Fourth Year of Advanced Training
Pediatric Advanced Cardiac Imaging Fellowship
Children’s Hospital Colorado, in conjunction with the University of Colorado School of Medicine, is pleased to offer a funded position for a fourth year of advanced training in Pediatric Advanced Cardiac Imaging. We are looking for well-qualified candidates who have completed a fellowship in pediatric cardiology at an ACGME-accredited program, and will be board eligible by the start of the 4th year.
The Cardiac Imaging and Fetal Cardiology group at Children's Hospital Colorado is a rapidly growing and busy group. We have 12 pediatric cardiologists with advanced training in non-invasive imaging, including subspecialists in fetal echocardiography, cardiac MRI and CT, 3D echocardiography, and speckle tracking echocardiography, with that number likely to rapidly grow.
Our lab performs and interprets over 23,000 studies per year, utilizing a state-of-the-art digital PACS system as well as telehealth options, serving a large 7 state region. Our hospital consistently has one of the highest volumes in cardiovascular surgery, Norwood procedures, heart transplants, and cardiac catheterization & electrophysiology procedures in the United States, along with robust ventricular assist device and ECMO programs, ensuring exposure to a wide range of cardiac pathology and therapies.
We have trained 1-2 4th year fellows in advanced cardiac imaging every year for over a decade. While all fellows will gain extensive experience in echocardiography and are expected to complete the year as experts in the performance and interpretation of transthoracic & transesophageal echocardiograms, our 4th year fellowship is customizable to the career interests of the fellow, and we offer additional focus in areas such as fetal echocardiography, cardiac MRI & CT, 3D echocardiography and speckle tracking echocardiography. Our 4th year fellows will also gain experience in imaging research, with the expectation to complete a first-authored manuscript on a project of their choosing.
Our institution uses the Pediatric Advanced Cardiac Imaging match listed on the San Francisco Match site, and all applications and necessary materials must be completed through this process. If you are not a USA citizen, include a copy of your ECFMG, and bear in mind that you would need to acquire a J1 visa if selected as a candidate for our program. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. It is your responsibility to ensure all required information has been received.
The timetable for the application process is detailed on the SF Match site, and the process will start on July 1st.
Please contact Amanda Keith, Pediatric Cardiology Fellowship Coordinator for any questions you have at: [email protected]
Nithya Swaminathan, MD
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Why did you decide to pursue pediatric cardiology?
My passion for pediatric cardiology has remained steadfast throughout my career. I was drawn to this field for its intricate anatomy, complex pathophysiology, and the profound impact we can have from the very start of a child’s journey. One of the most rewarding aspects of pediatric cardiology is the ability to form lasting connections with families, often beginning even in the fetal life. There is a unique privilege in being part of a child’s story before birth, guiding parents through uncertainty and earning their trust, and following that child through every stage of life. Equally fulfilling is working alongside a diverse team of subspecialists within cardiology, where collaboration and shared expertise drive the best possible outcomes for patients.
What made you decide to train at Children's Hospital Colorado for your advanced fellowship?
I am a lifelong learner, always striving to refine my skills and expand my knowledge. My goal is to advance the field of pediatric cardiology by embracing the latest innovations and cutting-edge imaging techniques offered at Children’s Hospital Colorado.
What are your hobbies and what do you like to do in your spare time?
I love traveling, exploring new cultures, and experiencing diverse cuisines. I enjoy classical dance, experimenting with fusion cuisine, and cherishing moments with my husband and three wonderful children.
Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Fellowship
The overall improving results in the management of pediatric and congenital cardiac disease have been recognized as the result of an intense multi and trans-disciplinary effort. This important interaction between pediatric and adult cardiologists, surgeons, intensivists, anesthetists, pharmacists, research staff, nurses, respiratory therapists, perfusion technicians, nutritionists, psychologists, physiotherapists and other specialized staff optimizes conditions to provide an outstanding quality of care to our patients and their families. The advantages of such collaboration allied to the need for highly reliable clinical practices widely justify a specific training in the arena of cardiac intensive care allowing fellows to fully develop comprehensive skills in both cardiology and intensive care, whilst learning how to integrate the team, patients and their families into their activity.
Children’s Hospital Colorado provides a comprehensive training program for pediatric cardiac intensive care 4th year fellows (CICU fellows) and the academic opportunities are tailored to suit background, needs and interests of each candidate. There is a dedicated 22 bed pediatric cardiac intensive care unit hosting categorical fellows of pediatric cardiology, neonatology, general pediatric intensive care and anesthesia, and Advanced Practitioners (Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners), who work in collaboration with or under the supervision of the 4th year CICU fellow.
