Pediatric Cardiology Fellow Life

Travis Bishop, First–Year

I chose a BCM/TCH fellowship because: The community - meaning relationships between fellows, faculty, all the way up and down the ladder. The atmosphere in the fellow room is one of mutual respect and support. Everyone understands that fellowship training is difficult, and that each person is working hard. There is also a clear sense of ownership of the patients as the fellows have their own clinics and are the face of the program to patients. People care about and for each other and their patients while maintaining a high expectation of competency and commitment.
Outside of work, I spend my time: Running, playing basketball and sand volleyball, reading medical papers in between novels, fixing/upgrading my house, serving with my church, making cortados for my wife, playing games (card, tabletop and video), planning my next trip to Central/South America
Hometown: Austin, Texas
Communities I identify with: Med-peds, athletes, musicians, old-school Austinites, Christians, coffee snobs, techies, outdoorsmen, Aggies, DIY-ers, readers

Alex Dennee, First–Year

I chose BCM/TCH fellowship because: The people! As a resident at BCM, I had an inside look at what makes this program so special. The energy in the fellows’ workroom is contagious and the support from the faculty is unmatched.
Outside of work, I spend my time: exploring new restaurants and coffee shops, playing pickleball and sand volleyball, streaming the newest crime or HGTV show, and spending quality time with family and friends
Hometown: Appleton, Wis.
Communities I identify with: Midwesterners, amateur pickleballers, cat lovers, foodies, Swifties, Packer fans

Stevan Lukich, First–Year

I chose BCM/TCH fellowship because: Exceptional training and the best culture that feels like family but is also professional
Outside of work, I spend my time: Hanging with my fiancé and golden retriever puppy, gym and cycling, bass fishing, hiking and hunting, snowboarding, playing the violin and guitar, cooking, exploring local breweries and wineries, watching F1, autocross/SCCA events/cars and coffee
Hometown: Peoria, Ill.
Communities I identify with: Catholics, outdoors lovers, F1 enthusiasts, dog lovers, audiophiles, midwesterners

Emily Masterson, First–Year

I chose BCM/TCH fellowship because: Everyone I met on my interview day and second look visit was so kind, humble, and thoughtful. The TCH cardiology program was the best place for me to grow as a physician and person. I also appreciated the possibilities for collaboration with the engineering schools and biodesign institutes in the Houston area. Houston’s warm weather and affordable housing were big draws for me as well. 
Outside of work, I spend my time: You can usually find me doing something active (swimming, biking, Peloton-ing, rock climbing, yoga-ing, walking my dog Dolly, playing volleyball, etc.). I also enjoy tinkering with different granola recipes and reading. 
Hometown: Gilbert, Ariz. 
Communities I identify with: First- time Texans, volleyball players, ex- peds chiefs, nomadic medical trainees, rescue dog moms, engineers, vegetarians who appreciate BBQ, Peloton enthusiasts

Ashwin Srivatsav, First–Year

I chose BCM/TCH fellowship because: The amazing culture of the Heart Center immediately pulled me in. Everyone is incredibly supportive, welcoming, and kind. This creates an environment that I knew would encourage me to be the best I can be, both professionally and personally.

Outside of work, I spend my time: Reading (fantasy and sci-fi), watching/playing sports, exploring Houston’s food/coffee scene, and spending time outdoors (except from June to August)
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
Communities I identify with: Dallas sports fans, Bollywood fans, mediocre pickleball and ultimate frisbee players, Swifties, Peloton

Sarah Tucker, First–Year

I chose BCM/TCH fellowship because:  This program has the best combination of incredible people and excellent training. TCH has a very tight-knit community of people with diverse backgrounds, experiences and interests. I wanted a program that would challenge me yet be supportive, and wanted to see a wide variety of patient complexity and acuity so I could leave fellowship feeling confident in my clinical skills.
Outside of work, I spend my time: walking my pup, Ollie; doing triathlons; playing pickleball; participating in book clubs; exploring Houston’s incredible food scene; board game nights (Wingspan, anyone?); going to the Houston symphony; cooking for friends
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Communities I identify with: Dog-moms, plant moms, people who get sucked back into Texas, wannabe triathletes, ice cream lovers, bookworms, board gamers

