Cardiovascular Fellowship Fellows
Harrington Research Fellows
Michael Glidden, MD, PhD
Hometown: Palmetto, FL
Medical School: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Residency: University Hospitals Harrington Physician Scientist Pathway/Case Western Reserve University
Why UH: I've been in Cleveland for over a decade now for medical school, graduate school, residency, and now fellowship. The ratio of things to do to cost-of-living is probably the highest of any city in the US. I can't think of any other location I'd rather be in!
Plan after graduation: Probably some balance of clinical and research time
Research Interests: Therapeutic protein engineering, structural biophysics, emerging CRISPR/gene-editing technologies
Fun Fact/Favorite thing to do in Cleveland: I'm a big DIYer and recently got into 3D printing. I utilized these evolving skills to create WiFi voice-activated window blinds in my house and also made my old push lawnmower remote-controlled so I can cut my grass from a chair.
Bryan Maliken, MD, PhD
Hometown: Bethlehem, PA
Medical School: University of Cincinnati/Cincinnati Children's
Residency: UH/CWRU
Why UH: Excellent mentorship, great research opportunities, and a collegial training environment
Plan after graduation: Heart failure and basic science
Research Interests: Heart failure, mechanisms of fibrosis/remodeling, cardiac regeneration, angiogenesis
Fun Fact: I'm a regular disc golfer, a big stand-up comedy fan, and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson went to my high school
Favorite thing to do in Cleveland: Going to Guardians games, hanging out with friends at different breweries around the city, disc golf at Sims Park
Third Year
Jawad Almajed, MD
Hometown: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Medical School: King Saud University
Residency: University of Utah
Why UH: Great exposure to different cardiovascular presentations, collegial environment with amazing mentors, I also have a lot of friends in Cleveland.
Plan after graduation: Unsure yet, I like everything in Cardiology
Research Interests: Advanced heart failure
Fun Fact: I love traveling and I have been to 5/7 continents of the world, I also have an interest in space and astrophysics.
Favorite thing to do in Cleveland: I love classical music, so I'm looking forward to visit the Cleveland orchestra center.
Menatalla Mekhaimar, MD - Chief Fellow
Hometown: England
Medical School: Weill Cornell-Qatar
Residency: The Mount Sinai Hospital
Why UH: Great program with faculty who enjoy teaching and a friendly environment to learn in.
Plan after graduation: Heart Failure
Research Interests: Treatments to improve mortality in heart failure
Fun Fact: I’ve lived in over 7 cities and counting
Favorite thing to do in Cleveland: Hiking and all the great food spots
Obiageli Obiako, MD
Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio
Medical School: Wright State Boonshoft School of Medicine
Residency: University of Connecticut
Why UH: Supportive and collegial environment, great mentorship, diverse learning opportunities.
Plan after graduation: Advanced imaging, preventive health
Research Interests: Nuclear imaging, health disparities, prevention
Fun Fact: My new-found passion is home interior design
Favorite things to do in Cleveland: Going to Metroparks and museums, exploring downtown, and trying out different restaurants.
Nikhil Parimi, MD
Hometown: Broadview Heights, Ohio
Medical School: University of Kansas School of Medicine
Residency: University of Kansas Medical Center
Why UH: On my interview day, I could tell that the program genuinely cares about the fellows and their growth, both personally and professionally. They also have excellent resources for research, which makes UH a well-rounded training program.
Plan after graduation: General Cardiology
Research Interests: Imaging, Prevention
Fun Fact: I am working on improving my tennis and golf game.
Favorite thing to do in Cleveland: Eating at all the great restaurants, enjoying the outdoors.
Sherin Sallam, MD
Hometown: Alexandria, Egypt
Medical School: Weill Cornell Medicine - Qatar
Residency: Case Western Reserve University/UH Cleveland Medical Center
Why UH: My home residency program, I clearly like it here!
Plan after graduation: Subspecialty training
Research Interests: Electrophysiology, Imaging
Fun Fact: I have been to 30 countries so far.
Favorite thing to do in Cleveland: Hiking, jet skiing, kayaking, going to the Cleveland Orchestra, UC museums, and pop-up exhibitions.
Second Year
Ala Arafah
Hometown: Amman/Jordan
Medical School: University of Jordan
Residency: UH/CWRU
Why UH: The strong mentorship and collegiality at UH attracted me. The faculty’s support, combined with a diverse patient base, provides an ideal setting for developing my skills in cardiology.
Plan after graduation: Undecided
Research Interests: Afib, Ablation
Fun Fact: I am addicted to video games
Favorite thing to do in Cleveland: Biking around Edgewater, visiting the Observatory park
Tasveer Khawaja
Hometown: Philadelphia
Medical School: Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell
Residency: CWRU/UH
Why UH: As a former resident and chief resident, I understood the fantastic opportunities I would have here as a fellow. From the mentors, to complex cases, and superb research opportunities, our program has it all!
