About
Dr. Margaret Patterson brings 19 years of pediatric experience to Magnolia Pediatrics of Virginia in Locust Grove. She grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana, in a family of five. Her eldest sister has special needs, and that early experience drew her toward pediatrics as a career. She earned her undergraduate degree at the University of Notre Dame, where she became a devoted Fighting Irish fan. She then returned to New Orleans for medical school at LSU School of Medicine, where she also met her husband. Both she and her husband completed their residencies at Penn State University in Hershey. After residency, they moved to Baton Rouge, where Dr. Patterson spent nine years practicing for a large hospital group.
The family relocated to Virginia in 2019. Dr. Patterson spent four years in private practice before opening Magnolia Pediatrics. Her clinical interests run deep in newborn care, ADHD, anxiety, depression, and developmental concerns. She is passionate about pediatric mental health and takes time with each family to work through diagnoses thoroughly. At home, she and her husband raise four boys. She loves fishing, lake days, water and snow skiing, reading, and cooking New Orleans recipes.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
University of Notre Dame
Medical School
LSU (Louisiana State University) School of Medicine
Residency
Pediatrics, Penn State University, Hershey
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Patterson right for?
Dr. Patterson is a strong fit for families seeking a single consistent pediatrician from newborn through high school. Parents managing children with ADHD, anxiety, or depression benefit from her thorough mental health evaluation process. She works well with families who want direct access to their doctor and same-day availability for sick visits. Her pro-vaccine policy means she expects patients to maintain school-required immunizations. Families relocating from Louisiana can also access her care via text and telehealth for $75 per month.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Patterson treats the full range of pediatric conditions, from newborn concerns through adolescent illness. She has particular depth in ADHD diagnosis and management, anxiety, depression, developmental screenings, and newborn care. She also sees patients for common childhood illnesses including fever, roseola, swimmer's ear, impetigo, and asthma.
Dr. Patterson holds her MD from LSU School of Medicine and completed her pediatric residency at Penn State University in Hershey. She has practiced as a pediatrician for 19 years, spanning hospital-based work in Baton Rouge and private practice in Virginia.
Dr. Patterson conducts a thorough evaluation for children who may have ADHD. The process may involve multiple sessions and questionnaires for parents, teachers, and the child. A follow-up session wraps up findings, and families can choose to continue treatment with her. The initial evaluation carries a one-time fee of $300.
Yes, Dr. Patterson evaluates and treats anxiety and depression in addition to ADHD. Her mental health workup can also identify other diagnoses. Children do not need to be existing patients to pursue an initial mental health evaluation with her.
Dr. Patterson is pro-vaccine and requires that all patients maintain their school-required immunizations. She welcomes open conversations with families about vaccine concerns, but she accepts only patients who keep current on school vaccines.
Yes. Dr. Patterson accepts texts directly from families throughout the working day. This direct access is a core feature of her practice and means parents do not need to go through a phone queue or wait for a nurse callback.
Dr. Patterson attended LSU School of Medicine and trained in pediatrics at Penn State University in Hershey. She spent nine years practicing for a large hospital group in Baton Rouge before moving to Virginia in 2019. She brings 19 total years of pediatric experience to her Locust Grove practice.
Yes, Dr. Patterson sees patients from birth through age 18. She offers a free prenatal visit so expectant parents can tour the office and meet her before delivery. After birth, families call from the hospital and she schedules the first newborn appointment from there.
Yes, Dr. Patterson offers medical ear piercing using sterile Blomadahl titanium or medical plastic earrings. The procedure costs $75 and is open to non-patients as well. Children must be at least four months old and have two doses of tetanus vaccine before piercing.
Doctor profile last updated June 11, 2026