Cardiology Fellowship

The curriculum for the Cardiology Fellowship Program is a three-year ACGME accredited training program.  Some may use the fellowship to begin an academic career or to combine an academic setting with private practice. There are 12 fellows in the program, with responsibilities distributed according to the level of experience.  Approximately, one-half of the fellow’s time is spent in patient care responsibilities.

The cardiology fellow spends at least two month-long rotations during the three-year fellowship in the following areas: Coronary Care Unit; inpatient consultation services; outpatient consultations; clinical research; electrophysiology; echocardiography; heart failure; catheterization laboratory; exercise stress physiology; and nuclear cardiology.  Fellows participate in research projects with any of the fulltime faculty members in the division. 

The interventional cardiology fellowship is a one-year program that accepts one trainee per year who has completed three years of a cardiology fellowship at an accredited institution.

Description of Rotations:

Cardiac Consult Service

The cornerstone of the clinical training at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital is the cardiac consult service, which exposes fellows to a diverse and complex patient population. Fellows serve as the primary decision maker for complex valve disease, heart failure, acute coronary syndromes, arrhythmias and other cardiac conditions, with oversight by attending faculty.  There is continuity of many inpatients to the outpatient setting where fellows can continue to participate in their care by directly seeing them in their own fellow’s clinic. The consult service also provides cardiology fellows with opportunities for teaching both medical residents and medical students on bedside rounds.  The consult service serves as a robust learning experience that is core to the clinical training of our fellows.

Non-Invasive Cardiovascular Program

Our program provides the full spectrum of diagnostic cardiac ultrasound services including 2-dimensional and Doppler transthoracic echocardiography with and without contrast, 3-dimensional transthoracic echo and strain; stress echocardiography, including bicycle and treadmill exercise, as well dobutamine adjunctive pharmacotherapy; Trans-esophageal echocardiography including 3D imaging

During their first year, training is designed to assist the cardiovascular fellow in developing skills in the performance of diagnostic ultrasound, as well as, mastering basic principles and achieving competence in study interpretation. Senior sonographers supervise the fellow offering direct instruction in performance of the echocardiographic examination. In addition to performing and interpreting their own studies, fellows also attend daily reading sessions. During the second-year fellows, emphasis is placed on interpretive skills and advanced procedures, such as stress echo studies and trans-esophageal echocardiography. All fellows graduate with level 2 training and most take echocardiography boards before they graduate. Fellows who exhibit a particular interest in non-invasive imaging are encouraged to pursue research projects under supervision of the laboratory staff.

Exercise Physiology Laboratory – Nuclear Cardiology

Nuclear cardiology at the Robert Wood Johnsons University Heart Center provides various types of cardiac stress tests that help to identify and diagnose heart disease. The educational initiative is jointly run between the cardiology and radiology services. The laboratory is fully equipped to perform SPECT, PET and Cardiac MRI. Fellows learn the integral role of cardiac stress testing in the practice of clinical cardiology, as well as its limitations, by performing and interpreting studies. The full spectrum of diagnostic services, with and without adjunctive radionuclide imaging, is provided, including: exercise stress testing using treadmill or bicycle, stress testing using atrial pacing, pharmacological stress testing using adenosine, dobutamine or dipyridamole, and metabolic stress testing.

Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory

Each fellow is expected to spend at least 4 months in the cardiac catheterization laboratory. Fellows are lead operators on diagnostic procedures in the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, a state-of-the-art suite of five rooms with high-resolution digital fluoroscopy units. A wide variety of diagnostic and interventional procedures are performed. By virtue of being a tertiary referral center, as well as, serving the local New Brunswick community and its environs, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital exposes the trainee to a varied and complex case load.  Fellows gain experience in the appropriateness of interventions, contraindications and potential complications of cardiac catheterization and interventions for assessment of coronary, valvular, myocardial, and adult congenital heart disease. The fellows learn the appropriateness of coronary bypass surgery versus percutaneous revascularization and post-procedural care. Fellows are taught to integrate results obtained from noninvasive imaging modalities and are exposed to an interdisciplinary approach in the formulating the care of each particular patient. Fellows present cases in which they were actively involved in weekly cardiac catheterization conferences and attend monthly multidisciplinary quality improvement conferences. Research opportunities are available and encouraged. For fellows interested in pursuing a career in interventional cardiology an ACGME accredited Advanced Interventional Cardiology Fellowship is available.

