Life at CHoR
Life at CHoR: Where purpose meets community
At Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. Whether it’s clinical care, research, or education, everything we do is driven by a deep respect for children and their families—and a clear understanding of what makes kids extraordinary.
Whether a family lives nearby or travels across the country for a complex procedure, we strive to make CHoR feel like home—for patients, families, and team members alike.
Being a part of CHoR means joining a mission-focused, collaborative environment where you’ll grow both professionally and personally. It’s a place where life-long friendships are formed, and every day brings new opportunities to learn, lead, and lift others.
Being at CHoR means endless opportunities for growth, the ability to forge life-long friendships and to help children live their best lives.
Each intern is paired with a resident mentor to help ease the transition into residency. Upon arrival, residents are also matched with a faculty mentor who meets with them biannually to provide guidance and foster growth throughout training.
Our broad range of inpatient and outpatient rotations ensures that residents care for a wide spectrum of patients—each with unique stories, challenges, and strengths. These experiences not only build clinical expertise, but also prepare residents to provide thoughtful, responsive care in any setting.
We value balance and connection, both in and out of the hospital. Our two-week block schedule helps minimize fatigue and allows for more immersive learning. Outside of clinical work, residents organize community-building events like picnics, nature outings, ice skating, and visits to local attractions like Busch Gardens and King's Dominion.
Each PGY level participates in a retreat tailored to their stage of training:
- PGY-1: A team-building retreat and transitional seminar focused on teaching skills, feedback, teamwork, and well-being.
- PGY-2: Workshops on career planning, financial literacy, CV development, and contract negotiations, with insight from pediatric specialists.
- PGY-3: A celebratory retreat to reflect, connect, and prepare for the next chapter.
Annual events—such as the intern welcome party, faculty holiday gathering, and end-of-year house staff celebration—strengthen our sense of community. During the house staff party, attendings take over clinical responsibilities to ensure residents are truly off duty.
Pursuing excellence, together
At CHoR, our shared commitment to quality has been recognized through national designations and certifications, including:
- U.S. News & World Report’s Best Children’s Hospitals
- Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center
- Level 1 Children's Surgery Center
- Cystic Fibrosis Foundation-Accredited Care Center
- American Diabetes Association-recognized education program
- Magnet-designated nursing excellence (via VCU Health)
- Baby-Friendly certification (WHO/UNICEF)
These honors reflect not just our dedication to clinical excellence, but our passion for serving children and families across all backgrounds.
Guided in community
As an academic children’s hospital in the heart of Richmond, we serve many families impacted by generational barriers to health. We recognize that factors such as food insecurity, housing instability, unequal access to care, and emotional trauma deeply affect children’s health.
Many members of our team have experienced these barriers firsthand. Our work is guided by an unwavering commitment to listen, to stand with our communities, and to be agents of real and lasting change.
We’re actively working with parents, colleagues, and local partners through ongoing initiatives to improve access, eliminate disparities, and create a healthcare system where all children can flourish. Every team member is invited to participate in these efforts—because making meaningful change requires all of us.
Creating the next generation of docs for kids
Learn more about alumni Dr. Danny Avula's role in the health department and in our community.
Why choose CHoR?
Joining CHoR and VCU Health for your residency or fellowship is like joining a family. During your time here, we'll work together to ensure you receive hands-on, comprehensive experience in pediatrics - while finding work-life balance and making life-long friends and mentors.
Learn more about resident life, salary, benefits and the city we call home.
Our pediatric fellowships
As part of a major metropolitan medical center, the Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU's Pediatric Fellowship programs provide high-quality advanced training in specialty areas of pediatric research and practice.