Part two of a series introducing the passionate health care team behind our growing Level 4 NICU

As we approach the opening of the new NICU space in the Children’s Tower, we’re introducing some of the dedicated clinicians who’ve helped thousands of infants thrive in our nationally ranked Level 4 NICU.

Dr. Miheret Yitayew explains what drew her to a specialty in neonatology, and what’s unique about the NICU at CHoR

How long have you worked in the CHoR NICU?

Between my fellowship training and as a faculty member I have been here 7 years.

Why have you stayed at CHoR?

During my training as a fellow, I truly enjoyed working with our outstanding NICU team and our pediatric subspeciality team who are very collegial and collaborate so closely to provide safe, timely care for newborns. That experience inspired me to remain as faculty and continue working alongside this remarkable group. The ongoing support at both the department and unit level—for clinical care, research and quality improvement—has been phenomenal and is the driving reason I have chosen to stay and contribute to our shared mission of delivering the best possible care for our newborns.

What made you choose this career and when did you know this was what you wanted to do?

I was drawn to neonatology early in my pediatric residency. I see it as a truly unique subspecialty—one that combines the intensity and scope of acute care with the privilege of continuity, as we partner with families through the often long hospital stays of premature infants. The NICU follow-up clinic further enriches this experience, offering the invaluable opportunity to see the long-term outcomes of our care and the progress of children we first cared for at birth. I believe the time at birth and days after are such an important time as it offers the opportunity for us to impact a life from its very beginning. It’s profoundly fulfilling to have the skills to save a life at that critical juncture while also investing in the long-term health and well-being of that child. And to be able to be there to guide and comfort parents in this incredibly stressful time is a privilege.

Is there a moment in your career that stands out to you as being extra special?

I am constantly inspired and in awe by the compassion our nurses show every single day. The way they provide outstanding care to our most critically ill and complex patients—with such dedication and empathy, even when physically and emotionally exhausted—is nothing short of extraordinary. Beyond that, it is always a privilege to witness families’ joy as they celebrate meaningful milestones—whether that is the first opportunity for skin-to-skin care, the initiation of breastfeeding, or the transition of their infant out of the incubator.

What do you hope families in the NICU take away from their interactions with you?

I want families to know that every time I speak with a family, my goal is for my words and actions to reflect genuine care—care for their baby, their emotions and the difficult journey they are navigating. I want families to feel understood and supported in every interaction they have with our NICU team. This is often the most stressful time a parent can experience, with their newborn in an ICU and so many uncertainties ahead. While advanced medical care is essential, I believe one of the most important things we can offer is the reassurance, through both our words and actions, that we deeply care about their baby, their family and their story, and that we are committed to supporting them through both the triumphs and the challenges.

What are you most looking forward to about the new NICU space in the Children’s Tower?    

I am looking forward to our team extending the excellent clinical care we provide into the additional NICU space in the Children’s Tower. This expansion is much needed, as we serve as a referral center for Central Virginia, and the added capacity will allow us to better meet the growing needs of our patients and families

Learn more about our Level 4 NICU at CHoR, offering among the highest level of care available in Virginia.