Families throughout Virginia and beyond turn to our doctors for the best care. As our pediatric subspecialists diagnose and treat some of the most complex conditions, they’re also training the doctors following in their footsteps. This is an especially exciting time of year as many new physician specialists begin to take the next big step in their medical training.
Once doctors compete their medical school and residencies, many go on to complete fellowships for the additional education and training required to specialize in a specific type of medicine.
“Education is a critical part our mission at CHoR. Our faculty are drawn to work at CHoR not only for the opportunity to provide exceptional care for children, but also to conduct research and mentor the future generations of pediatricians and pediatric specialists,” said Dr. Michael Ryan, vice chair of education. “This commitment to education includes 11 fellowship programs, providing advanced training in specialty areas of pediatric research and practice.”
This year, seven of our third-year pediatric residents have matched into fellowships, which means one of the fellowship programs they were interested in also identified them as a candidate they would like to welcome into their program.
Name |
Specialty |
Fellowship program |
Jacob Humphrey, MD |
Nephrology |
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center |
Danielle Fayad, MD |
Infectious Diseases |
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center |
Robbie Parks, MD |
Emergency Medicine |
CHoR |
Meredith Mitchell, MD |
Hospital Medicine |
CHoR |
Jerica Gee, MD |
Neonatology |
The Medical University of South Carolina Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital |
Hannah Hollon, MD |
Obesity Medicine |
CHoR |
Nada Darwish, MD |
Neonatology |
Penn State Health Children’s Hospital |
Name |
Specialty |
Fellowship program |
Christopher Chow, MD |
Cardiology |
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences |
Nicole Pietras, DO |
Hematology and Oncology |
Palms West Hospital |
Meredith Mitchell, MD |
Hospital Medicine |
CHoR |
Grace Mueller, MD |
Neonatology |
CHoR |
Kelly Stanley, MD |
Neonatology |
University of Arizona |
Kevin Leal, DO |
Critical Care |
Carilion Clinic - Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine |
Fatima Mejia-Connolly, |
Critical Care |
SUNY Upstate Medical Center |
“Becoming a pediatric subspecialist requires equal parts passion, commitment and hard work – and these graduating residents exhibit them all. They’ve been shining stars during their time with us and amid the extraordinary challenges of the pandemic. I’m proud of their perseverance and confident they will further excel as they continue their training and begin their careers,” said Dr. Suzanne Lavoie, residency program director.