Children’s Miracle Network establishes pediatric endowed chair at Carilion Clinic
$1 million gift honors Andrew Herman, chair of pediatrics at VTCSOM, and strengthens pediatric research, education, and specialty care in Southwest Virginia
The Carilion Clinic Foundation, in partnership with Children’s Miracle Network of Southwest Virginia, has established Carilion Clinic’s first endowed chair.
Funded through a $1 million endowment, the Children’s Miracle Network Endowed Chair in Pediatric Medicine honors Dr. Andrew Herman for his leadership in pediatric medicine at Carilion Clinic and his role advancing clinical care, research, and medical education in the region.
“The CMN Chair in Pediatric Medicine represents an extraordinary investment in the future of pediatric care,” said Tony Seupaul, Carilion Clinic’s Chief Physician Executive and President of Carilion Clinic Physicians. “It honors Dr. Herman’s exceptional work while also ensuring continued excellence in caring for children and families throughout our region.”
Herman, chair of pediatrics at Carilion Clinic, joined the health system in June after serving as vice president and chief medical officer for Levine Children’s Hospital and Jeff Gordon Children’s Center at Atrium Health in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Since arriving, he has strengthened academic partnerships, including with the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine (VTCSOM), where he serves as professor and chair of the Department of Pediatrics, expanded access to care through pediatric clinics in Rocky Mount and Lexington, and grown specialty services in nephrology, cardiology, oncology, and hospital-based care.
“Endowed chairs signal long-term investment in excellence, and Dr. Herman exemplifies that standard,” said Lee Learman, dean of the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine. “As both department chair and professor, he is strengthening the bridge between clinical care, medical education, research, and innovation. His leadership will help inspire the next generation of pediatric physicians while fostering meaningful research to directly improve the health of the communities we serve.”
The endowed chair, housed within Carilion Clinic’s Department of Pediatrics, provides sustained support to advance pediatric research, education, clinical excellence, and innovation in care delivery. The investment also creates a model for future philanthropically funded endowed chairs at Carilion Clinic.
“This endowment allows us to invest in our clinicians and staff and elevate the care we provide to children across Southwest Virginia by strengthening specialty depth through advanced training, expanding original research and quality improvement initiatives, and fostering innovation in pediatric medicine,” said Dr. Herman.
Children’s Miracle Network is a nonprofit organization that raises funds to support pediatric programs across North America. In Southwest Virginia, funds raised by Children’s Miracle Network support Carilion Clinic’s pediatric programs.
“The creation of the endowed chair reflects both Dr. Herman’s leadership and the strength of our partnership and our shared commitment to helping kids receive the best possible care close to home,” said Macy Ware, CMN Program Director for Carilion. “We are proud to support pediatric medicine today and for generations to come.”
The endowed chair is administered through the Carilion Clinic Foundation, which receives and stewards charitable gifts on behalf of Carilion Clinic and supports its academic partnership with Virginia Tech.
