Meet our team
Meet our team
Our program leadership, team of residency and fellowship coordinators and faculty members are here to help you prepare for your dream career in pediatric medicine. Learn more about our team and contact us with any questions.
J. Gene Chen, MD, MHS
Program director
Professor, Division of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine
Jerome.Chen@vcuhealth.org
Education:
Biography: Dr. Chen has been a program director in pediatric graduate medical education for over 10 years and has led both pediatric residencies and pediatric critical care medicine fellowships. His academic interests include medical education, evidence-based medicine, research methodology, quality improvement, rapid response systems, patient safety, and health disparities. He has won multiple teaching awards and is passionate about fostering future generations of pediatricians.
Marieka Helou, MD, MPH
Barry V. Kirkpatrick Vice Chair of Education
Associate professor, Division of Hematology and Oncology
Marieka.Helou@vcuhealth.org
Education:
- Medical school: University of Tennessee School of Medicine
- Residency: Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU
- Fellowship: Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU
Biography: Dr. Helou has been involved in pediatric medical education since she joined the CHoR faculty in 2012. She first served as the M3 clerkship co-director and associate program director of the pediatric hematology and oncology fellowship program. She is now the fellowship program director, as well as the Barry V. Kirkpatrick Vice Chair of Education for the Department of Pediatrics. She is serving as interim pediatric residency program director while a national search is underway for a new director.
Daniel Cannone, DO, MS, FAAP
Associate program director
Assistant professor, Division of Hematology and Oncology
Daniel.Cannone@vcuhealth.org
Education:
Biography: Dr. Cannone is the APD of Clinical Competency and Coaching for the pediatric residency, as well as the APD for the Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship. His interests in medical education include communication education and research, debriefing, and fostering the next generation of humane and compassionate pediatricians. He has been recognized as a "Top Doc" by Richmond Magazine every year since starting his career at VCU Health, and by Virginia Business Magazine in 2025. He is a member and fellow of the American Academy of Pediatricians, and a member of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine.
Nayef Chahin, M.D.
Associate program director
Assistant professor, Division of Neonatal Medicine
Nayef.Chahin@vcuhealth.org
Education:
Biography: Dr. Chahin has been involved in resident education for 5 years. His favorite interactions with residents and medical education include teaching during rounds and during NRP simulation. His passion for pediatrics and neonatology allows him to share his knowledge.
Meredith Mitchell, MD
Associate program director
Assistant professor, Division of Hospital Medicine
Meredith.Mitchell@vcuhealth.org
Education:
Biography: Dr. Mitchell joined the faculty at CHoR in 2024 after completing her Pediatric Hospital Medicine fellowship here. She is a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) Medical Honor Society, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Academic Pediatric Association (APA) and is a current scholar in the APA Educational Scholars Program. She completed a post-baccalaureate certificate in medical education in 2022, which provided the foundation for her curricular work as Associate Program Director for Professional Development and the Individualized Curriculum. Dr. Mitchell finds the most joy at work watching residents discover their passions within pediatrics.