Health Care: DR. SANDY L. CHUNG

An alumna of the University of Virginia, from which she received her bachelor’s and medical degrees, Chung is CEO of pediatric group Trusted Doctors, president of Fairfax Pediatric Associates and medical director of Informatics for the Pediatric Health Network at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C.

After a young patient killed a man while waiting to see a psychiatrist for a medication refill, Chung founded the Virginia Mental Health Access Program, a statewide pediatric program to improve mental health care access for children in Virginia.

In 2023, Chung will become the president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, a national organization of 67,000 pediatricians. She has also served as president, vice president, secretary and treasurer for the organization’s Virginia chapter.

BEST ADVICE FOR OTHERS: Dare to be different and be a pioneer.

FIRST JOB: Growing up in poverty, I was inspired by my parents, who immigrated to this country and owned a Chinese restaurant. It was there that I had my first job and learned early in life the importance of working hard, the challenges of running a small business, the uniqueness of individuals, and the true value of customer service. These lessons have guided me again and again throughout my career.