Jonathan Wheeler, First–Year

I chose BCM/TCH fellowship because: The world-class training and endless opportunities for innovative research at TCH are what initially attracted me to the program but what really sold me was the incredibly personal atmosphere and inclusive culture I felt during my interview and visit. My family and I relished the opportunity to take a leap of faith and move across the country to experience all that Houston has to offer and become a part of the TCH family!
Outside of work, I spend my time: Evening walks with my wife, strength training / powerlifting, convincing my wife how important various sports teams are, community gardening, trips to the gulf, amateur soccer leagues, hiking / camping, DIY-ing
Hometown: Zionsville, Ind.
Communities I identify with: Indiana Hoosiers, Midwesterners who say “ope”, disappointed Manchester United supporters, partners of grad students, retired athletes that refuse to act retired, backcountry enthusiasts, Disney adults, Christians, husbands, bike commuters, saltwater fishers

Chelsea Boyd, Second–Year

I chose BCM/TCH fellowship because:  I thought it was the best combination of exceptional training and exceptionally fun people.
Outside of work, I spend my time: Dabbling in Crossfit and squash, finding new disc golf courses, writing limericks (the highest form of poetry)
Hometown: Randolph, New Jersey
Communities I identify with: Aspiring unicyclists, Banana Saver™ enthusiasts, Rhode Islanders, hikers who complain within the first mile, Med-Peds, N64 purists

Carlos Lodeiro, Second–Year

I chose BCM/TCH fellowship because: The people. I had the opportunity to get to know the fellows and faculty during residency, and I was impressed by how close the fellows were to each other and to the faculty. It was evident that faculty were invested in the fellows' growth as cardiologists, researchers, and also as people. The environment in the fellows' workroom also stood out - it felt like a big family that supported each other and cared about each other. It was a group I could see myself working and spending time with for the next 3 years.
Outside of work, I spend my time: with my wife, 2-month-old son, and dog – exploring new restaurants, going on walks, going to parks, cooking. Playing/watching/talking soccer. Watching movies, Broadway shows, Ted Lasso (BELIEVE), playing board games.
Hometown: Caracas, Venezuela / Katy, Texas
Communities I identify with: Fathers, Real Madrid, Latinx, Real Madrid, partners who are in medicine, Real Madrid, F45, Venezuelans, Dog owners (Aussie), Real Madrid

Mary Jenkins, Second–Year

I chose BCM/TCH fellowship because: My niece with Ebstein anomaly was treated here many years ago, and I remembered the feeling we had as a family that she was getting the best care in the world. I wanted to learn from the best so I can pass along that blessing to other families.
Outside of work, I spend my time: Cooking for my friends, working out, reading, traveling, watching all-things Bravo, and exploring the culture of the city
Hometown: Vienna, Va.
Communities I identify with: Med-Peds, East-Coast transplants, teachers, coaches, physicians, advocates for health equity, Catholics

Jasmine Moreno, Second–Year

I chose BCM/TCH fellowship because: The feeling of comradery and community you get walking into the fellows' office and the genuine interest of the faculty in teaching and caring for their patients compassionately. I am also interested in the health disparities research opportunities and the diverse patient experience.  
Outside of work, I spend my time: Exploring the Houston food scene, traveling, learning Portuguese and Italian, and spending quality time with friends and family.  
Hometown: El Paso, Texas
Communities I identify with: Latinx, Mexicans, foodies, coffee and gelato aficionados, Catholics, soccer fans

