Neonatal fellowship program

Join us in caring for the most critically ill infants. Using our expertise and pediatric subspecialty collaboration with the most advanced technology in a Level IV NICU, we strive to give our patients the best chance at a healthy, happy life.

The Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine is a three-year, ACGME-accredited program that provides exceptional training opportunities and experience in clinical care, research and teaching. Fellows receive training from world-class experts in an unmatched level 4 Regional Perinatal Center clinical care environment with mentored individualized teaching including ECMO, point of care ultrasound training and Neurodevelopmental Follow-up coupled with extensive research opportunities.

As one of two fellowship training programs in the State of Virginia, the Neonatal-Perinatal Training Program offers an extensive range of patient conditions for fellow education within the level IV Regional Perinatal Center as well as comprehensive training in neurodevelopmental follow-up care that prepares future neonatologists for any clinical situation. Upon completion of the program, fellows are ready to excel in the highest level NICUs, caring for the most critically ill infants and their families to optimize future patient care.

The level IV Neonatal Regional Perinatal Center is located in VCU Medical Center's Critical Care Hospital and is a core component of Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU. Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU is Virginia’s only comprehensive children’s hospital and academic health system with complete individual infant single room accommodations for infants and parents. This comprehensive care includes same level linked labor and delivery service with robust obstetrical maternal fetal medicine program, an onsite NICU operating-procedure room, neonatal ECMO Gold ELSO designated facility, neonatal comprehensive Hypothermia Program with continuous EEG monitoring, ground and air transport, as well as a regional Multidisciplinary Neonatal Neurodevelopmental Follow-up Program to advance the best outcome for infants.

The range of research possibilities is almost limitless given integration with CHoR’s Child Health Research Institute. Fellows are supported by individual Faculty Scholarship oversight teams with the ability to learn from neonatal faculty, and faculty from other pediatric divisions, or university faculty. In prior years, fellows have performed research under the mentorship of investigators from the School of Medicine and the Department of Neurosurgery, Cardiology, Pulmonary Medicine and the Center for Biological Complexity. Opportunities exist to support fellows interested in pursuing an advanced degree in public health or in clinical research.

The training curriculum in Neonatal Medicine follows a graduated independence process. At the beginning of the program, fellows attend an introductory course in clinical research design, research ethics, working with subjects protection committees as well as introductory biostatistics. Working with the program training director and faculty mentors, fellows identify an area of research that meets the fellow’s interest. By the middle of the first year, background reading is done, with research design developed and approved by the appropriate regulatory body.

With about twelve months protected time for research, in the second year fellows perform the needed steps to obtain successful data collection and integration with experience in data analysis. Fellows learn to prepare their studies for Pediatric Society abstract presentation and are expected to submit to (and present at) regional and national meetings

In the third year, there is sufficient time and support to complete data analysis and manuscript preparation and most fellows undertake a second or even third project, either as a natural extension of their primary project or, for example, in clinical research if their primary efforts have been in more basic research or in Quality Improvement. Applying for grants is taught and encouraged. Most fellows have completed at least two projects before graduation.

Examples of fellow publications 

Chahin N, Yitayew MS, Richards A, Forsthoffer B, Xu J, Hendricks-Muñoz KD. Ascorbic Acid and the Premature Infant. Nutrients. 2022 May 24;14(11):2189. doi: 10.3390/nu14112189. PMID: 35683989; PMCID: PMC9183051.

Hazboun RG, Darwish N, Rotyliano-Sykes G, Chahin N, Xu J, Miller J, Calaritis C, Thacker L, Moores R, Hendricks-Muñoz KD. Predictors of circuit health in neonatal patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Sci Rep. 2022 Jan 24;12(1):1265. doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-05389-3. Erratum in: Sci Rep. 2022 Feb 14;12(1):2805. PMID: 35075252; PMCID: PMC8786946.

Yitayew M, Chahin N, Rustom S, Thacker LR, Hendricks-Muñoz KD. Fenton vs. Intergrowth-21st: Postnatal Growth Assessment and Prediction of Neurodevelopment in Preterm Infants. Nutrients. 2021 Aug 18;13(8):2841. doi: 10.3390/nu13082841. PMID: 34445001; PMCID: PMC8400500.

Fox JR, Thacker LR, Hendricks-Muñoz KD. Early Detection Tool of Intestinal Dysfunction: Impact on Necrotizing Enterocolitis Severity. Am J Perinatology, Mar 23 2015, Epub ahead of print.??http://dx.doi.org/?10.1055/s-0034-1543984. ISSN 0735-1631, 2015. 

