Dr Pappalardo is a Pterygium and Cataract surgeon as well as a General Ophthalmologist. She began her medical studies at the University of Queensland School of Medicine, where she was awarded an MBBS with First Class Honours and a University Medal in Medicine.  She completed her internship and residency at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane before undertaking her ophthalmology residency at the City Eye Centre and the Mater Adult’s and Mater Children’s Hospitals in Brisbane.

Dr Pappalardo underwent specialist Ophthalmology training, rotating through major ophthalmology units within Brisbane and the Gold Coast.  During her training, she was awarded the prestigious Filipic Greer Medal for overall outstanding performance in Ophthalmic Pathology in Australia and New Zealand.

Throughout her Fellowship, Dr Pappalardo has received further training in general adult ophthalmology at the Royal Brisbane Hospital, as well as subspecialist experience in ocular oncology at the Queensland Ocular Oncology Service under the mentorship of Dr William Glasson, Dr Sunil Warrier and Dr Lindsay McGrath.  She also undertook further subspecialist training in adult and paediatric medical retina and inherited retinal diseases/ophthalmic genetics at the Lions Eye Institute in Perth under the mentorship of Dr Fred Chen.  

Dr Pappalardo likes to attempt to balance out her busy weeks by spending time with her husband Matthew, a surgeon, and their four children – mostly by enjoying the great outdoors or through travelling.