Coronary Care Unit

Patients requiring acute care for advanced heart failure (including those awaiting transplant), peri-procedural management of high-risk coronary disease and malignant arrhythmias, patients post cardiac arrest and those in need of extracorporeal ventricular support are admitted to a state of the art 14-bed unit, reserved for the management of these critically-ill patients. During this rotation, fellows are exposed to extremely complex patients and not only learn to manage these patients but take on a leadership role, mentoring residents and medical students during the rotation.

Heart Failure and Transplantation

The management of patients with advanced heart failure at Robert Wood Johnson is a team effort. The fellows are an integral component of the service working closely with physicians and non-physicians alike. This multidisciplinary team consists of members from the heart failure, electrophysiology and cardiac surgery services; caring for patients with advanced disease. The fellows participate in transplant meetings and gain a solid grasp in the management of chronic severe heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, assessment of candidates for transplantation and left ventricular mechanical circulatory support.

Electrophysiology

The Arrhythmia Diagnosis and Treatment program provides the full spectrum of diagnostic and therapeutic cardiovascular services. Diagnostic cardiac electrophysiologic studies are performed, as well as therapeutic cardiac electrophysiologic procedures, including radiofrequency transcatheter ablation, insertion of temporary and permanent pacemakers, and implantation of automatic defibrillators. The cardiac electrophysiology laboratory comprises a state-of-the-art facility accommodating the newest technologies, needs and volume. It’s equipped with new X-ray imaging, mapping systems and a Stereotaxis catheter navigation system. Second-year fellows on the electrophysiology rotation gain competence in the interpretation of commonly performed electrophysiology studies, manage inpatients with arrhythmias or dyssynchrony, learn indications for pacemaker and ICD implementation and become experienced in programming and interrogation of devices. Research is available and encouraged. We are in the process of offering an ACGME accredited Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology Fellowship for fellows interested in continuing in a career as an electrophysiologist.

Cardiac Surgical Intensive Care

Fellows rotating on the Cardiology Consult service follow patients in the surgical intensive care unit gaining experience in the postoperative care of cardiac surgical patients. Patients on the surgical service often undergo complex procedures with significant comorbidities, so fellows learn the ramifications of the technical and anatomic problems tackled during the operation. Fellows are encouraged to attend surgical cases in the operating room, to gain an appreciation of the complexity of cardiac bypass pump physiology, cardiac transplantation, insertion of left ventricular assist devices and the intricacies of intraoperative management. During their elective time fellows are encouraged to spend time in the surgical ICU.

Structural Heart Disease

Robert Wood Johnson University hospital has a robust Structural Heart Disease Program which sponsors a 1-year, non-ACGME-accredited fellowship opportunity.  Our cardiovascular fellows have the opportunity to rotate through this service during their elective months. The program provides a unique exposure in the interventional and medical therapy of structural heart disease with a special focus on transcatheter valve therapeutics. Fellows will participate in the full spectrum of transcatheter structural heart procedures, including aortic and mitral valve therapies, atrial and ventricular septal occlusion, and left atrial appendage intervention.  Pre-procedural evaluation, complication management, and post-operative care will be emphasized. During their elective fellows spend approximately one day per week in the Valve Clinic and rotate on the Inpatient Valve Service. An emphasis will be placed on the longitudinal care of patients from evaluation through hospital admission, treatment, post-operative care, and discharge. Fellows are encouraged to participate in faculty-directed clinical research projects and have the opportunity to participate in the enrollment and follow-up of patients in clinical trials.

