Melanie Wilhelm, DNP, CPNP
Phone: (757) 461-6342
Practice:
Education
Graduate School: Old Dominion University
Certification
Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Personal Statement
CHKD is the premium provider of healthcare for children and families of Hampton Roads. We are so blessed to have so many pediatric healthcare providers and specialists available to care for all children.
Bio
Melanie J. Wilhelm, DNP, CPNP, is a Doctor of Nursing Practice and a Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner specializing in child health and mental wellness. She currently practices at Pediatric Specialists in Chesapeake, Virginia, and serves on the faculty at Walden University in the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Program.
Originally from Ohio, Dr. Wilhelm and her family made Hampton Roads their home after her husband received Navy orders. Dr. Wilhelm began her professional career as a registered nurse after graduating from Bowling Green State University with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She worked at CHKD in 1986 at the hospital as her first RN job.
After having two children, Dr. Wilhelm went back to school at Old Dominion University to obtain her Master of Science as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and passed the board certification. She joined Pediatric Specialists in February 2001 as a Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. In 2011, she completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice. Committed to advancing pediatric mental health, she obtained additional certification as a Pediatric Mental Health Specialist. After 20 years at Pediatric Specialists, she retired to full-time teaching at Walden University.
Dr. Wilhelm returned to Pediatric Specialists in February 2025 part time and has enjoyed reuniting with members of the community. She says it has been a joy to return to Pediatric Specialists.
In her spare time, she enjoys Pilates and the beach.
Additional Information
Clinical Interests
- Pediatric Obesity
Honors and Awards
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2025, NCQA recognized in the state of VA as a patient-centered medical home provider. NCQA works with clinicians and practices to make sure they follow industry-leading best practices and guidelines, so patients get the best care at the right time.
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2024, January. Walden’s Daisy Award. Presented in San Antonio, Texas.
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2021, August. Quoted in Nurse Journal: What to know about working as a pediatric nurse.
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2021, July 1. Mentioned in Nurse Journal: What are the required back-to-school vaccinations? Nurses explain which shots your kids need and why.
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2020, June. Telehealth Certification for Providers and Educators
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2017, Fall. Honored as the Exceptional Professional feature in the Fall edition of the Hampton Roads Physician
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2017, December. Best Story Award Nominee for Raising Today’s Baby by the NY Literary Magazine.
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2016 Top Nurse in Chesapeake, VA by the International Nurses Association. Worldwide Leaders in healthcare.
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2014 Honorary Appointment as Clinical Assistant Professor of Nursing at the University of Virginia School of Nursing
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2009 Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society
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2001 Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society
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1995 Who’s Who Among American Nurses
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1990 SACS Teacher of the Year Award
Professional and Community Memberships
- Association of Faculty of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (2023-present)
- National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (2001-present)
- Membership Chair of the Hampton Roads Chapter (2015-2016)
- President of the Hampton Roads Chapter (2006-2007)
- Vice President of the Hampton Roads Chapter (2005-2006)
- American Academy of Pediatrics (2015-2018)
- Daughters of the American Revolution, member
- Board of Directors, Board member, Marion Manor, Virginia Beach (December 2021-December 2024)
Publications
Journal Publications:
Wilhelm MJ, Zimbro K, Smith MW, Shepherd LS, Rutledge C. Pediatric Obesity and Nutrition Counseling. ICAN: Infant, Child, & Adolescent Nutrition. 2012;4(5):303-309. doi:10.1177/1941406412452317
Books:
Raising Today’s Baby, 2nd Edition (2018)
Your Patient-Centered Medical Home