Pediatric Radiology Fellowship
Embark on a transformative journey with our ACGME-accredited one-year Pediatric Radiology fellowship.
Our one-year ACGME accredited fellowship in Pediatric Radiology at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU is dedicated to developing and nurturing the next generation of pediatric radiologists. Our mission is to cultivate a rich learning environment that not only promotes the acquisition of comprehensive clinical radiology skills but also fosters personal and professional growth. We aim to empower our fellows to excel in delivering top-tier radiological care and to become pillars of confidence and trust within the communities we serve.
Through a balanced curriculum that integrates clinical excellence with research and teaching, our fellows emerge as competent, caring, and innovative professionals ready to make significant contributions to pediatric healthcare.
Our Pediatric Radiology fellowship goals:
Mastery of Pediatric Radiology: Equip fellows with an extensive understanding of pediatric imaging, ensuring proficiency in delivering safe, effective, and compassionate care.
Development of Professional Skills: Encourage the cultivation of a professional demeanor that includes critical thinking, ethical practice, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
Advancement in Teaching and Research: Offer abundant opportunities for fellows to engage in teaching, contribute to groundbreaking research, and lead quality improvement initiatives within the pediatric radiology landscape.
Our Pediatric Radiology fellowship is at the forefront of pediatric imaging, leveraging advanced, state-of-the-art equipment to conduct a wide array of diagnostic and minimally invasive procedures. We adhere to the highest standards of care, emphasizing a family-centered approach while rigorously following the ALARA principle to ensure radiation exposure in our young patients is kept to the minimum necessary, thereby significantly reducing potential risks. Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional care, integrating best practices in pediatric radiology to ensure optimal outcomes as well as experiences for our patients. Our board-certified radiologists have had fellowship training and certifications in pediatric radiology, neuroradiology, pediatric neuroradiology, musculoskeletal, and vascular interventional radiology.
Join us in our commitment to shaping well-rounded pediatric radiologists who are not only experts in their field but also leaders in improving patient outcomes and advancing the practice of pediatric radiology.
Pediatric Radiology Faculty
Eman Sabah Mahdi, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Eman Sabah Mahdi, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Radiology
Director, Pediatric Radiology Fellowship Program
Email: eman.mahdi@vcuhealth.org
Address/Location:
Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU
Chakradhar Mishra, MBBS, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Chakradhar Mishra, MBBS, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Radiology
Email: chakradhar.mishra@vcuhealth.org
Address/Location:
Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU
Kathryn Starkweather Jones, M.D.
Associate Clinical Professor
Kathryn Starkweather Jones, M.D.
Associate Clinical Professor
Radiology
Phone: 804-628-7588
Email: kathryn.jones@vcuhealth.org
Address/Location:
Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU
Gregory Vorona, M.D.
Associate Professor
Gregory Vorona, M.D.
Associate Professor
Radiology
Phone: (804) 828-9842
Email: gregory.vorona@vcuhealth.org
Address/Location:
Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU
Pediatric Interventional Radiology Faculty
Wali Danish, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Brian J. Strife, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Brian J. Strife, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Radiology
Phone: (804) 628-0816
Fax: (804) 628-1132
Email: brian.strife@vcuhealth.org
Nuclear Medicine Faculty
Jayashree Parekh, M.D., M.B.A.
Associate Professor
Jayashree Parekh, M.D., M.B.A.
Associate Professor
Radiology
Associate Professor
Chair, Division of Nuclear Medicine
Pediatric Radiology Fellowship
The Pediatric Radiology fellowship at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU is designed to cultivate expertise in pediatric radiology, ensuring fellows become adept in a wide range of imaging modalities under the guidance of our dedicated faculty.
The Pediatric Radiology fellowship program emphasizes:
Comprehensive Training Across Modalities: Fellows will master imaging techniques including plain radiography, fluoroscopy, CT, MRI, and ultrasound, along with specialized areas like pediatric neuroradiology, pediatric musculoskeletal radiology, and fetal imaging.
Hands-On Experience: Through rotations, fellows encounter a broad spectrum of pediatric pathology, enhancing their clinical acumen in evaluating pediatric patients, recognizing normal variations, and performing procedures with confidence under supervision.
Interprofessional Collaboration: The fellowship prioritizes effective communication with patients, families, and referring physicians, fostering an environment of learning and cooperation.
Wellness and Professional Development: We provide extensive well-being resources and opportunities for personal and professional growth, including participation in quality and safety initiatives, protocol management, and systems-based change implementation.
Academic and Research Opportunities: Fellows are encouraged to engage in teaching, research, and quality improvement projects. Fellows are also provided support to attend leading courses and conferences, such as the Nemours Hip Ultrasound course and the Society of Pediatric Radiology Annual Fellow Bootcamp.
Multidisciplinary Conferences
The Pediatric Radiology fellowship program includes active participation in grand rounds, tumor boards and conferences.
The fellow will regularly attend or lead a variety of multidisciplinary conferences including:
- Neonatology Rounds
- PICU Rounds
- Pediatric Body Tumor Board
- Pediatric Brain Tumor Board
- Pediatric GI / Pediatric Surgery / Radiology Conference
- Pediatric Orthopedics / Radiology Conference
- Vascular Malformations Multidisciplinary Conference
- Child Neurology / Pediatric Neurosurgery / Radiology Conference
- Pediatric Pulmonary / Radiology Conference
- Pediatric Epilepsy Conference
Imaging Capabilities and Resources
Our Pediatric Radiology fellows serve Central Virginia's only comprehensive, full-service hospital dedicated to the care of children.
Our Pediatric Radiology fellowship program is distinguished by its access to dedicated pediatric imaging equipment and facilities in the Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU, a free-standing children's hospital with a Level 1 pediatric trauma center. This sets us apart as the only program in Virginia with CT and MRI units that are exclusively for pediatric patients.
In our children's hospital, we have the following dedicated pediatric equipment:
- Siemens 1.5T Sola MR
- Siemens 3.0T Skyra MR
- Siemens Definition FLASH CT
- Siemens Drive CT (pediatric ER)
Further enhancing our pediatric care are two dedicated outpatient sonography rooms and two pediatric fluoroscopy rooms, each designed to meet the unique needs of our pediatric patients.
We utilize a child-friendly approach that not only eases the anxiety associated with imaging procedures, but also underscores our commitment to patient-centered care. To support the emotional and psychological well-being of our patients, we have dedicated pediatric child life specialists who play a crucial role within the Pediatric Radiology department.
In addition to our comprehensive pediatric imaging services, we have an active fetal MRI program, which includes two fellowship-trained pediatric radiologists who have additional subspecialty training in pediatric neuroradiology.
Application Process
Applicants are required to submit the following documents:
- A completed application Pediatric Radiology Fellowship Program [PDF]
- Current CV
- Photo
- Personal Statement on career objectives and training expectations
- ECFMG Certificate and passing USMLE step 3
- Three letters of recommendation (one from the residency program director if possible)
Pediatric Radiology Fellowship Contacts
Contact us with your questions or to submit application materials
Address application and related materials to:
Eman Mahdi, M.D.
Director, Pediatric Radiology Fellowship Program
Children's Hospital of Richmond
VCU Medical Center
P.O. Box 980470
Richmond, VA 23298-0470
eman.mahdi@vcuhealth.org
Inquiries about the fellowship program to:
Alex Nikazmerad
Pediatric Radiology Fellowship Program Coordinator
p: (804) 828-0554
alexandra.nikazmerad@vcuhealth.org