Collin Goebel, MD

Medical School: University of Wisconsin

Residency: University of Wisconsin

I grew up in Milwaukee, WI and completed my education in Madison, WI. I enjoy anything outside, particularly playing tennis or pickle ball, hiking, biking, or going on camping trips. I moved to Minnesota with my two cats, and we have been enjoying our time in Minneapolis so far!

Future plans: I am not yet decided, but I will likely continue to an EP or interventional fellowship

Alice Huang, MD

Medical School: The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University

Residency: Washington University in St. Louis

I grew up in New Jersey and went to undergrad and med school on the east coast. My partner whom I met in medical school is from Minnesota and his immediate family lives in Minnesota. As such, I decided to stay here in the Midwest for training. Outside of work, I enjoy travel, reading, photography (digital and analog), rock climbing, pottery, and trying out new restaurants.

Future plans: Undifferentiated

Matthew Kern, MD

Medical School: University of Arizona - Tuscon

Residency: Vanderbilt University Medical Center

I grew up in Tucson, Arizona, so I'm a rabid Arizona Wildcats basketball fan. I met my wife, Morgan, during undergrad at BYU. We moved back to Tucson for med/grad school at the University of Arizona, then moved to Nashville for residency at Vanderbilt. We have two sons, Jake and Logan. My hobbies include reading, fly fishing, birding, and cooking Thai curry.

Future plans: Imaging (CT/CMR) and prevention 

Cutler Lewandowski, MD

Medical School: University of Illinois Chicago

Residency: University of Minnesota

I grew up in a small town in northern Wisconsin but came to the U for undergrad. After I finished medical school in Chicago, my wife and I moved back here with our dog and cat. In my free time, I enjoy being outside and active (in all seasons!), reading (sci-fi is my go-to genre), and playing board games (Ticket to Ride is my personal favorite).

Future plans: Physician-scientist studying cardiomyopathy 

Alan Manivannan, MD

Medical School: University of Minnesota

Residency: Boston University

I was born in India and moved to the U.S. at age 11. My family eventually settled in Duluth, Minnesota, and I’ve considered myself a Minnesotan ever since. My wife and I met in medical school at the University of Minnesota and couples matched to residency programs in Boston. After four incredibly fulfilling years in New England, we felt it was the right time to return to Minnesota to be closer to family and friends and to build our careers. I was thrilled to match at the University of Minnesota, and my wife will be starting her practice as a full-scope family medicine physician, including obstetrics.

In our free time, I enjoy golfing, sailing, hiking, canoeing, camping, and cross-country skiing. We also love spending weekends exploring the growing food scene in the Twin Cities, as well as checking out new breweries and coffee shops. 

Future plans: Undifferentiated - Interested in Heart Failure/Critical Care, EP and Advanced Imaging.

Tejus Satish, MD

Medical School: Columbia University

Residency: University of Texas Southwestern

I'm originally from Sugar Land, TX, the home of Imperial Sugar. Outside of work, I like reading sci-fi, tinkering with amateur radio, and learning to play the guitar.

Future plans: Electrophysiology

Pierre Sebastian, MD

Medical School: University of Minnesota

Residency: University of California, San Francisco

I was born and raised in Minnesota, but I come from varied cultural roots: my father emigrated from Pakistan and my mother comes from farmland in Kimball, Minnesota. My wife and I have enjoyed being back home in the Midwest. You can often find me spending time with her and our 2 hairless (Sphynx) cats, Cake and Mouse. I also enjoy all the traditional outdoor activities around the lakes.

Future plans: I have an interest in Interventional and Critical Care Cardiology, especially as it relates to Biomedical Engineering and device design. I have enjoyed researching CPR and the management of Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest, and plan to have an academic career at the intersection of BME and Cardiology.

Sean Selko, MD

Medical School: University of Nebraska

Residency: University of Utah

I moved here from Salt Lake City and originally am from Nebraska. I enjoy spending as much time as I can outside mostly through trail running, hiking, or golf, but I am a fan of trying anything new! I enjoy doing all these things with my partner on my days off as well as cheering on my favorite sports teams (Go Big Red).

Future plans: General Cardiology with an emphasis on prevention and cardiometabolics 

Melissa Feuerborn, MD

Medical School: University of Kansas

Residency: University of Utah Health

I enjoy climbing rocks, trail running, hammocking, spikeball, skiing, hiking, paddle boarding, or really anything outdoors!

Future plans: General, exercise cardiology, imaging, preventative, EP

Alexander Heilman, MD

Medical School: University of Cincinnati

Residency: University of Colorado

I am from Cincinnati but moved to Minnesota from Denver. My hobbies include spending time with my dog Osmosis, road biking and Peloton, hiking in national parks, paddleboarding, exploring local restaurants and breweries, and watching football.

Future plans: Interventional Cardiology

Andrew Hughes, MD

Medical School: University of Minnesota

Residency: Vanderbilt University

I was born and raised in the southwest suburbs of Minneapolis and attended the University of Minnesota for undergrad and medical school. My wife and I moved to Nashville for residency and returned home to Minnesota with our two year old daughter for fellowship training. I love spending time outdoors and enjoy fishing, hiking, barbecuing and attending college football games (Go Gophers!).

Future plans: I plan to pursue advanced heart failure fellowship and a research-focused career investigating digital health technologies (such as smartwatches) in cardiovascular medicine. 

Doruk Karaaslan, MD

Medical School: Koç University, Istanbul

Residency: UT Southwestern

I am currently a second year fellow in cardiology with a focus on cardiac imaging. I am originally from Istanbul, Turkey, but moved to Minneapolis after completing my internal medicine residency in Dallas. I am planning to build my career in general cardiology, emphasizing imaging techniques. Outside of my professional life, I love baking, going to concerts, and exploring foreign cuisines, as well as replicating recipes from around the world.

Future plans: General Cardiology

Clinton Kolseth, MD

Medical School: University of Nevada, Reno

Residency: Oregon Health & Science University

I grew up in Reno, NV where I completed my medical education before moving up to Portland, OR for residency training, so this is my first time out of the West Coast and have fallen in love with the Twin Cities! I enjoy running, fine dining, good wine, and a great time. I have found Minneapolis has a little bit of everything for everyone.

Future plans: Critical care, with a focus in medical education and improving patient outcomes.

Matthew Konz, MD

Medical School: Medical College of WI

Residency: University of WI, Madison

I was born and raised in Milwaukee, now gradually making my way west as I move through training. I met my wife in the UW Marching Band, and we still enjoy going back to Camp Randall for football games when not enjoying the local outdoors scene in the Twin Cities with our toddler son. 

Future plans: General non-invasive cardiology, exploring sports cardiology as a potential niche

Nikita Sumzin, MD

Medical School: Columbia University

Residency: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

I am originally from New York City, and have been slowly making my way out West via my medical training. After finishing residency in Pittsburgh, I worked as a hospitalist prior to cardiology fellowship. In my free time I enjoy local and international travel with my wife and son, I love going on walks with my dog, biking, kayaking, swimming, exploring new parks, and trying out new foods.

Future plans: I have cardiology interests across many areas, including critical care, EP, cardio-onc, cardio-ob, and imaging.

Laith Alhuneafat, MD

Medical School: The Hashemite University Faculty of Medicine

Residency: Allegheny Health Network

I grew up in Karak, Jordan, and Vancouver, Canada. I met my wife, Nada, in medical school; she now works in rheumatology. We have a son and are excited to welcome a daughter soon. I'm a big Real Madrid fan, love traveling, and ironically, my favorite destination so far has been Barcelona.

Future plans: Critical care and interventional

Mark Svet, MD

Medical School: Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine

Residency: University of Colorado

I am originally from California and gradually moved my way to the Midwest throughout my medical training before finally arriving at Minnesota for fellowship. Outside of medicine, I have enjoyed the Minnesota lake culture and spend much of my summers sailing, fishing, or traveling to the boundary waters; in the winters I have enjoyed cross country skiing and the local food scene.

Future plans: General Cardiology 

Michael Blotner, MD

Medical School: New York Medical College 

Residency: University of Florida

I'm originally from Georgia, but training has taken my wife and I to Minneapolis for fellowship. We truly have fallen in love with the city.

Future plans: General Cardiology

Milos Brankovic, MD, PhD

Medical School: University of Belgrade Faculty of Medicine

Residency: Rutgers New Jersey Medical School

Outside of work, I enjoy hiking and sailing, which offer both physical challenge and a chance to connect with nature. Photography is another favorite pursuit. I’m also an avid sports enthusiast, whether participating or spectating, and I appreciate the discipline, teamwork, and energy that sports bring to life. In my downtime, I enjoy going out for food with friends, as it’s a great way to unwind, connect, and explore different cuisines.

Future plans: interventional cardiology, with collaboration with innovative medical device technology 

Gaspar Del Rio Pertuz, MD

Medical School: Universidad del Norte Programa de Medicina, Colombia

Residency: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

I’m originally from Cartagena, Colombia, where I completed medical school before moving to the U.S. to pursue medical training. Growing up, I aspired to be a professional tennis player and competed in several national and international tournaments. While I ultimately chose medicine as my career path, tennis remains a passion, and I always enjoy finding new people to play with.

Future plans: Interventional Cardiology

Adam Devine, MD

Medical School: Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science

Residency: Medical College of Wisconsin

I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and have worked my way north through medical training. I had no prior connections to Minnesota before I matched for fellowship, but my family and I have grown to love it here and plan to stay after graduation. Regardless of my location, I will always be a diehard Chicago sports fan.

Future plans: General Cardiology

Sneha Nandy, MD

Medical School: Seth G.S. Medical College 

Residency: Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Jacobi Medical Center

I’m originally from Mumbai, India, where I completed medical school before moving to New York City for residency. Now in Minneapolis for fellowship, I enjoy discovering new restaurants, swimming, and winding down with a good mystery novel.

Future plans: I plan to pursue a career in non-invasive cardiology, focusing on hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and cardiac amyloidosis, while continuing my work in medical journalism.

Pratik Velangi, MD

Medical School:  People’s Friendship University of Russia Faculty of Medicine 

Residency: University of Minnesota

I am originally from India.  I moved to Minneapolis in 2018 and have developed a strong  appreciation for the city’s relaxed and welcoming culture. In my free time, I enjoy  bike commuting and explore the city’s thriving culinary scene.

Future plans: General noninvasive

Effimia Zacharia, MD, PhD

Medical School: University of Athens School of Health Sciences

Residency: University of Pittsburgh - Presbyterian

I’m originally from Greece and moved to the U.S. to pursue advanced medical training. I moved here on my own but quickly felt at home thanks to the incredibly supportive community at UMN. I’ve come to really appreciate everything Minnesota has to offer—especially the beautiful lakes and outdoor spaces. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, playing the violin, and spending time with my family and friends.

Future plans: Critical Care

Abhishek Gaikwad, MD

Program: Advanced Heart Failure 

CVD fellowship: Dr RML Hospital, New Delhi, India

Wilfredo Henriquez Madrid, DO

Program: Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology

1st year

CVD fellowship: University of New Mexico

Wil completed his Cardiovascular Medicine training at the University of New Mexico. Wil also did his residency in Internal Medicine at the University of New Mexico. He is looking forward to experiencing real winters. In his free time, Wil enjoys reading, staying active, and exploring new languages (currently dabbling in Italian with varying levels of commitment).

Rezwan Munshi, MD

Program: Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology

1st year

CVD fellowship: MercyOne North Iowa

Rez completed his Cardiovascular Medicine Fellowship at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center, where he also served as Chief Fellow. Rez completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow, NY. In a sense, Res is returning home, having completed his undergraduate degree in Physiology here at the University of Minnesota. In his free time, Rez enjoys basketball, weight lifting, cars, video games, health and fitness, cooking, traveling, and motorcycle rides.

Jorge Reyes Castro, MD

Program: Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology

2nd year

CVD fellowship: University of Minnesota

Mostafa Vasigh, MD

Program: Structural Heart Diseases

CVD Fellowship: SUNY Upstate Medical University

Mostafa grew up in Tehran, Iran. He went on to complete medical school at Tehran University of Medical Sciences. After graduating medical school, he moved to Dubai where he practiced as a primary care physician for 4 years, meanwhile he obtained an MRCGP[INT] certificate from the Royal College of General Practitioners. He then moved to the United States and went to SUNY Upstate Medical University to complete both his Internal Medicine Residency and Cardiovascular Diseases fellowship. Now Mostafa will be joining the University of Minnesota to continue his education in Interventional Cardiology. Outside of his professional life, Mostafa spends time with friends and family and particularly loves going to the movies. He also enjoys working out and playing basketball and tennis.

Shannon Clay, MD

Program: Interventional Cardiology

CVD Fellowship: University of New Mexico

Shannon is originally from Ohio, but for the last 3 years has called New Mexico home. She attended the University of Cincinnati for her medical degree, and completed her internal medicine training at Mount Carmel in Columbus, Ohio. She completed her general cardiology fellowship at the University of New Mexico before coming to Minnesota to follow through on her dream of becoming an interventional cardiologist. In her free time, she loves hiking in the mountains with her dog, cooking interesting vegetarian food that even dedicated omnivores enjoy, and finding new places to explore with her husband.

Zaid Gheith, MD

Program: Interventional Cardiology

CVD Fellowship: University of Texas San Antonio

Zaid grew up in Amman, Jordan. He completed medical school at the University of Jordan. He moved to the United States, where he finished his internal medicine residency at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, then completed his cardiovascular disease fellowship at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Now, Zaid will be joining the University of Minnesota to continue his education in interventional cardiology. Outside of medicine, Zaid enjoys exploring the outdoors through hiking, experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, and is also passionate about traveling and learning about diverse cultures and cuisine.

Joerg Reifart, MD

Program: Advanced Interventional Cardiology & Research

CVD Fellowship: Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet Munich

Joerg grew up in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. He completed medical school at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet Munich, where he also completed research leading to the title of “Dr. med” for which he received the Georg-Heberer Award. Joerg went to become certified as a cardiologist as well as field emergency physician at Landesarztekammer Hessen, and after that certified to be an interventional cardiologist in Hesse Germany. Having completed a year as an Advanced Interventional Cardiology and Research fellow, Joerg is now completing an additional year in the ACGME-accredited Interventional Cardiology Fellowship. In his free time Joerg likes to spend time with his three kids and wife, raise ducks, repair things, cook and spear fish.

Devang Amin, MD, PhD

Program: Cardiac Critical Care Medicine

CVD Fellowship: University of Michigan

Caleb Chiang, MD

Program: Cardiac Critical Care Medicine

CVD Fellowship: University of Minnesota

Caleb Chiang grew up in Wheaton, Illinois. He completed undergraduate studies at Cedarville University in Ohio, earning a Bachelor of Science in both Biology and Molecular and Cellular Biology. After graduating, Caleb attended Rush Medical College and subsequently completed his Internal Medicine Residency at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. He and his wife Sara share two children, Sophia and Luke. In his free time, Caleb enjoys playing musical instruments, keeping his Duolingo streak alive, engaging with his church, and chasing his kids around the playground.