Jurdi SR, Jayaram A, Sima A, Hendricks-Muñoz, KD. Evaluation of a Comprehensive Neonatal Resuscitation and Adaptation Score: A pilot study. Global Pediatric Health January - December 2015 2: 2333794X15598293, first published on August 3, 2015 doi:10.1177/2333794X15598293 

Cruz MA, Bremer YA, Porter BO, Gullquist SD, Cole CH, Watterberg KL, Rozycki HJ. Cardiac troponin T and cardiac function in extremely low birthweight infants. Pediatric Cardiology. 2006;27:396-401. 

Bourbia A, Cruz MA, Rozycki J. NF-B in Tracheal Lavage Fluid from Intubated Premature Infants: Association with Inflammation. Oxygen and Outcome. Arch Dis Child. 2006;91:F36-9. 

Powell K, Kerkering KW, Barker G, Rozycki HJ. Dexamethasone Dosing, Mechanical Ventilation and the Risk of Cerebral Palsy. J Maternal-Fetal Neonatal Med. 2006;19:43-8 

Masalunga C, Cruz M, Porter B, Roseff S, Chui B, Mainali E. Increased hemolysis from saline pre-washing RBCs or centrifugal pumps in neonatal ECMO. J Perinatol. 2007;27:380-4. 

Masalunga C, Rozycki HJ, Mainali ES. The impact of hyperoxia on the developing dendritic cell: neonatal versus adult. Pediatr Res. 2007;62:78-82. 

Altirkawi K, Rozycki HJ. Hypocalcemia Is a Common Occurrence in the First 48 Hours of Life in ELBW Infants. J Perinat Med. 2008;36:348-53. 

Lim L, Rozycki HJ. Postnatal SNAP-II Scores in NICU Patients: Relationship to Sepsis, Necrotizing Enterocolitis and Death. J Maternal-Fetal Neonatal Med. 2008;21:415-9. 

Direct clinical experiences are supplemented by didactic and small group conferences. During the first three months, fellows attend a weekly series that introduces the principles and practices of clinical research. There are online modules on literature review, introductory statistics, paper and abstract preparation and adult learning principles.

Once per week, there is a divisional meeting to review new and interesting patients so that even when not on clinical service, fellows can benefit and learn from clinical opportunities. Twice per month previous births and impending high risk deliveries are reviewed with the perinatal service.

There is a bi-monthly morbidity and mortality conference, at which fellows present topics three times per year. Within the division, we hold a monthly journal club, and a monthly evidence-based medicine meeting. Research conferences are convened at least four times per year and usually more frequently. Finally, neonatal physiology and development are reviewed over a two-year cycle as a mini-Board prep. 

Beyond the divisional level, fellows can take advantage of regularly scheduled grand rounds and graduate medical education conferences, departmental research conferences, and the many special meetings and guest speakers from within the medical school community.

Examples of fellow projects presented at local and national meetings 

Darwish, N, Hazboun R, Xu J and Hendricks-Muñoz KD Predictors of circuit health in neonatal patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Academic Pediatric Association (APA) Region 4 Conference- virtual poster 2/19/21

Yitayew M, Xu J, Thacker L, Chahin N and Hendricks-Muñoz KD. Intergrowth 21 compared to Fenton Growth Charts in Prediction of poor postnatal growth and neurodevelopmental outcome. ESPR, Poster Philadelphia March 2021

Hazboun R, Darwish N, Rotyliano G, Chahin N, Xu J, PhD, Thacker L, John Miller J, Calaritis C, Moores R, and Hendricks-Muñoz KD Predictors of Circuit HEALTH in Neonates Receiving Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation. ESPR, Platform Philadelphia March 2021

Hazboun R, Darwish N, Rotyliano G, Chahin N, Xu J, PhD, Thacker L, John Miller J, Calaritis C, Moores R, and Hendricks-Muñoz KD. Predictors of Circuit HEALTH in Neonates Receiving Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation. SPR, Platform Virtual April 2021

Garcia-Alvarez, D, Mohammed, Thacker L, Xu J, Hendricks-Muñoz. Seizure risk, levetiracetam seizure treatment and associated neurodevelopmental outcome in Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy affected infants. PAS Society of Pediatric Research. Baltimore, Maryland Poster April 2021

Hazboun R, Chahin N, Xu J, PhD, Tseng A, Miller J, Calaritis C, Moores R, and Hendricks-Muñoz KD. "Assessing Opportunities to Improve Sedation/Analgesia Use in Neonatal Patients on ECMO". PAS Society of Pediatric Research. Baltimore, Maryland Poster April, 2022

Darwish, N, Hazboun R, Xu J and Hendricks-Muñoz KD Predictors Unanticipated Barriers to Mother’s Own Milk Use at discharge in the very low birth weight infant. ". PAS Society of Pediatric Research. Baltimore, Maryland Poster April, 2022

