Joanna M. Sexter, MD, FAAP

Dr. Joanna Sexter pediatrician Washington DCA native Washingtonian, Dr. Joanna Sexter graduated from Walter Johnson High School in Bethesda, MD, and went on to earn a B.A. in Child Study from Tufts University. She received her medical degree from The George Washington University School of Medicine and completed her pediatric residency at Georgetown University Hospital, where she was honored as Resident of the Year.

Board-certified by the American Board of Pediatrics and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Dr. Sexter has extensive experience in private practice and has dedicated her career to preventive care and the long-term health of children in the D.C. area. She emphasizes patient education and family partnership, treating every child as if they were her own.

Dr. Sexter has held advisory roles with St. Patrick’s Episcopal Day School, National Presbyterian School, and the Bender JCC Summer Camp. She has served on the Sanofi Autoimmune Type 1 Diabetes National Advisory Board and is currently a proud board member of Resilience Across Borders, a nonprofit focused on expanding access to mental health care for children and adolescents.

She has been a member of the DC Osler Medical Society and Foxhall Women’s Physicians Association and has been recognized as one of The Washingtonian Magazine’s Top Doctors in Pediatrics for over 20 years.

Dr. Sexter is a member of the medical staff at Sibley Memorial Hospital and holds academic appointments at both Georgetown University and GW Hospital, where she enjoys teaching medical students.

She lives in Rockville, MD, with her husband, two children, and two Australian Labradoodles. In her free time, she enjoys ballet, theater, skiing, hiking, and traveling. Dr. Sexter is committed to building lasting relationships with her patients and families—from infancy through young adulthood.

"We have been patients for 7 years and would not think about switching practices. The level of detail and advocacy that Dr. Sexter gives is most impressive. She is the best! We sleep better knowing that our son is in Dr. Sexter’s care. I’m so happy we found her." -D.Z.

"Dr. Sexter has always been pleasant, attentive and patient with my daughters as patients, and very patient with me when I have questions. She is thorough and always takes the necessary time to accurately diagnose my child. Her nurse Jennifer is exceptionally responsive, helpful, and the office is very well organized." -J.F.

"We are so grateful for the wonderful and dedicated care that Dr. Sexter has given to our daughter over the years — we could come to her with any problem, and she always helped her in such a compassionate and brilliant way. And we have always found the Spring Valley practice so lovely and accommodating, from the great nurses, to the lab, weekend hours, and morning call in times." –M.G.

"We LOVE Dr. Sexter!! This is one of the best practices in the entire metropolitan area. We saw Dr. Palumbo for years before switching to Dr. Sexter several years ago when my daughter (entering adolescence) requested a female doctor. They are both superb." –P.G.

Call in hours

Monday – Friday
8:00 – 8:30 am

301-279-0280

Frequently Asked Questions

Spring Valley Pediatrics is currently welcoming new patients. Call 202-966-5000 to ask about Dr. Sexter’s availability and schedule an appointment or complimentary meet-and-greet.

Call 202-966-5000 or use the online appointment request form and select Dr. Sexter as your preferred physician.

Yes. Expectant parents may request a complimentary prenatal consultation or meet-and-greet with Dr. Sexter, subject to her availability.

Spring Valley Pediatrics is currently welcoming new patients.

Call 202-966-5000 to ask about Dr. Sexter’s availability and schedule an appointment or complimentary meet-and-greet or fill out the form below.