National Award Designates CHKD a Gold Level Center of Excellence

CHKD’s Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) program has earned the Gold Level ELSO Award for Excellence in Life Support for its exceptional lifesaving care. ECMO is an advanced form of life support for patients experiencing acute cardiac failure, respiratory failure, or both. CHKD is the only hospital in Hampton Roads with the ability to offer ECMO to pediatric patients. The award, given by the international nonprofit Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO), makes CHKD a Designated Gold Level Center of Excellence.

A highly specialized therapy, ECMO uses a pump to circulate blood from the patient’s body through an artificial lung – removing carbon dioxide, adding oxygen, and then returning it to the body. By taking over the work of the lungs, or both the heart and lungs, ECMO can support extremely ill children while other treatments help them recover from serious, but reversible, medical conditions. At CHKD, patients who benefit from this therapy range from newborns to teens with life-threatening respiratory or circulatory problems. 

The Gold ECMO designation was achieved under the guidance of the program’s former surgical director, Dr. Philip Smith. The program is currently overseen by ECMO Medical Director Dr. Meaghan Dominy and ECMO Surgical Director Dr. Franklin Margaron. 

The Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) at CHKD provides intensive mental health services for children and adolescents who need structured, coordinated care in a therapeutic, supportive setting. Designed for youth ages 10–17, the program offers an interdisciplinary approach to treatment within a consistent daily environment.

Referrals to the program are considered from a variety of sources, including parents, legal guardians, and medical or mental health professionals. PHP may be recommended in situations where a child is experiencing a significant increase in mental health symptoms, is struggling to maintain previous levels of functioning, or when there are emerging safety concerns. The program also serves as an important step-down option following discharge from an acute inpatient or residential treatment setting.

Referral Process:

Internal Referrals (CHKD Providers):
CHKD providers may submit referrals through Referral Management or by using the Mental Health Referral Order in PowerChart.

NEW! External Referrals (Community Members):
We are pleased to announce the launch of our new electronic referral form for external use. Community members, including parents, guardians, and outside providers, can now conveniently submit referrals online using the following link.

Meet David Berger, MD, a recent addition to our Pathology team.

Dr. Berger comes from a family of healthcare professionals – his mom and three siblings are nurses, and his dad is a clinical psychologist. He completed medical school, his residency, and a fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine.

His two greatest professional passions are improving quality in the clinical laboratory and understanding the biology of pediatric cancer.

Meet Coleman Bryan, MD, a new addition to the Hematology and Oncology team at CHKD.

Dr. Bryan earned his doctorate at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, completed his residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and completed a fellowship at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Meet Kayla Massey, MD, a recent addition to Developmental Pediatrics.

Dr. Massey is from Baltimore, Maryland. She went to Howard University for her undergraduate degree and Meharry Medical College for medical school.

Dr. Massey came to CHKD/EVMS for her residency because she wanted to experience working in a freestanding, full-service children’s hospital and to be closer to home. 

October 22, 23, & 24, 2025

View Conference Agenda >

This year’s course features didactic lectures by renowned experts in chest wall reconstruction from around the country, including Dr. Donald Nuss, who invented the Nuss procedure at CHKD. Additionally, there will be an interactive hands-on workshop where surgeons can observe the latest instruments and technology to enhance patient care for those with chest wall deformities. On the second day, there will be a concurrent breakout session tailored for allied health professionals and managers, focusing on establishing and maintaining a pectus program while optimizing patient care. There will also be opportunities for individual surgeons to submit interesting cases for group review and discussion by the expert panel.

Macon and Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University designates this live activity for a maximum of 14.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™.

Thursdays | 8-9 a.m. | Brickhouse Auditorium

Pediatric grand rounds, sponsored by the EVMS Department of Pediatrics, part of Macon and Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at ODU, are offered weekly to faculty, community faculty, residents, medical students, and other healthcare professionals. Come and learn from local and national clinical experts. All participants receive 1 AMA PRA Category 1 credit™ for attending. 

We’re excited to share the latest edition of KidStuff, CHKD’s magazine highlighting patient success stories, groundbreaking care, and innovative programs — all made possible by dedicated providers like you.

In our Summer 2025 issue, you will find:
A closer look at a transformative neurosurgery that improved Logan’s ability to eat and speak after years of struggle.

Advances in robotic-assisted surgery that are helping young athletes like Knox recover faster.

A heartfelt reunion, where Nai’lah reunites with her CHKD NICU team 18 years after life-saving newborn care.

As a valued provider, we hope these stories remind you of the powerful impact of compassionate, collaborative care - and the difference we make together for our patients and their families. Thank you for being part of the CHKD community.

The Power of Positive Sports Parenting
Wednesday, August 13, 9-11 a.m. | YMCA Corporate Office, Chesapeake

Purposeful Parenting
Wednesday, August 13, 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Virtual

Children and Stress

Wednesday, August 20, 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Virtual

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With warm regards,
Dr. Marc Tsou and Jill Armstrong, RN
Marc.Tsou@CHKD.org  |  Jill.Armstrong@CHKD.org

Meet our Provider Relations Liaisons.