Welcome from James Derek Collins, MD, FAAP, Program Director
I am honored to serve as the Pediatrics Residency Program Director at a place that means so much to me both personally and professionally. Having trained here as a resident and served as a chief resident, I care deeply about the strength, culture and future of this program. This role is not just an administrative responsibility — it is a privilege to give back to a community that helped shape the physician I am today.
Pediatricians have the unique privilege of caring for the most vulnerable members of our community — children and their families — and as a Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician, I work every day with children who face complex challenges. This role deepens my belief that residency education should not only produce clinically excellent physicians but also compassionate advocates, collaborative leaders and lifelong learners. I’m excited to mentor and support the next generation of pediatricians who will deliver equitable, high-quality care and bring meaningful change to the communities they serve.
Dr. James Derek Collins is a board-certified Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician. He earned his undergraduate degree from Marshall University in Huntington, WV, and completed his medical degree at the West Virginia University School of Medicine in Morgantown, WV. Dr. Collins completed his pediatric residency at CAMC/WVU Charleston Campus, where he also served as chief resident. He went on to complete his fellowship in Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics at PRISMA Health in Greenville, SC.
Welcome from Susan Ayoubi, MD, Associate Program Director
After completing my residency, I pursued a career in general pediatrics in an outpatient setting because of the opportunities it allowed to establish long-lasting relationships with patients and families. My goal as a pediatrician is to help children have healthy, happy, successful lives. Working as part of this residency program and as the Associate Program Director, I hope to foster happiness and success for our residents as well. It is a joy to work closely with such a diverse, skilled, dedicated and caring team to help train future pediatricians and improve the health and well-being of children, families and communities.
Dr. Susan Ayoubi graduated from West Virginia University Medical School in 2008. She then completed a residency and chief residency at West Virginia University, Charleston Division. She practiced general pediatrics in the community for five years before returning to the faculty at Charleston Area Medical Center.
| Faculty |
| Our faculty includes general pediatricians, subspecialists, researchers – all of whom are dedicated teachers in our residency program. Learn more about our faculty |
Welcome to the CAMC Department of Pediatrics Residency!
"Thank you for your interest in our pediatric residency program! We're excited to share what makes our program exceptional and why Charleston, WV, is a fantastic place for your residency.
Our program's standout feature is our remarkable faculty. With general pediatricians, subspecialists, hospitalists and intensivists, our team is dedicated to your professional development. Their enthusiasm for teaching is evident through personalized one-on-one mentoring, engaging didactics, hands-on bedside teaching and interactive case discussions. The small size of our program ensures that each resident receives tailored training, allowing you to grow in a supportive, individualized environment.
Our patient care teams, both inpatient and outpatient, thrive on the strong camaraderie and mutual respect among residents. This close-knit community creates a supportive, enjoyable environment where colleagues become like family. The hospital is a welcoming place that fosters a safe, non-judgmental learning atmosphere. As chief residents, we benefit from the unwavering support of our caring faculty and mentors, who guide us as leaders, advocates and educators.
Situated in the picturesque Appalachian Mountains, our program offers the chance to work with a diverse and complex patient population. As one of the state's two free-standing children's hospitals, we are proud of the meaningful impact we make on our patients and their families. You'll gain expertise in core pediatrics while also tackling challenging cases, supported by dedicated board review, research opportunities and advanced simulation training.
Charleston, the state capital, provides the perfect blend of city amenities and small-town charm. Our program also offers unique opportunities to engage in health policy development and implementation, allowing you to influence pediatric care on a broader scale.
We invite you to explore our community and consider making Charleston your new home. Here, you'll find a residency program and environment where you truly belong.
Thank you again for your interest. We look forward to meeting you soon!"
~ Megha Suri, MD, and Kristi Wu, DO