Elliott Moss, Second–Year

I chose BCM/TCH fellowship because: The people and the pathology. As someone who did residency here, I have had ample time to see cardiology at TCH from various perspectives. Every attending and fellow here truly loves cardiac disease and cares about training the next generation of cardiologists. There is a culture of learning and teaching for anyone who shows the slightest interest. The team is large enough that you can always find the person with similar life/research/clinical interests as you who will help you reach your goals. Apart from the people, there is literally no disease process you do not see here in bunches so there is no better place to train, regardless of your career goal.
Outside of work, I spend my time: Hanging out with my wife and kids, traveling, watching sports, listening to books/podcasts, streaming whatever new action/crime series is on, working on projects around the house.
Hometown: Woodland, Washington
Communities I identify with: Fathers, Christians, football fans, west coasters, movie fans, amateur DIYers

Donnchadh O'Sullivan, Second–Year

I chose BCM/TCH pediatric cardiology fellowship because: Its renowned reputation for excellence in the field. The program's commitment to innovative research and comprehensive clinical training align perfectly with my career aspirations in pediatric cardiology.
Outside of work, I spend my time: I find great joy in music, food, traveling and immersing myself in different cultures, which broadens my perspective and enriches my understanding of diverse patient populations. I am deeply passionate about applying artificial intelligence to enhance pediatric care.
Hometown: Cork, Ireland
Communities I identify with: I actively engage in socializing and nurturing meaningful connections with various communities. I try to find time to practice Spanish and Farsi, speak some French and enjoy any opportunity to speak Irish.

Bita Salamat, Second–Year

I chose BCM/TCH fellowship because: The amazing people and patients! As a Baylor pediatric resident, I saw how close the cardiology fellows are with one another - they are truly a family (2 words: fellows' workroom). Not only is there a diverse and huge variety of pathology, but you are exposed to many different sub-specialties within cardiology led by invested faculty members who are dedicated to teaching. Houston is also a wonderfully diverse city with so much to do and explore. Staying home at BCM/TCH is the easiest decision I ever made!
Outside of work, I spend my time: Doing yoga and dance classes, reading epic and high fantasy novels, going to book club, exploring different foods, and spending time with family and friends!
Hometown:  Corpus Christi, Texas
Communities I identify with: Persians, yogis, nature lovers, fantasy book worms, Swifties, plant moms, cat lovers, Disney Enthusiasts, people who can’t escape Texas (thanks for that one, Patrick)

Ryan Bishop, Fourth–Year (Advanced Imaging)

Favorite part of BCM/TCH fellowship: The fellows office. Getting to work by the most supportive co-fellow group I could have imagined is an absolute joy. I also loved getting to ECHO while on-call from day one of fellowship with a fantastic instructional support system.
Outside of work, I spend my time: Jogging on my local hike and bike trail, walking my dog, walking to local coffee shops/restaurants just a few minutes from our place in the Heights.
Hometown: Austin, Texas
Communities I identify with: dog owners, husbands, basketball players, musicians, Texans, beach-goers.

Natalie Craik, Fourth–Year (CICU)

Favorite part of BCM/TCH fellowship: The fellows office. One of the attendings I interviewed with (and who trained at Baylor) told me he accepted a position at another hospital, in part, because every time he walked past the fellows' office and heard them laughing, he had 'FOMO'.
Outside of work, I spend my time: Playing with my infant son, "hiking" parking garages with my son in a baby carrier, running, cooking 
Hometown: Austin, Texas 
Communities I identify with: Mothers of human and rescue dogs, wives…of surgeons, long-distance spouses, Texans, Texans who left for residency in Phoenix and kinda wished Houston had more than 30 feet change in elevation, lovers of outdoors, hikers, born-again runners (didn't run much during residency), cyclist commuters, engineers, introverts, ex-peds chiefs.

John Tadros, Fourth–Year (Heart Failure/Transplant)

Favorite part of BCM/TCH fellowship: My co-fellows! Also the breadth of clinical and research opportunities in a friendly and supportive environment.
Outside of work, I spend my time: With family and friends, playing the piano, playing/ watching basketball.
Hometown: Amman, Jordan
Communities I identify with: Jordanians, musicians, sports enthusiasts, fellow cardiology nerds.