Elective

Four months of the third year may be spent as Elective at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital or any prearranged outside institution. These electives are coordinated through the Division Chief and the Program Director.  These have proven to be popular and educationally valuable experiences for fellows in past years.

Research Opportunities

The fellows are required to complete a research project prior to completion of their fellowship. The fellows are given research elective beginning their second year. The fellows are encouraged to identify a research mentor in the first few months of their fellowship. The Cardiovascular Research Program performs the full spectrum of basic, translational and clinical research on inpatients and outpatients with cardiovascular diseases and hypertension. Cardiovascular clinical trials, clinical pharmacology studies and outcomes research are three major areas of research activity. The Division is currently involved in 18 active Clinical Trials.

The Division’s faculty has a broad range of research interests. These include management and outcome of acute myocardial infarction, development and evaluation of innovative device systems and methods, laboratory analysis of non-traditional risk factors, and non-pharmacologic and therapeutic clinical trials for patients with hypertension, atherosclerosis, and other cardiovascular diseases. Under the leadership of Dr. John B. Kostis the Cardiovascular Research Program performs the full spectrum of translational and clinical research on inpatients and outpatients with cardiovascular diseases and hypertension. Cardiovascular clinical trials, clinical pharmacology studies, device trials and outcomes research are major areas of research activity. To enroll prospective patients in cardiovascular research, please call the nurse in charge as indicated in the table:

• Nora Cosgrove, R.N. at (732) 235-6546
• Casey Casazza, R.N. at (732) 235-8694
• Michael Cargill, R.N. at (732) 235-6130
• Celeste Cardona, L.P.N. at (732) 235-6546
• Denise Bankowski, L.P.N. at (732) 235-6546
• Natalie Randolph, R.N. at (732) 235-8969

Myocardial Infarction Data Acquisition System (MIDAS), Director: John B. Kostis, MD

Center for Disease Management and Clinical Outcomes
Directors: Clifton R. Lacy, MD, and John B. Kostis, MD
The Center for Disease Management and Clinical Outcomes is a collaborative effort of the Department of Medicine of UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and Rutgers University College of Pharmacy. Established in July 1994, the Center carries out research, educational and clinical activities in the broad areas of disease management and clinical outcomes.

In the research area, it conducts and supports research on disease management and clinical outcomes in the inpatient, outpatient and community settings. Research activities involve:

• Methodological issues
• Individual disease entities
• Pharmacoeconomics
• Factors affecting application of medical knowledge
• Physician education
• Protocol implementation across hospital systems

Clinical activities involve coordination of Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital physician related initiatives including:

• Disease management and clinical outcomes
• Medical “best practices”
• Practice protocols
• Clinical resource management
• Clinical benchmarking.

Activities in the outpatient area are coordinated with the University Medical Group and the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital.

Educational activities target health care professionals and persons involved in the broad fields of disease management and clinical outcomes. Activities include:

• Continuing medical education conferences addressed to local and national audiences,
• Seminars and publication of relevant material.

A fellowship in disease management and clinical outcomes will be inaugurated in the next academic year.
In the current academic year, the center has received external funding in excess of $100,000 for its research and educational activities.

The Center has developed a new journal, Disease Management and Clinical Outcomes, first published by Elsevier Science Inc. in 1997. The journal boasts a distinguished multidisciplinary editorial board of internationally and nationally renowned experts in the fields of epidemiology, disease management, clinical outcomes, and health economics and health services research. The publication publishes peer reviewed articles on all aspects of disease management, clinical outcomes, and health economics including original studies, review articles, and commentary regarding theoretical, methodological, implementation, ethical, legal, and regulatory issues.

Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology Research Program
Director: Luis H. Arroyo, MD
The Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology Research Program is a collaborative effort of the Department of Medicine of UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital . Established in 2002, the Program carries out research, educational and clinical activities in the area of heart failure and transplant research.

