Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship
Mission & Vision
Our mission, at the University of Miami/Jackson Health System Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship Program is to serve our patient population while training the next generation of cardiovascular leaders and specialists.
We support the academic, research and educational missions of the University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine while providing exemplary clinical care within the University of Miami and Jackson health systems, as well as the Bruce W. Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
We abide by the highest professional standards and strive to deliver appropriate, compassionate and state-of-the-art care, while embracing the cultural values of our diverse society. We are staunch advocates for our patients and hope to eliminate disparities in care by providing the highest level of care to all of our patients. Additionally, we strive to be leaders in the field of cardiovascular medicine by engaging in ongoing education, research and overall innovation.
Through excellence in academics, we look to educate our cardiovascular community, colleagues and community at-large. Through research we promote the development of best clinical practices, the investigation of new ideas and innovation of new and novel approaches to cardiovascular care.
Mission & Vision
Our mission, at the University of Miami/Jackson Health System Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship Program is to serve our patient population while training the next generation of cardiovascular leaders and specialists.
We support the academic, research and educational missions of the University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine while providing exemplary clinical care within the University of Miami and Jackson health systems, as well as the Bruce W. Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
We abide by the highest professional standards and strive to deliver appropriate, compassionate and state-of-the-art care, while embracing the cultural values of our diverse society. We are staunch advocates for our patients and hope to eliminate disparities in care by providing the highest level of care to all of our patients. Additionally, we strive to be leaders in the field of cardiovascular medicine by engaging in ongoing education, research and overall innovation.
Through excellence in academics, we look to educate our cardiovascular community, colleagues and community at-large. Through research we promote the development of best clinical practices, the investigation of new ideas and innovation of new and novel approaches to cardiovascular care.
Program Director’s Welcome
We appreciate your interest in the University of Miami/Jackson Health System Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship, which offers a world-class, three-year training program in cardiology and various additional advanced training fellowships. Our program includes rotations at three distinctive and renowned institutions including Jackson Memorial Hospital (a public hospital for the residents of Miami-Dade County), UHealth Tower (a private, university-based facility) and the Bruce W. Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Each institution offers a complementary experience affording trainees the opportunity to be exposed to a wide array of cardiovascular pathology and treatment modalities, while developing a well-rounded and thorough clinical training. Additionally, fellows benefit from an exceptional faculty and mentor group, consisting of regional, national and international leaders who are involved with the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association, various “guideline writing” committees, and National Institutes of Health and National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute-funded research.
Program Director’s Welcome
We appreciate your interest in the University of Miami/Jackson Health System Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship, which offers a world-class, three-year training program in cardiology and various additional advanced training fellowships. Our program includes rotations at three distinctive and renowned institutions including Jackson Memorial Hospital (a public hospital for the residents of Miami-Dade County), UHealth Tower (a private, university-based facility) and the Bruce W. Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Each institution offers a complementary experience affording trainees the opportunity to be exposed to a wide array of cardiovascular pathology and treatment modalities, while developing a well-rounded and thorough clinical training. Additionally, fellows benefit from an exceptional faculty and mentor group, consisting of regional, national and international leaders who are involved with the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association, various “guideline writing” committees, and National Institutes of Health and National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute-funded research.
During the cardiology core training program, fellows participate in both inpatient and outpatient cardiovascular consultation, management of critically ill cardiovascular patients in the intensive care unit setting and outpatient cardiology continuity clinics. Trainees will have ample exposure to the cardiovascular subspecialties, including cardiovascular imaging (computed tomography angiography, echocardiography and myocardial perfusion imaging); clinical electrophysiology; heart failure/cardiac transplantation and interventional cardiology. Fellows receive proficient training in advanced cardiovascular imaging; diagnostic cardiac catheterization; echocardiography; electrocardiography (including ambulatory monitoring); nuclear cardiology and stress testing. Additionally, there is allotted elective time for further experience in areas of special interest or for participation in cardiovascular research. Fellows are strongly encouraged to participate in scholarly activities and research.
For fellows interested in more advanced and specialized training, opportunities exist for additional training in ACGME-accredited training programs in congestive heart failure and heart transplantation; electrophysiology and interventional cardiology. For fellows targeting an academic or research career, an additional year of research experience can be arranged in conjunction with any of the numerous scientific mentors within the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine.
-Carlos Enrique Alfonso, MD, FACC, FSCAI
Description
For fellows interested in more advanced and specialized training, opportunities exist for additional training in ACGME-accredited training programs in congestive heart failure and heart transplantation; electrophysiology and interventional cardiology. For fellows targeting an academic or research career, an additional year of research experience can be arranged in conjunction with any of the numerous scientific mentors within the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine.
-Carlos Enrique Alfonso, MD, FACC, FSCAI
Fast Facts
Accreditation
Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education
Number of Fellows per Year?
7
Duration of Fellowship?