Hazboun R, Uppalapati C, Yitayew M, Chahin N, Shaver L, Thacker L, Xu J, PhD, Hendricks-Muñoz KD. Identifying Factors to Optimize the Reduction in the Risk of Intraventricular Hemorrhage (IVH) in Extreme Low Birth (ELBW) Preterm Infants. PAS Society of Pediatric Research. Baltimore, Maryland Poster April, 2022

Hazboun R, Chahin N, Xu J, PhD, Tseng A, Miller J, Calaritis C, Moores R, and Hendricks-Muñoz KD. "Assessing Opportunities to Improve Sedation/Analgesia Use in Neonatal Patients on ECMO". ESPR. Philadelphia PA Mar, 2022

Darwish, N, Hazboun R, Xu J and Hendricks-Muñoz KD Predictors Unanticipated Barriers to Mother’s Own Milk Use at discharge in the very low birth weight infant. ". ESPR. Philadelphia PA Mar, 2022

Hazboun R, Uppalapati C, Yitayew M, Chahin N, Shaver L, Thacker L, Xu J, PhD, Hendricks-Muñoz KD. Identifying Factors to Optimize the Reduction in the Risk of Intraventricular Hemorrhage (IVH) in Extreme Low Birth (ELBW) Preterm Infants. 14th Annual Baltimore-Washington-Virginia Perinatal Consortium (BWVPC) Meeting, Oral presentation, Feb 2022.

Hazboun R, Uppalapati C, Yitayew M, Chahin N, Shaver L, Thacker L, Xu J, Hendricks-Muñoz KD. Identifying Factors to Optimize the Reduction in the Risk of Intraventricular Hemorrhage (IVH) in Extreme Low Birth (ELBW) Preterm Infants. ESPR. Philadelphia PA Mar, 2022

Inamdar K, Brown L, Salgaonkar AP, Miller J, Daring J, Burnsed J, Richardson S, Shall M, Harper A, Hendricks-Muñoz KD, Dusing SC. Barriers and facilitators to participation in intervention for high-risk infants enrolled in a clinical trial during the COVID-19 pandemic. AACPDM 2022, CA

Butera C, Dusing SC, Sargent B, Koziol N, Lapore N, Armstrong-Kelly Cr, Burnsed J, Richardson S, Brown L, Harper A, Hendricks-Muñoz KD, Dusing SC. Neuroplastic changes in response to therapy intervention for preterm infants in the first months of life: A pilot study. AACPDM 2022, CA

Hazboun R, Chahin N, Xu J, PhD, Tseng A, Miller J, Calaritis C, Moores R, and Hendricks-Muñoz KD. "Assessing Opportunities to Improve Sedation/Analgesia Use in Neonatal Patients on ECMO". PAS Denver Colorado Apr, 2022

Darwish, N, Hazboun R, Xu J and Hendricks-Muñoz KD Predictors Unanticipated Barriers to Mother’s Own Milk Use at discharge in the very low birth weight infant. ". PAS. Philadelphia PA Apr, 2022

Hazboun R, Uppalapati C, Yitayew M, Chahin N, Shaver L, Thacker L, Xu J, Hendricks-Muñoz KD. Identifying Factors to Optimize the Reduction in the Risk of Intraventricular Hemorrhage (IVH) in Extreme Low Birth (ELBW) Preterm Infants. PAS. Philadelphia PA Apr, 2022

Hendricks-Munoz KD. Hot Topic Symposia; Associate Chair for DEI: Setting up for Success or Failure. Session ID1340791 SPR/PAS 2023, Symposium Speaker, May 1,2023

Yitayew M, Xu J, Hendricks-Muñoz KD, Farrell J. Usability of commercially available Zinc assay compared to ICP-MS to determine clinical Zinc content. SPR/PAS. Washington DC, Apr 2023

Hendricks-Muñoz KD, Ghita B, Yitayew M, Chahin N, Bruiton D, Mohammed T, Springel E, Rodriquez Santana A, Fabian K, Xu J, Hendricks-Muñoz KD. Maternal COVID-19 Infection During Pregnancy and Infant Neurodevelopment Outcome. PAS. Washington DC Apr 2023

Brito S, Williams A, Mohammed T, Fox J, Hendricks-Muñoz KD. FCC proxy measures to identify healthcare disparities of Family Centered Care in neonates with life limiting conditions. PAS. Washington DC Apr 2023

Siddiqui A, Voynow J, Chahin N, Williams A, Hendricks-Muñoz KD. Mother’s Own Milk Compared to Pasteurized Donor Human Milk on Risk and Severity of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Preterm Very Low Birth Weight Infants. PAS. Washington DC Apr 2023

Romero Orozco RD, Hendricks-Muñoz KD, Nair MH, Anderson VA, Mohammed, T, Kuziez, MS, Brown SE, Truong U, Joseph M. Early Cardiac Dysfunction and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Infants with Pulmonary Hypertension. PAS. Washington DC Apr 2023