The Senior Fellowship curriculum is specifically designed for each individual fellow in order to adequately prepare the trainee to care for patients with critical congenital heart disease. The broad goal throughout the year of training is to develop a large knowledge background, communication skills, leadership skills and the technical skills necessary to provide comprehensive acute critical care to the full spectrum of congenital or acquired heart disease in neonates, toddlers, infants, children, adolescents and adults.
We have set forth specific goals and objectives and while all CICU advanced fellows will be expected to achieve these goals by the end of their fellowship, the curriculum will be adapted to the individual’s previous training, knowledge and competence. In addition to the time spent in the cardiac intensive care unit, this could include rotations in ECHO, cardiac anesthesia, perfusion, cardiac surgery, cardiac catheterization, electrophysiology, heart failure/transplant, general intensive care, ECMO and research.
The program provides an academic environment that allows the CICU Senior Fellow to be personally responsible for patients and their families as well as the CICU team, and to develop highly sophisticated skills in the management of medical, pre and post-operative and post-interventional patients with congenital and acquired cardiac illnesses- from the complex neonate to the adult- under the close supervision and mentorship of an experienced group of faculty members.
Clinical training is complemented by clinical and academic discussions, didactics, journal clubs, research and teaching opportunities.
Fourth year applications will require a copy of your curriculum vitae, at least three letters of reference and a personal statement highlighting why you wish to become a Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Fellow at Children’s Hospital of Colorado. If you are not a USA citizen, include a copy of your ECFMG and specify your Visa status. Please bear in mind that you would need to acquire a J1 visa if selected as a candidate for our program. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
All applications should be submitted by September 1st.
Please submit all applications to:
Carly Scahill, DO, MSCR
Director, Cardiac Intensive Care Advanced Fellowship
[email protected]
and
Please contact:
Ilona Nastas, Administrative Service Coordinator
for any questions you may have at
720-777-3376 or [email protected]
Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have, via email or at 720-777-3365
Maria Fouad Abou Nader, MD
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Why did you decide to pursue pediatric critical care?
After completing my PICU fellowship, I chose to pursue an additional year in the CICU to deepen my understanding of cardiopulmonary interactions and gain more hands-on experience with complex cardiac cases. This additional training will also support my scholarship work in medical education, particularly in developing tailored cardiology curricula for pediatric residents in developing countries and advancing ECMO training programs.
What made you decide to train at Children's Hospital Colorado for your advanced fellowship?
During my time at CHCO, I’ve had the opportunity to work in the CICU and collaborate with the entire medical team. This experience has really reinforced my belief that CHCO is an incredible place for professional growth. The supportive and forward-thinking environment in the CICU has helped me develop my skills, and I know that a fourth-year fellowship here would give me the advanced training and mentorship I need to reach my career goals.
What are your hobbies and what do you like to do in your spare time?
Cooking and skiing
Pediatric Heart Failure and Transplant Fellowship
Children’s Hospital Colorado, in conjunction with the University of Colorado School of Medicine, is pleased to offer a funded position for a fourth year of advanced training in pediatric heart failure and transplantation.
We are looking for well qualified candidates who have completed a fellowship in pediatric cardiology at an ACGME accredited program and will be board eligible by the start of the 4th year.
As a part of a major regional referral center, the cardiomyopathy, heart failure, and transplant service at Children's Hospital Colorado is a rapidly growing and busy service. We directly manage patients with cardiomyopathy, heart failure, and transplant on the inpatient service. We also have a well-established ventricular assist device program and offer support for infants and children of all sizes.
We perform approximately 10-15 heart transplants in children annually and had our 500th heart transplant in 2022. Our team currently provides long-term follow-up care to about 160 heart transplant recipient and follow over 400 children with dilated, restrictive, hypertrophic, and non-compaction cardiomyopathy.
We are active in basic science, translational, and clinical research related to heart failure and transplant. The transplant cardiologists and cardiomyopathy specialists include Drs. Shelley Miyamoto, Scott Auerbach, Melanie Everitt, Kathryn Chatfield, Kathleen Simpson, and Stephanie Nakano.
Fourth year applications will require:
- A copy of your curriculum vitae
- At least three letters of reference
- A personal statement highlighting why you wish to become a Pediatric Heart Failure and Transplant Fellow at Children’s Hospital Colorado.
