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.

Read about electives for medical students

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.

Learn more about our residency

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.

Discover our pediatric pulmonary medicine fellowship

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 research

Faculty

Michael Schechter, M.D.

Michael Schechter, M.D.

Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine

Michael Schechter, M.D.

Michael Schechter, M.D.

Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine

Pediatrics

Professor
Chief, Division of Pediatric Pulmonology

View Faculty Expertise Profile

Michael Schechter, M.D. at CHoR

Justin Brockbank, M.D.

Justin Brockbank, M.D.

Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine

Justin Brockbank, M.D.

Justin Brockbank, M.D.

Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine

Pediatrics

Assistant Professor

View Faculty Expertise Profile

Justin Brockbank, M.D. at CHoR

Bruce Rubin, M.D.

Bruce Rubin, M.D.

Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine

Bruce Rubin, M.D.

Bruce Rubin, M.D.

Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine

Pediatrics

Professor

View Faculty Expertise Profile

Bruce Rubin, M.D. at CHoR

H. Joel Schmidt, M.D.

H. Joel Schmidt, M.D.

Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine

H. Joel Schmidt, M.D.

H. Joel Schmidt, M.D.

Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine

Pediatrics

Professor

View Faculty Expertise Profile

H. Joel Schmidt, M.D. at CHoR

Judith Voynow, M.D.

Judith Voynow, M.D.

Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine

Judith Voynow, M.D.

Judith Voynow, M.D.

Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine

Pediatrics

Professor

View Faculty Expertise Profile

Judith Voynow, M.D. at CHoR

Ronald Williams, M.D.

Ronald Williams, M.D.

Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine

Ronald Williams, M.D.

Ronald Williams, M.D.

Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine

Pediatrics

Assistant Professor

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Ronald Williams, M.D. at CHoR