Ranya P. Chakra, MD

I love working with kids and establishing a relationship with the whole family.

I'm a pediatrician who cares for children, teens and their families. I have many special interests, including newborn care, breastfeeding and contraceptive management. I also have expertise in helping children and teens with obesity, mental health issues and substance use – including vaping.

I serve as site coordinator for the Quality through Technology and Innovation in Pediatrics program. I am also the immunization liaison for the American Academy of Pediatrics in South Carolina. I am board certified in pediatrics.

I have always loved science and the study of infectious diseases. I also love people and felt that seeing patients rather than working in a lab better suited my chatty personality. I find pediatrics especially gratifying because kids are so resilient and able to bounce back with a little love and nurturing, no matter what happens.

I received my medical degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and followed that with a residency at the Medical University of South Carolina.

I use research to help improve the lives and outcomes for children. I have helped improve asthma care, among other things, ensuring children get tested for asthma at every visit. I have also worked to improve screening for depression in all children age 11 and older.

In my free time, I enjoy adventures with my family, traveling, hiking and photography.