In the research area, it conducts and supports research on heart failure management and clinical outcomes in the inpatient, outpatient and community settings. Research activities involve:

• Decision analysis
• New drug development
• Pharmacoeconomics
• Cardiac support devices
• Outcomes research

• Completion and passing of all three USMLE step
• ABIM board certified or board eligible
• The accepted applicant must obtain a full NJ license (limited license if on visa)
• A valid ECFMG certificate for all foreign medical graduates
• Completion of a prior internal medicine residency is required

Christopher Aseervatham, MD
Fellowship Year 1
Medical School: Stony Brook University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine
Residency: Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School

Gabrielle Barbera, MD
Fellowship Year 1
Medical School: Drexel University College of Medicine
Residency: Boston University Medical Center Program

Rohan Ganti, MD
Fellowship Year 1
Medical School: Howard University College of Medicine
Residency: Boston University Medical Center Program

Nikita Mishra, MD
Fellowship Year 1
Medical School: Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University
Residency: Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Fellowship: Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Advanced Cardiac Imaging

Noreen Syed, MD
Fellowship Year 1
Medical School: Medical College of Georgia
Residency: Hofstra at Northwell NS/LIJ

Sarthak Gulati, MD
Fellowship Year 2
Medical School: The Ohio State University College of Medicine
Residency: Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell at North Shore Long Island Jewish University Hospital

Hina Ijaz, MD
Fellowship Year 2
Medical School: Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School – New Brunswick
Residency: Stony Brook Medicine/University Hospital 

Tahreem Iqbal, MD
Fellowship Year 2
Medical School: University of Maryland School of Medicine
Residency: University of Maryland Medical Center

Jorge Naranjo, MD
Fellowship Year 2
Medical School: Rutgers New Jersey Medical School
Residency: Rutgers Health/New Jersey Medical School

Laura Parker, MD
Fellowship Year 2
Medical School: Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School – New Brunswick
Residency: Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School

Prateek Baghel, MD
Fellowship Year 3
Medical School: SUNY Downstate Medical Center College of Medicine
Residency: Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell at Forest Hills Hospital

Shawn Chawla, MD
Fellowship Year 3 – Chief
Medical School: George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences
Residency: New York Presbyterian Hospital (Columbia Campus) 

Brian Schwartz, MD
Fellowship Year 3
Medical School: Boston University School of Medicine
Residency: Boston University Medical Center 

Christopher Wong, MD
Fellowship Year 3 – Chief
Medical School: University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
Residency: Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell 

Interventional Cardiology Fellow 2024 – 2025

Marc Sandhaus, MD
Fellowship Year 1 – PGY 7
Medical School: The Commonwealth Medical College
Residency: Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Fellowship: Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Cardiology

Ehimare Akhabue, MD
Assistant Professor

Sabahat Bokari, MD
Professor, Director of the Cardiac Amyloidosis and Cardiomyopathy Center

Grace Casaclang-Verzosa, MD, MBA, FASE
Assistant Professor, Admin Director Cardiology

Ashok Chaudhary, MD, FACP, FACC, FSCAI
Assistant Professor 

James Coromilas, MD, FACC, FAHA, FHRS
Professor of Medicine

Kenneth Dulnuan, MD
Assistant Professor 

Deepa Iyer, MD
Assistant Professor of Medicine, Medical Director VAD Program, Program Director Heart Transplant Program

Theodore Maglione, MD
Assistant Professor of Medicine, Co-Director of Electrophysiology

Abel Moreyra, MD, FACP, FACC
Professor of Medicine

Partho Sengupta, MD, DM, FACC, FASE
Professor of Medicine, Division Chief, Chief of Cardiology Service Line, Interim Director of ECHO Lab

Daniel Shindler, MD
Professor 

Tudor Vagaonescu, MD, PhD
Associate Professor of Medicine, Medical Director Cardiac Catheterization Laboratories

Naveena Yanamala, PhD
Associate Professor, Director of Data Science and Machine Learning Research

Amna Zafar, MD
Assistant Professor, Co-Director of Cardio-Oncology Program