About
Dr. Steve Pappas brings an uncommon combination of academic medicine, military service, and personal resilience to his role at Carolina Longevity. He earned a degree in music from Harvard University before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps, where he served as a Force Recon Marine and deployed to Afghanistan. Those experiences redirected his path toward medicine. He completed his medical degree at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, then trained in internal medicine at Duke University. He went on to complete fellowship training in infectious diseases and holds dual board certification in both specialties.
Dr. Pappas currently cares for veterans at the Durham VA Hospital alongside his work at Carolina Longevity. In 2019, he received a diagnosis of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. He underwent six cycles of chemotherapy and achieved remission in 2020. That experience made him a passionate advocate for the role of exercise during cancer treatment and recovery. His clinical approach emphasizes resilience, physical training, and the long-term relationship between performance and health.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
Harvard University, Music
Medical School
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Residency
Internal Medicine, Duke University
Fellowship
Infectious Diseases
Certifications
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Pappas right for?
Dr. Pappas is a strong fit for patients who value a physician shaped by both rigorous training and lived experience. Adults navigating chronic illness, immune dysfunction, or recovery from serious medical events will connect with his background. Veterans and active military patients benefit from his service background and current work at the Durham VA. Patients who prioritize physical resilience and the role of exercise in long-term health will find his approach directly aligned with their goals.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Pappas holds dual board certification in internal medicine and infectious diseases. He completed his internal medicine residency at Duke University and his fellowship training in infectious diseases before earning both certifications.
Dr. Pappas trained at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, completed residency at Duke University, and pursued fellowship training in infectious diseases. He currently practices at the Durham VA Hospital in addition to his role at Carolina Longevity.
In 2019, Dr. Pappas received a diagnosis of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and completed six cycles of chemotherapy before achieving remission in 2020. That experience deepened his conviction that physical training plays a vital role in recovery and long-term health. He now brings that perspective to every patient relationship.
Yes. Dr. Pappas currently cares for veterans at the Durham VA Hospital. His own background as a Force Recon Marine who deployed to Afghanistan gives him a meaningful connection to the veteran patient population.
Dr. Pappas focuses on internal medicine with particular depth in infectious diseases, chronic illness, and immune dysfunction. His approach emphasizes physical resilience and performance as tools for long-term health management.
Dr. Pappas served as a Force Recon Marine in the United States Marine Corps, including a deployment to Afghanistan. Those experiences redirected his life toward healing, leading him to pursue medicine after earning his degree from Harvard University.
Dr. Pappas sees physical training as a core element of both recovery and long-term health. His own chemotherapy experience reinforced the importance of staying active during and after serious illness. He integrates that perspective into his care at Carolina Longevity.
Doctor profile last updated June 9, 2026