Fourth Year of Advanced Training

Pediatric Advanced Imaging Fellowship

Overview

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.  

Application Process

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 Trent Orndorff Administrative Service Coordinator, for any questions you may have at (720)777-5627 or Trent.Orndorff@childrenscolorado.org. 

 

 

Samantha Holmes, MD

• Medical School: University of Arizona- Tucson
• Residency: University of Arizona- Tucson
• Fellowship: University of Colorado SOM- Children's Hospital Colorado

Why did you decide to pursue pediatric cardiology?

I chose to pursue pediatric cardiology because it is a dynamic and rapidly advancing field, continually driving innovation and improvements in patient care, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for patients with congenital heart disease.

What made you decide to come to Children's Hospital for your advanced fellowship?

I chose to come to Children's Hospital of Colorado because its high patient volume and complex cases provide an unparalleled learning experience. While the primary goal of this program is to train exceptional pediatric cardiologists, it also offers the opportunity to explore various subspecialties for those with diverse interests.

What are your hobbies and what do you like to do in your spare time?

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my husband and out two Siberian Huskies. We love hiking the beautiful mountains of Colorado and exploring the diverse array of restaurants throughout the city. We also enjoy hockey and love attending Colorado Avalanche games.

 

 

Charles Thomas Simpkin, DO

• Medical School: Rocky Vista University of Osteopathic Medicine
• Residency: University of Colorado Pediatric Residency
• Email: Charles.Simpkin

Why did you go into pediatric cardiology?

For me, pediatric cardiology combines everything that made me interested in medicine in the first place. Being able to think about complex anatomy and physiology to take care of patients from infancy through adulthood helps keep every day interesting and makes me excited to go to work in the morning.

What are the best parts of training as a cardiology fellow at Children’s Hospital Colorado?

There are so many great things about training here - but one that I have really appreciated is the focus on fellow education. Between our almost daily scheduled lectures from experts in their field, to teaching on-the-fly during the day - there is no shortage of learning opportunities for fellows.

What are your hobbies and what do you like to do in your spare time?

I love to do all the usual "Colorado things" like hiking, fly-fishing, and complaining about traffic on I-70 - but my favorite thing to do is to go paddle-boarding with my wife and our dog Finn (check out @rockymtnfinn on Instagram for pictures of a corgi in a lifejacket!)

Collaborative Effort

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.

Rotations

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.

Clinical Information

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.

Application Process

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
Carly.Scahill@childrenscolorado.org

and

Please contact Ilona Nastas, Administrative Service Coordinator, for any questions you may have at 720-777-3376 or Ilona.Nastas@childrenscolorado.org   

 
Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have, via email or at 720-777-3365

 

Pediatric Heart Failure and Transplant Fellow 

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.

Application Process

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. 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 by Aug 31.

Please contact Mardy Voung, administrative service coordinator, for any questions you may have at 720-777-3218 or Mardy.Voung@childrenscolorado.org​.

 

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.

Application Process

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 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 Juana.Miranda@childrenscolorado.org 

For more information about the program see the ACHD Specialty Application (Word doc).

 

Tracey Crooks, MD

• Medical School: Loyola Chicago Stritch School of Medicine
• Residency: Internal Medicine- Pediatrics at University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria
• Fellowship: Medical College of Wisconsin

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 Cardiology Interventional Congenital

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..

 

Application Process

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 Catalina Alaniz, Administrative Service Coordinator, for any questions you may have at (720)777-2943 or Catalina.Alaniz@childrenscolorado.org  

 

Chris Iskander, MD

• Medical School: University of North Carolina School of Medicine
• Residency: University of North Carolina School of Medicine Pediatric Residency
• Fellowship: Sisters of St Mary Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital

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

• Medical School: Hacettepe University Medical School
• Residency: Dr Behcet Uz Pediatrics and Surgery Training and Research Hospital/ Turkey
• Fellowship: Istanbul Siyami Ersek Thoracic & Cardiovascular Surgery Training and Research Hospital

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

 

Saneeha Shahid, MD

• Medical School: Aga Khan University
• Residency: Cleveland Clinic Foundation
• Fellowship: Ann & Robert H, Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago

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!