's lives through her commitment to improving their health and well-being. She is respectively known for her advocacy efforts in the community and dedication to volunteering her services at several local clinics. 

"Dr. Nanagas has had a tremendous impact in the community staffing free clinics and for being the voice of some of our neediest patients," said Thomas Murphy, MD, vice president for medical affairs at Dayton Children's. "She has been the force behind the development of advocacy programs in the area of lead poisoning, treatment and prevention and access to primary care." 

In addition to her admirable pediatric duties, she also devotes her time to the Wright State University's Boonshoft School of Medicine as an Associate Professor of Pediatrics. She continues to make an impact in the Dayton community going above and beyond the core duties of a pediatrician. She has also served as an inspiration for her three children as her son is now a practicing Pediatrician in Indianapolis, Indiana. Her daughter is an emergency room physician in the Cleveland area, and her youngest daughter is a medical student at Wright State University's Boonshoft School of Medicine. 

Dr. Nanagas explains why her mother and her high school community have been the biggest influence in her life. "Their lives were committed to giving," she said. "I saw that one has a chance to impact the world every single day. They showed me that there is no greater joy or greater meaning than to care for others and make a fundamental difference in someone's life. I learned that we have a choice to use our gifts and time, and that if we follow our heart when making those choices, not only will it be most likely a success, it will also be most likely enjoyable." 

About the Arnold Friedman Community Pediatrician Award:
The Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics promotes the health, safety and well-being of children and adolescents so they may reach their full potential. The Ohio AAP will accomplish this by addressing the needs of children, their families, and their communities, and by supporting Chapter members through advocacy, education, research, service, and improving the systems through which they deliver pediatric care.

For more information, contact: 
Marketing Communications Department 
Phone: 937-641-3666 
marketing@childrensdayton.org