All applications should be submitted by Aug 31.
Please contact Nicole Lavine, administrative service coordinator, for any questions you may have at 720-777-3218 or [email protected]
Benjamin Olsen, MD
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Why did you decide to pursue pediatric critical care?
Trying to understand and then treat the complex pathophysiology in cardiology is an exhilarating experience. Pediatric cardiology then adds a whole new level of complexity. I chose pediatrics in general because I feel my greatest sense of fulfillment and purpose when working with this patient population and their families.
What made you decide to train at Children's Hospital Colorado for your advanced fellowship?
Training here for Advanced Heart Failure/Transplant exposes me to a high volume transplant center that cares for patients with diverse backgrounds and pathologies. Additionally, the opportunity to continue pursuing research interests with a highly accomplished mentorship team. Lastly, the down-to-earth learning environment.
What are your hobbies and what do you like to do in your spare time?
Enjoying the Colorado outdoors with my wife, two girls, and chocolate lab. Soccer with the Heart Institute Co-ed team, Atrial Kicks.
Advanced Training in Adult Congenital Heart Disease
Children’s Hospital Colorado and University of Colorado Hospital, in conjunction with the University of Colorado School of Medicine, is pleased to offer a funded position for an ACGME accredited 24-month training program dedicated to the care of Adults with Congenital Heart disease.
We are looking for well qualified candidates who have completed a fellowship in pediatric cardiology or adult cardiology at an ACGME accredited program and will be board eligible by the start of the 4th year.
The number of patients surviving to adulthood with congenital heart disease continues to increase, and as such our adult congenital heart disease program, first established in 2003, continues to grow, with over 2,000 outpatient visits per year.
Our program is integrated between both Children’s Hospital Colorado and The University of Colorado Hospital, with training tailored to the trainee’s previous background. Successful graduates from our program will be board eligible for the ABIM Adult Congenital Heart disease board certification.
Fourth year applications will require:
- A copy of your curriculum vitae,
- At least three letters of reference
- A personal statement highlighting why you wish to pursue Advanced training in the care of adults with congenital heart disease.
Interested applicants can apply via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). If you are not a U.S. citizen, include a copy of your ECFMG. It is your responsibility to ensure all required information has been received.
All applications should be submitted by Aug. 11.
Please contact Juana Miranda, Administrative Service Coordinator, for any questions you may have at (720) 777-8157 or [email protected]
For more information about the program see the ACHD Specialty Application (Word doc).
Tracey Crooks, MD
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Why did you decide to pursue pediatric cardiology?
I love the complex physiology of congenital heart disease and how each patient is so unique.
What made you decide to come to Children's Hospital for your advanced fellowship?
I wanted to come to a place where I could experience a large volume of complex patients. I love the welcoming culture here! As a bonus, I grew up in the south suburbs of Denver and I am excited to be home!
What are your hobbies and what do you like to do in your spare time?
In my spare time you'll probably find me checking out a new brewery with my husband (with our infant tagging along), spending time outdoors, or playing volleyball.
Pediatric Interventional Congenital Cardiology Fellowship
Children’s Hospital Colorado, in conjunction with the University of Colorado, School of Medicine, is pleased to offer a funded position for a two year advanced training in congenital interventional cardiology.
We are looking for well- qualified candidates who have completed a fellowship in pediatric cardiology at an ACGME accredited program and will be board eligible by the start of the 4th year. International applicants will be expected to provide evidence that their clinical skills are at an equivalent level to this.
The Interventional Cardiology group at Children's Hospital Colorado is a rapidly growing and busy group. We have three faculty physicians providing the full range of interventional procedures and techniques available. This extends from complex neonatal intervention to congenital and structural interventions in young adults.
We currently perform approximately 1000 cardiac catheterizations per year including EP studies. We have a strong link with the wider adult congenital and structural programs which may allow experience in those fields where appropriate for the fellows individual training needs.
We also have a dedicated 3D imaging program for the cardiac catheterization laboratory with multiple 3D printers and extended reality capabilities. We have a well-developed wet lab for bench testing and device design and testing.
The main objectives of this post are:
- To develop subspecialty skills in congenital interventional cardiology.
- To provide clinical support, together with other fellows, to the pediatric cardiology faculty.
- To take an active part in postgraduate multidisciplinary teaching and training.
- To contribute to the management of the clinical service and service development.
- To develop an interest in research which focuses on interventional practice and develop links within the interventional community to allow career advancement.
