About
Dr. Patricia Burkwall is a board-certified internist practicing concierge medicine in Richmond, VA. She trained at UVA School of Medicine and completed her residency at the University of North Carolina. The American Board of Internal Medicine has certified her in her specialty.
D. in Molecular Physiology and Biophysics at Vanderbilt University. Her research there focused on diabetes and ultimately led her to recognize her true calling: direct patient care. That background shapes her clinical focus today. She draws on deep knowledge of metabolic syndrome and pre-diabetes to help at-risk patients prevent the onset of diabetes. She aims to help patients improve through nutrition, exercise, and sleep before turning to medication. Her care philosophy centers on understanding each patient as an individual. She describes her first goal with any new patient as learning where they are, where they have been, and where they want to go. Dr. Burkwall collaborates with PartnerMD wellness coaches to build specific, achievable goals for each person.
A Mechanicsville, VA native, she returned to the Richmond area after finishing her residency. She and her husband have two daughters and an Australian shepherd. Outside the office, she stays active in her church and her children's school activities. She enjoys tennis, hiking, beach and river trips, and cheering on UVA basketball and football. Her family is working toward visiting every major national park in the United States.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
Vanderbilt University, Ph.D. (pursued) in Molecular Physiology and Biophysics
Medical School
UVA School of Medicine
Residency
University of North Carolina
Certifications
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Burkwall right for?
Dr. Burkwall suits adults who want a proactive, prevention-focused approach to their health. Patients managing or at risk for diabetes, pre-diabetes, or metabolic syndrome benefit directly from her research background and clinical focus. She works well with people who want to reduce or avoid medication through lifestyle changes in diet, exercise, and sleep. Her collaborative style fits patients who want a doctor who works closely with a wellness coaching team.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Burkwall specializes in internal medicine with a strong focus on diabetes, pre-diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Her background in molecular physiology research at Vanderbilt University gives her a deep grounding in metabolic health. She works proactively with at-risk patients to prevent the onset of diabetes through lifestyle intervention.
Dr. Burkwall prioritizes lifestyle changes before considering medication. She focuses on improving each patient's nutrition, exercise habits, and sleep. She collaborates with PartnerMD wellness coaches to set individualized, tangible goals. Her aim is to help patients avoid the need for medication wherever possible.
Dr. Burkwall starts every patient relationship by understanding three things: where the patient is now, where they have been, and where they want to go. That framework guides her clinical recommendations. Her overarching goal is to help each patient live their best life.
Dr. Burkwall earned her medical degree from UVA School of Medicine. She completed her residency at the University of North Carolina. D. in Molecular Physiology and Biophysics at Vanderbilt University, where her research focused on diabetes.
Yes. The American Board of Internal Medicine has board-certified Dr. Burkwall. She practices as a board-certified internist at PartnerMD's Richmond, VA location.
Yes. Dr. Burkwall works closely with PartnerMD's wellness coaches. Together, they develop individualized goals for each patient. She describes team-based care as central to how she practices medicine.
Dr. Burkwall sees adults across a broad range of health needs, with particular depth in metabolic conditions. She works well with patients who want to take an active role in managing their health. Patients focused on prevention, weight management, or reducing chronic disease risk find her approach especially useful.
Dr. Burkwall is not currently accepting new patients. Prospective patients can add their name to her contact list through PartnerMD's website. PartnerMD also has other physicians with availability at its Richmond and Short Pump, VA locations.
Doctor profile last updated April 10, 2026