3 years
Clinical Experience
Overview
There are 13 rotations per year divided into four-week blocks. Over the course of the three-year clinical fellowship, fellows rotate through 24 months of clinical training. This includes nine to 12 months of clinical cardiology rotations, including cardiac consultation, coronary care unit, electrophysiology and heart failure/cardiac transplantation services. Additional time is spent in the various other subspecialties, including four months of cardiac catheterization laboratory; echocardiography and stress testing/ nuclear cardiology. Fellows spend an additional six to 12 months of elective time which is concentrated in the third year. The third-year is tailored for various pathways and tracts based on the fellow’s career choice. We currently offer advanced cardiac imaging; advanced heart failure and transplantation; electrophysiology; interventional training, research or any combination thereof.
Fellows will participate in cardiology grand rounds; cardiovascular journal club, educational and research conferences, “Angioclub” and the “Week in Review.” The cardiovascular division also supports a varied lecture program including a weekly combined cardiology/CT surgery multidisciplinary meeting, debates in cardiology and the “Pioneers in Cardiology” lecture series with prominent internationally renowned speakers featured throughout the year.
Continuity Clinics
Our fellows have, on average, one half-day clinic weekly. Throughout fellowship training, fellows will maintain a weekly clinic in the Ambulatory Care Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital. Each fellow will see patients in this clinic every other week. During the first year, fellows will have alternate week clinics along with a subspecialty attending (i.e., electrophysiology, heart failure, interventional) either at Jackson Memorial Hospital or UHealth Tower. Starting in the second year and continuing into the third year, fellows will have a continuity clinic at the VA Medical Center. Additionally, fellows may attend specific subspecialty clinics during certain rotations (i.e., advanced heart failure/cardiac transplant clinic, electrophysiology clinic, pre-cardiac catheterization clinic).
Year 1 (CC-1)
Jackson Memorial Hospital (4 to 5 months covering):
- Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Service – 1 month
- Cardiovascular Consultation Service – 1 to 2 months
- Coronary Care Unit – 1 month
- Electrophysiology and EKG – 1 month (to include 2 weeks of vacation)
VA Medical Center (3 to 4 months covering):
- Cardiac Catheterization – 1 month
- Coronary Care Unit/Cardiovascular Consultation Service – 1 month
- Echocardiography – 1 month
- Stress Testing and Nuclear Cardiology – 1 month (to include 2 weeks of vacation)
UHealth Tower (4 to 5 months covering):
- Cardiac Catheterization – 1 month
- Cardiovascular Consultation Service – 1 to 2 months
- Coronary Care Unit (including Post-Cardiac Surgery Consultation) – 1 month
- Echocardiography and Nuclear Cardiology – 1 month
Year 2 (CC-2)
Jackson Memorial Hospital (7 months covering):
- Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Service – 1 month
- Cardiac Catheterization – 1 month
- Coronary Care Unit – 1 month
- Echocardiography – 2 months
- Electrophysiology and EKG – 2 months (to include 2 weeks of vacation)
VA Medical Center (4 months covering):
- Cardiac Catheterization – 1 month
- Coronary Care Unit/Cardiovascular Consultation Service – 1 month
- Stress Testing and Nuclear Cardiology – 2 months (to include 2 weeks of vacation)
UHealth Tower (2 months covering):
- Cardiac Catheterization –1 month
- Coronary Care Unit – 1 month
Year 3 (CC-3)
Jackson Memorial Hospital (varies):
- Cardiac Catheterization – 1 month (required)
- Cardiac CT/MRI Imaging – 1 month (required)
- Electrophysiology – 1 month (required)
VA Medical Center (varies):
- Echocardiography – 2 months (required)
- Electives
UHealth Tower (varies):
- Echocardiography and Nuclear Cardiology
- Electives (to include 2 weeks of vacation)
Pathways
Our cardiology training program has additional training opportunities for interested fellows in:
- Advanced Heart Failure and Cardiac Transplantation
- Cardiac Electrophysiology
- Interventional Cardiology
- Interventional Cardiology (Structural Heart Disease) – (non-ACGME accredited)
Your Faculty
Professors
Simon C. Chakko, MD
Chief of Cardiology, Bruce W. Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Mauricio G. Cohen, MD
Director, UHealth Tower Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory
Eduardo J. DeMarchena, MD
Director, Interventional Cardiology Fellowship Program
Jeffrey Goldberger, MD, FACC
Chief, Cardiovascular Division
Joshua M. Hare, MD
Director, Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute
Louis Lemberg Professor of Medicine
Maureen H. Lowery, MD , FACC
Clerkship Director, Internal Medicine, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine
Course Director, Cardiovascular Module, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine
Medical Director, Non-invasive Diagnostic Laboratory, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
Raul Mitrani, MD
Director, Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology Fellowship Program
Robert J. Myerburg, MD
Assistant Director, Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship Program
Rafael F. Sequeira, MD
Director, Coronary Care Unit
Associate Professors
Carlos E. Alfonso, MD, FACC, FSCAI
Director, Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship Program
Eugene J. Bauerlein, MD , FACC
