Meet Our Fellows! 

Samuel Eley

Massachusetts General Hospital (R)

I grew up in eastern Maine and attended Bowdoin College. After undergrad, I worked in non-profits for 4 years in Maine and then Zambia before going to medical school at Harvard. I did internal medicine residency at MGH in Boston and am thrilled to be joining the University of Colorado for cardiology fellowship. I’m drawn to general cardiology and heart failure and have interests in rural healthcare. Outside of cardiology, I spend much of my time in the mountains, hiking, backpacking, and climbing ice and rock.

Kevin George

Case Western (R)

Thomas Mengesha

University of Ohio (R)

I'm originally from Columbus, Ohio. I completed all of my medical training at The Ohio State University before moving west to join the University of Colorado. While I'm still undecided about which area of cardiology I ultimately want to pursue, I've felt incredibly supported by the faculty and mentorship throughout my training. I value serving diverse patient populations and hope to continue incorporating community engagement and global health into my career. Outside of the hospital, I enjoy exploring Colorado's hiking trails, trying new restaurants, and spending time with my co-fellows as we explore everything Colorado has to offer.

Sarah Newman

University of Colorado (R)

Lakshmi Priya Uppalapati

Baylor College of Medicine (R)

I grew up in Dallas, Texas, and stayed in the Midwest for college and medical school at Northwestern before heading to Baylor College of Medicine for residency. From the first couple of weeks, I've already been blown away by how supportive and welcoming the faculty, my co-fellows, and the program as a whole have been. My current interests include heart failure, adult congenital heart disease, and cardio-ob, though I'm excited to learn from every area of the field and am still open. Outside of work, I love hiking, snowboarding, cooking, discovering new restaurants, and gaming.

Kelly Vogel

Vanderbilt University (R)

I grew up in northern Illinois and received my MD from Northwestern University. I completed internal medicine residency at Vanderbilt University before coming to Colorado with my partner, Kian.(a future oncologist!), for our fellowship training! I really appreciate how supportive the faculty and my co-fellows are at Colorado, and I am looking forward to exploring my subspecialty interest in electrophysiology here. Outside of work, you can find me running, hiking, pickleballing, watching college basketball, and enjoying the local arts scene!

Arslan Zahid

Emory University (R)

I grew up near Valdosta, a small town in southern Georgia. I completed medical school and my medical training in internal medicine and pediatrics at Emory and the University of Chicago. I have an interest in congenital heart disease, love doing procedures, and am really looking forward to learning and working with all of my amazing co-fellows while serving our community here in Colorado! Outside of the hospital I enjoy strategy games, soccer, and reading. 

Isaac Acquah

MedStar Health (R)

I’m originally from Ghana, though I’ve moved around quite a bit over the years—first to Massachusetts, then Texas, followed by Maryland, where I completed my internal medicine residency with MedStar, and now to Colorado. What I value most about this program is the approachable faculty and the incredible camaraderie among my co-fellows; whether it’s call swaps or quick clinical questions, there’s always someone willing to lend a hand. In my free time, I enjoy experimenting with new recipes (though nothing quite beats Ghanaian jollof) and exploring the beautiful outdoor spaces Colorado has to offer. 

Lin Cao

Vanderbilt University (R)

I am originally from Cary, North Carolina, and went to UNC for undergrad (Go Heels!) before heading to Vanderbilt for medical school and residency. I'm thrilled to be continuing my gradual migration west for cardiology fellowship, with interests in heart failure and critical care. I love how supportive and adventurous my co-fellows are! Outside of work, you can usually find me hiking, camping, or soaking up the sun with my cat.

Sunnia Chen

Mayo Clinic (R)

Hi, I'm Sunny! I'm originally from Mason, OH but have moved all across the country for my stages of education and training, starting from the east coast to here now in Denver. I am currently planning on pursuing EP for my future career, and I also have a research interest in cardio-oncology. In my free time, I enjoy a good HIT or Pilates class, trying new restaurants or bars, and exploring local events such as farmers markets or house music coffee shop pop-ups. Like most who live here, I also love a good hike (just no camping please). But most of all, I am happiest spending time at home in Minnesota with my husband and 2 cats, so if you can't find me in town, I'm probably napping on my couch there!

David Lambert

Washington University (R)

I grew up in Wisconsin and received my BS in Biochemistry at UW-Madison and MD at the Medical College of Wisconsin. I completed internal medicine residency and chief year at Washington University in St. Louis prior to moving here for cardiology fellowship. Everyone here has been so supportive, it is a busy clinical environment but one in which you are able to grow comfortably with the right amount of support. I love cycling and have done many long rides from Denver into the mountains with my co-fellows, stopping for coffees along the way!

Evan Murray

Duke University (R)

I am originally from Durham, North Carolina, and completed all of my training at Duke before coming to Colorado for fellowship (Go Blue Devils!). I have loved being part of this program and working with so many incredible people across all three hospitals. I am currently undecided about my subspecialization in cardiology, though my favorite rotation so far has been in the cath lab. Since moving to Colorado, I’ve enjoyed exploring the city and surrounding areas through hiking, mountain and road biking, camping, and taking full advantage of the 300 days of sunshine this state has to offer!

