About the Division
Nationally recognized as a top program by U.S. News & World Report, our pediatric pulmonary team is dedicated to providing expert and compassionate patient care, educating the next generation of pediatric pulmonologists and conducting innovative research that will shape the future landscape of pulmonary medicine for children.
With patient-centered care and commitment to our academic mission, our faculty, residents and fellows diagnose and treat children and adolescents with a broad range of complex respiratory conditions, such as:
- Aerodigestive problems
- Asthma
- Bronchopulmonary dysplasia
- Chronic ventilator dependence
- Cystic fibrosis, or CF
- Respiratory complications of neuromuscular disorders, sickle cell disease and cancer treatment
- Sleep disordered breathing
View a comprehensive list of conditions we treat
Cystic Fibrosis
The Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU is home to a pediatric CF clinic accredited by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation with outcomes among the best in the nation. Serving as a model for multidisciplinary CF teams, our program received the CFF’s Quality Care Award in 2018.
“Cystic fibrosis is a very different disease now. When I started, it was unusual for kids to reach age 20 – now not only are there more people over the age of 20 than under, the overall quality of life through childhood is much higher.” Michael Schechter, M.D.
Asthma
You Can Control Asthma Now, or UCAN, offers treatment of children with severe asthma, along with educational support for the entire family. A combination of the high pollen count and adverse socioeconomic factors make Richmond a difficult place to live with asthma, and our team provides state of the art medical care and partners with local agencies to address health disparities and advocate for families living in substandard housing.
Education
Medical Students
When medical students express a particular interest in pediatric pulmonary medicine, we are happy to connect them with research, enhanced educational opportunities and additional support. Students may also volunteer to provide clinical support to our asthma program.
Residents
The pediatric residency program gives trainees ample time to explore subspecialties through elective rotations. Our faculty provide robust, well-rounded and supportive learning experience for residents interested in learning about pediatric pulmonary medicine and sleep or pursuing it as a subspecialty.
Fellows
Our three-year pediatric pulmonary medicine fellowship accepts one candidate each year. This intimate, personalized fellowship allows for flexibility based on the fellow’s interests, and trainees complete the program with the strong clinical skills and scientific expertise necessary for a successful career in pediatric pulmonology.
Research
We are proud to be at the forefront of cutting-edge discoveries that will improve the outcomes for patients diagnosed with common and complex respiratory conditions. With funding from sources like the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the National Institutes of Health, our team engages in basic science, clinical and epidemiologic research related to respiratory diseases and disorders.
Explore our pediatric researchMeet the Team
Get to know about our pulmonary and sleep medicine faculty by visiting their bios on the Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU website, linked below: