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Research and Mentorship

During the first year, each fellow selects members of the faculty to serve on as their personal Scholarship Oversight Committee (SOC). In addition to the program director, the SOC includes a research mentor, a career mentor, and an additional faculty member from outside the division of pediatric cardiology. Fellows meet with their SOC at least twice a year to help guide scholarly work, help with scholarly project completion, and provide overall mentorship to the fellow.   

Generally, second-year fellows pursue more intense academic training.  Under the guidance of their SOC, independent research is undertaken. In addition to the independent research, the fellow may select courses in developmental biology, embryology, biostatistics, bioassay, experimental design, or any other course that would provide the necessary academic background to perform as an independent investigator.  Fellows are encouraged to write abstracts, manuscripts, and grants.

During the third year, a fellow will complete the independent project and present academic endeavors at national meetings, thus providing the necessary visibility for successful job placement upon completion of their training.

Travel to national meetings is provided yearly to each trainee.  Fellows have always been encouraged to submit their research findings to Young Investigator competitions of the Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Cardiology or Society for Pediatric Research during their second and third years of training.  Previous trainees have successfully competed in these programs.

Current research interests of the division faculty include cardiac catheterization interventions, adult congenital, heart failure, cardiomyopathy, animal research (toxicity, and fatty acid heart defects), fetal neurocardiac development, Fontan palliation, conduction and rhythm disturbances, developmental aspects of cardiac muscle and cardiac contractile proteins, cardiac embryology, echocardiography, and virtual reality with 3D prints for surgical planning.