Rad Nabrzyski

University of Colorado (R)

I am originally from Poznań, Poland, and grew up in South Bend, IN. I attended medical school at Indiana University and completed my internal medicine residency at the University of Colorado, where I am delighted to stay on as a fellow. I plan to pursue a career in electrophysiology. One of the best parts of this fellowship is the culture—my co-fellows are empathetic, intelligent, down-to-earth, and driven, and we always have each other’s back. In my free time, I enjoy road cycling, rock climbing, running, and spending time with my partner, Erin, and our dog, Ollie.

Alyssa Shepherd

Beth Israel Deaconess (R)

I grew up in Greeley, Colorado, and stayed close to home for medical school at the University of Colorado before heading to Boston for residency at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. I’m thrilled to return to CU for fellowship, with plans to pursue a career in electrophysiology. The heart of this program is its camaraderie—fellows and faculty make each day collaborative, motivating, and rewarding. Outside the hospital, you’ll likely find me exploring Colorado’s peaks through hiking, climbing, or skiing; spending time with my golden retriever, Slugger; cheering on the Colorado Avalanche; or expressing my creativity through watercolor painting and ceramics.

Apoorva Sharma

Emory University (R)

Erika Becerra-Ashby

University of Colorado (R)

I was raised in the small town of Arcola, Illinois. I attended the University of Illinois for medical school and completed my Internal Medicine-Pediatrics residency here at the University of Colorado. I am excited to be able to stay on as a cardiology fellow! I am currently interested in Adult Congenital Cardiology and General Cardiology. I can already feel the support from my co-fellows, and I’m excited to continue working with them and getting to know them better. When I’m not in the hospital, you can find me with my son and husband—hiking, at a park, exploring a new restaurant, or trying to find time to read a new book or binge a new show.

Elizabeth Jean-Marie

Case Western Reserve (R)

I was born and raised in Miami, FL, but have lived all over the country, including Rhode Island, Ohio, and Minnesota. I completed my residency training at Case Western Reserve University and stayed on as a Chief at the VA for one year. My career interests are in preventive cardiology, with a research focus on lipids and social determinants of health. When I am not in the hospital, you can find me reading at home or at a local bookstore. My goal is to read 25 books this year!

Katy Lehenbauer

University of Minnesota (R)

I am originally from Kansas City, Missouri, and completed residency training at the University of Minnesota. My career goals right now are in general or preventive cardiology. I am excited to have a strong support system from my co-fellows over these next few years, both in and out of work. When I’m not at the hospital, I enjoy spending time outside with my dog, Rocky, and exploring all of beautiful Colorado through hiking, climbing, and skiing.

Alexa Roy

Mayo Clinic (R)

I am originally from Colorado Springs, Colorado, and completed my residency training at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. My career interests are in heart failure, with a particular focus on equity, barriers to implementing therapies, and outcomes. As an incoming fellow, I have not yet met my co-fellows in person, but everyone has already been so welcoming and helpful. Outside of the hospital, you can usually find me exploring the mountains, checking out a fun restaurant, or curled up with a book and my cat.

Sam Thielen

University of Colorado (R)

Hi everyone! I’m Sam, originally from North Carolina, and I’ve loved spending the past few years in Colorado. I attended medical school at UNC Chapel Hill, completed residency at the University of Colorado, and was lucky enough to stay on as a cardiology fellow! I’m interested in general cardiology or advanced heart failure, with a focus on medical education. I really appreciate that my co-fellows have a team mentality—we are open to swapping schedules and covering for each other to help make life work. If I’m not at the hospital, you can find me with my daughter and husband at a swimming pool, park, or the Denver Zoo!

Adrienne Walker

Baylor College of Medicine (R)

I am originally from Dallas, TX, and completed my residency training at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. My current career goals include incorporating my passion for aiding underserved communities into a future in either Electrophysiology or Interventional Cardiology. I love that my co-fellows are diverse and provide different perspectives that push me to grow. When I am not in the hospital, you can find me singing along to any genre of live music performance or enjoying a theme park!

Francis Zirille

University of Colorado (R)

I’m originally from Fort Wayne, Indiana, and attended Indiana University (Go Hoosiers!) for undergrad, medical school, and my MBA. I came out to the University of Colorado for residency and couldn’t be more excited to stay for fellowship, particularly to work with such a supportive group of co-fellows. I’m interested in cardiac electrophysiology as well as healthcare leadership. When I’m not in the hospital, you can probably find me snowboarding, cycling, playing golf, watching football, or hiking with my wife, daughter, and our adopted husky-mix, Griffy.

Christina Healy

University of Colorado (F)

University of Wisconsin (R)

I’m originally from Farmington Hills, Michigan, and completed residency at the University of Wisconsin before moving to Colorado to start fellowship. I plan to stay here to complete training in electrophysiology. I love my co-fellows for their unwavering support and camaraderie, both on and off the wards—they’re always there for me, whether it’s providing last-minute emergency coverage, working side by side through tricky clinical scenarios, or simply unwinding over drinks and laughing through game nights. Outside the hospital, you can usually find me on the ski slopes in the winter or paddling around the lakes and reservoirs in the summer.