We have trained advanced fellows in congenital interventional cardiology every year for over a decade. While all fellows will gain extensive experience in performance and interpretation of cardiac catheterization, our cardiac cath fellowship is aimed at producing a faculty level candidate capable of applying for positions in academic institutions anywhere in the world.
Our cardiac cath fellows will also gain extensive experience in research, with the expectation to complete several first-authored manuscripts by the end of the two year program..
Applications for the Advanced fellowship on congenital interventional cardiology will require:
- A copy of your curriculum vitae
- At least three letters of reference
- A personal statement highlighting why you wish to become an Interventional congenital cardiology Fellow at Children’s Hospital Colorado.
If you are not a USA medical graduate, include a copy of your ECFMG certificate. For candidates that require a U.S. visa, only J1 visas are offered and keep in mind that we offer a 2-year program only. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. It is your responsibility to ensure all required information has been received.
All applications should be submitted by Aug 31.
Please contact Marissa Bautista Magallanes, administrative service coordinator, for any questions you may have at 720-777-3379 or [email protected]
Chris Iskander, MD
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Why did you decide to pursue pediatric cardiology?
Early in medical school I recognized I wanted to care for kids and their families. As I got later into training, I realized that pediatric cardiology provided me the best opportunity to take care of sick kids, while also developing longitudinal relationships with my patients and their families. Additionally, the complexity of the pathophysiology is intellectually stimulating and the broad range of clinical settings (cath lab, clinic, on service, etc) in which we interface with it makes it that much more appealing.
What made you decide to come to Children's Hospital for your advanced fellowship?
I was looking for a program that had high patient volumes, a diverse patient population, and exposure to adult congenital cardiac catheterization. Outside of the hospital, I wanted a city that my wife and daughters could enjoy. These factors made CHCO and Denver the perfect fit.
What are your hobbies and what do you like to do in your spare time?
Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my wife, two daughters (2y and 9m) and our dog. We love cheering on all UNC sports teams (Go Tar Heels!), trying to find the best ethnic restaurants, and traveling internationally. Of course we’re also looking forward to doing all the stereotypical CO activities and possibly exploring other parts of the Mountain West.
Mehmet Kucuk, MD
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Why did you decide to pursue pediatric cardiology?
To save lives, improve quality of life, and extend lives of children with heart problems. The profession suits my nature as it is visual, exciting, and offers much to discover.
What made you decide to come to Children's Hospital for your advanced fellowship?
The chance to work with world-renowned experts, cutting edge imaging modalities and techniques in pediatric interventional cardiology, inclusive and professional work environment
What are your hobbies and what do you like to do in your spare time?
Playing soccer, swimming, reading books, picnic & BBQ party
Electrophysiology Fellowship
This is a one-year program at Children's Hospital Colorado and the University of Colorado Hospital. Fellows are exposed to all areas of pediatric and congenital electrophysiology including invasive and noninvasive areas, fetal arrhythmias, adult congenital arrhythmias, cardiac implantable devices, electrophysiology procedures and ablations.
Fourth year applications will require:
• A copy of your curriculum vitae
• At least three letters of reference
• A personal statement highlighting why you wish to become a Pediatric Electrophysiology Fellow at Children’s Hospital Colorado.
If you are not a USA citizen, include a copy of your ECFMG. Please bear in mind that you would need to acquire a J1 visa if selected as a candidate for our program. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. It is your responsibility to ensure all required information has been received.
All applications should be submitted to Kathy Collins, at [email protected]. Application process follows the PACES single day fellowship application date in early September.
Please contact Veronica Cardoza, administrative service coordinator, for any questions you may have at 720-777-8568 or [email protected]
Saneeha Shahid, MD
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Why did you decide to pursue pediatric cardiology?
I was drawn to the mechanical and electrical workings of the heart and the hemodynamic effects it has on the rest of the body. Being able to practice what educationally excites me while helping some of the sickest patients in the hospital is truly a pleasure.
What made you decide to come to Children's Hospital for your advanced fellowship?
The people, the culture, the place. I have no doubt I will be having a ton of fun this coming year (might even learn to ski)
What are your hobbies and what do you like to do in your spare time?
Spend time with my son, Isa and my husband, Danial. I love to cook Pakistani food if you are ever craving Biryani!
Department of Pediatrics
CU Anschutz
Administrative Pavilion
13123 E. 16th Ave.
B065
Aurora, CO 80045
720-777-2715
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