Medical Director, Cardiac Transplant Program
Site Supervisor, Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology Fellowship Program
Martin S. Bilsker, MD
Director, Jackson Memorial Hospital Echo/Doppler Laboratory
Sandra Chaparro, MD
Program Director, Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology Fellowship Program
Claudia A. Martinez Bermudez, MD
Carl E. Orringer, MD
Director, Preventive Cardiology and Advanced Lipid Management
Alan H. Schob, MD
Site Supervisor, Interventional Program, Bruce W. Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center
David M. Seo, MD
Director, Genomic Medicine Registry
Medical Director, Clinical Informatics
Assistant Professors
Sharon N. Andrade-Bucknor, MD
Director, UHealth Tower Cardiac Prevention and Rehabilitation Program
Medical Director, Exercise Lab
Michael D. Dyal, MD
Voluntary Faculty
Litsa K. Lambrakos, MD
George R. Marzouka, MD
Director, Echocardiography
Roberto A. Miki, MD, FACC, FACP
Robert B. Stang, MD, FACC
Chief, Coronary Care Unit, Bruce W. Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Affiliated Jackson Medical Group Faculty Members
Joao F. Braghiroli, MD
Interventional Cardiologist/Structural Heart Disease
Ivan A. Buitrago, MD
Associate Medical Director
Rosario Colombo, MD
Associate Medical Director, Cardiovascular Disease, Non-invasive Cardiology
Hany Elmahdy, MD
Associate Medical Director, Jackson Medical Group
Alexandre Ferreira, MD
Program Director, Interventional Cardiology Fellowship Program
Voluntary Faculty, Associate Professor, Medicine, University of Miami
Cesar Mendoza, MD
Medical Director, Interventional Cardiology, Jackson Medical Group
Ivan Mendoza, MD
Associate Medical Director, Cardiac Electrophysiology, Jackson Medical Group
Cesar Mendoza, MD
Medical Director, Interventional Cardiology
Khalid Minhas, MD
Associate Medical Director, Jackson Medical Group
Bashar Obeidou
Associate Medical Director, Jackson Medical Group
Rhea Sancassani, MD
Medical Director, Cardiology Ambulatory Clinic, Jackson Health System
Assaf Tzur, MD
Medical Director, Cardiac Electrophysiology, Jackson Health System
Anila Veerani, MD
Medical Director, Cardiac Rehab, Jackson Health System
Medical Director, Heart Station, Jackson Health System
Juan Zambrano, MD
Medical Director, Interventional Cardiology, Jackson Health System
Alumni Placements Include
Academic Practice
University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine
Subspecialty Training
Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology Fellowship
Jackson Memorial Hospital/University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine
University of Florida
University of Utah
Advanced Imaging Fellowship
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center
Interventional Cardiology Fellowship
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Jackson Memorial Hospital/University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine
The Mount Sinai Hospital NY
Electrophysiology Fellowship
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Jackson Memorial Hospital/University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine
Stanford University
Notable Alumni
Joao Braghiroli, MD
2017
Interventional Cardiologist/Structural Heart Disease, Jackson Medical Group
Rosario Colombo, MD
2014
Associate Medical Director, Cardiovascular Disease, Non-invasive Cardiology, Jackson Medical Group
Michael David Dyal, MD
2015
UM Voluntary Faculty, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Bruce W. Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Hany Elmahdy, MD
2019
Associate Medical Director, Jackson Medical Group
Abbas Emaminia, MD
2018
Advanced Cardiac Imaging Fellowship, NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center
Camilo Gomez, MD
2018
Interventional Cardiology Fellowship, Jackson Memorial Hospital/UM Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine
Gabriel Hernandez, MD
2017
Assistant Professor, Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center
Thomas Lucero, MD
2018
Staff Cardiologist, W.G. (Bill) Hefner VA Medical Center
George R. Marzouka, MD
2015
Assistant Professor, Medicine Director, Echocardiography
Nileshkumar Patel, MD
2017
Interventional Cardiology Fellowship, The Mount Sinai Hospital NY
Alexis Rodriguez, MD
2018
Staff Cardiologist, Bruce W. Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Joao Braghiroli, MD
2017
Interventional Cardiologist/Structural Heart Disease, Jackson Medical Group
Rosario Colombo, MD
2014
Associate Medical Director, Cardiovascular Disease, Non-invasive Cardiology, Jackson Medical Group
Michael David Dyal, MD
2015
UM Voluntary Faculty, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Bruce W. Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Hany Elmahdy, MD
2019
Associate Medical Director, Jackson Medical Group
Abbas Emaminia, MD
2018
Advanced Cardiac Imaging Fellowship, NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center
Camilo Gomez, MD
2018
Interventional Cardiology Fellowship, Jackson Memorial Hospital/UM Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine
Gabriel Hernandez, MD
2017
Assistant Professor, Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center
Thomas Lucero, MD
2018
Staff Cardiologist, W.G. (Bill) Hefner VA Medical Center
George R. Marzouka, MD
2015
Assistant Professor, Medicine Director, Echocardiography
Nileshkumar Patel, MD
2017
Interventional Cardiology Fellowship, The Mount Sinai Hospital NY
Alexis Rodriguez, MD
2018
Staff Cardiologist, Bruce W. Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center