Ricardo Torres Rodriguez

University of Cincinnati (F)

 Jefferson Einstein Hospital (R)

 I was born and raised in El Salvador, where I completed my medical education before moving to Philadelphia for residency and chief residency at Jefferson Einstein Hospital. I then pursued a cardiology fellowship at the University of Cincinnati before joining the cardiac electrophysiology program in Colorado. What excites me most about this program is the opportunity to work alongside a team of brilliant and dedicated people. The complexity and volume of clinical cases, combined with the potential for continuous professional and academic growth, make it a unique environment. Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending time in the mountains, exploring hiking trails, and discovering new restaurants with my wife and two children.

Justin Lee Haloot 

Baylor College of Medicine (F)

University of Texas (R)

Hey y’all, I’m Justin Haloot. I’m a Texan Transplanted to Colorado and so excited. I’ve been in Texas all my life and was so excited to come to Colorado. It’s been a great move here. Everyone has been so great, kind, and educational! The learning environment is great here at UC Anschutz campus both with the people and with the outdoors. I’ve enjoyed taking time to be outside and be with all the staff and faculty and co-fellows. I’m very interested in Academic EP as a career and keeping an open mind to all aspects of EP. Outside of work, I love to spend time enjoying walks with my two dogs, Belle and Beaux.

Nageshwara Gullapalli

 University of Utah (F)

Wright State University (R)

Akshay Machanahalli Balakrishna

Creighton University (R & F)

I’m originally from Bangalore, India. I completed my internal medicine residency and cardiology fellowship at Creighton University before coming to the University of Colorado for interventional cardiology fellowship. I chose Colorado because of my strong interest in peripheral interventions and the opportunity to learn specialized procedures such as renal denervation and balloon pulmonary angioplasty, in addition to gaining experience in coronary and foundational structural interventions. Outside of medicine, I’m a former competitive badminton player and an avid traveler—I’ve visited more than 10 countries in the past three years and enjoy exploring new places whenever I get the chance.

Jerry Lipinski

University of Colorado (F)

UCSD (R)

I am originally from Laguna Niguel, CA, and completed my internal medicine training at the University of California, San Diego. What I love most about my co-fellows is the genuine camaraderie fostered by this program and their constant willingness to help one another. They’re also wonderful people outside of the hospital—even if our first weekend of fellowship involved walking a mile through the woods and hitchhiking down from the top of a 14’er! Outside of the hospital, I enjoy hiking with my fiancée, Lindsay, grilling and barbecuing on my Weber kettle, and exploring Colorado’s vibrant beverage scene.

Anthony "Trey" Sertich

University of Kentucky (F)

University of Colorado (R)

 Dr. Anthony "Trey" Patrick Sertich III is originally from San Antonio, TX.  He returns to Colorado, where his wife is from, with two young children to complete a subfellowship in Advanced Heart Failure, Transplant Cardiology, and Genetic Cardiology.  He completed his Internal Medicine residency at CU but has spent time at the University of Washington, UT Southwestern, and the University of Kentucky since completing medical school.  His clinical interests include caring for the breadth of heart failure patients from pre-disease state to critically ill requiring advanced therapies.  His research interests are dedicated to those afflicted by inherited cardiovascular disease, specifically deeply phenotyping cardiomyopathy patients, predicting who amongst those with a genetic predisposition for disease will develop it, and the delivery of gene therapies for eligible patients.  His personal interests include running, hiking, cycling, playing the drums for >20 years, cooking, art, and spending time with his family. 

Andrea Tinsay

Baylor College of Medicine (F)

New York University (R)

Hi everyone! My name is Andrea Tinsay, and I've been all over the US for my training. I'm originally from Minnesota and did medical school at the University of Minnesota. Afterwards I went to New York for internal medicine residency at NYU, and then made my way to Houston for my Cardiology fellowship at Baylor. I'm very excited to he here in Colorado! Everyone here had been so welcoming, and having the mountains just in plain view has been amazing. I'm interested in ACHD and cardio-obstetrics and look forward to expanding my knowledge on these two subjects during my advanced fellowship here. Outside of medicine, I really enjoy reading, watching plays and musicals, and trying new restaurants.

Umakanthan Kavin

University of Colorado (F)

Medical University of South Carolina (R)

I am originally from Michigan but have traveled all over for my medical training, completing medical school in Florida, residency in South Carolina, and fellowship here in Colorado. It was an easy decision to continue my advanced training here. The breadth of cardiology is incredible, and there is a strong emphasis on education and mentorship for the fellows. Our adult congenital heart disease program is constantly growing, and I appreciate the approach to care for these patients. Living in Colorado is very easy with plenty of things to do outdoors, new restaurants to explore, and great weather year-round. I'm still learning how to ski and have recently picked up golf!

Jacqueline Urban

Northwestern University (F)

University of Colorado (R)