Plan after graduation: Advanced imaging
Research Interests: Cardiac MRI and cardiac CT
Fun Fact: I enjoy rewatching TV shows I've seen far too mang times
Favorite thing to do in Cleveland: Hiking in one of the many Cleveland Metroparks!
Matt Mignery
Hometown: Columbus, OH
Medical School: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Residency: University of Michigan
Why UH: Supportive training environment, breadth of learning opportunities, and I have come to love Cleveland as a second home!
Plan after graduation: Undecided, heart failure vs general cardiology
Research Interests: Heart failure, end of life care/palliative care for heart failure patients
Favorite thing to do in Cleveland: Eat at all the unique restaurants, golf, enjoy the wonderful Metroparks with my family
Aroosa Malik
Hometown: Warren, MI
Medical School: University of Michigan
Residency: University of Michigan
Why UH: Emphasis on promoting women in cardiology, strong vascular medicine program, excellent critical care exposure with 3 different ICUs and 20 bed capacity for UH unit.
Plan after graduation: Undecided, likely heart failure vs preventative/vascular
Research Interests: Heart failure, critical care, and qualitative research
Favorite thing to do in Cleveland: Exploring the local museums which are in walking distance.
Pranati Sreepathy
Hometown: Cupertino, CA
Medical School: Drexel University
Residency: University of Illinois Chicago
Why UH: Wonderful training and exposure to every field in cardiology with great critical care exposure!
Plan after graduation: Cards Critical Care
Fun Fact: My Favorite TV show ever is Frasier!
Research Interests: QI, Critical Care Cardiology
Favorite thing to do in Cleveland: Exploring all the restaurants and neighborhoods.
Rakan Alqabbani
Hometown: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Cleveland is now my second home.
Medical School: Alfaisal University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Residency: University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center / Case Western Reserve University
Why UH: I completed my residency here and have developed a strong attachment to the community and culture. It’s a wonderful place to work and train!
Plans After Graduation: I’m interested in subspecializing but am currently undecided. I’m leaning towards heart failure or imaging.
Research Interests: CRT-D and cardiac MRI.
Fun Fact: I can eat two whole pizza boxes in under five minutes. I’m also a semi-pro gamer and a great dancer!
Favorite Thing to Do in Cleveland: Eat at Ferris Shawerma and Yemen Gate.
First Year
Nawaf Alhabdan, MBBS
Hometown: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Medical School: King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences
Residency: UH/CWRU
Why UH: Strong training, exposure to diverse pathologies and patient populations, and a collegial work environment.
Plan after graduation: Undecided
Fun Fact: I make the best black tea.
Research Interests: Left atrial appendage occlusion.
Favorite thing to do in Cleveland: attending Cavs games, exploring the metroparks, and enjoying the various food options.
Brandon Francis, MD
Hometown: Evansville, IN
Medical School: Indiana University School of Medicine
Residency: Cleveland Clinic Foundation
Why UH: When looking for my future home, I was looking for a fellowship program that emphasized clinical volume, world-class training, and caring, empathetic leadership. I'm happy to say that this program fits the bill perfectly, and I'm thrilled to continue to grow my career and family in Cleveland!
Plan after graduation: I would like to continue a career in academic medicine, hopefully staying in Cleveland!
Fun Fact: I'm a black belt in TaeKwonDo (although quite a few years removed from training).
Research Interests: My experience is primarily in sports cardiology, medical education, and health policy; however, I am also interested in continuing to explore other areas of research (i.e. public health, heart failure) as I continue to explore future career opportunities.
Favorite thing to do in Cleveland: My wife and I love to grab a donut from Goldie's, check out the Cleveland Museum of Art, and catch a sports game if we have the time!
David Newhouse, MD
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
Medical School: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Residency: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
Why UH: I really enjoyed my conversations on my interview day. It was clear that the attendings are invested in my professional growth.
Plan after graduation: I am interested in becoming a Cardiologist who helps patients with advanced heart failure.
Fun Fact: I enjoy watching Formula 1 and Ohio State football
Research Interests: Transplantation outcomes
Favorite thing to do in Cleveland: Explore new restaurants and go to shows
Olivia Noall, MD
Hometown: Mentor, OH
Medical School: Wright State University
Residency: Cleveland Clinic
Why UH: My mom was a family medicine doctor at UH and I was her medical receptionist. It was always my hope that I could come back to UH as a physician myself and serve my hometown. Every time I get a patient from the Mentor area I truly feel so lucky!
Plan after graduation: likely general cardiology
Research Interests: women’s cardiovascular health, cardio OB, prevention
Fun Fact: My BFF is David
Favorite things to do in Cleveland: I live very close to our theater district, so I love seeing Broadway level shows at the second largest theater district in the US. I also love the food scene and trying new restaurants with my family. You really can’t beat a summer day on the beach or a boat in Cleveland either!
Vincent Salvador, MD
Hometown: Manila, Philippines
Medical School: University of the Philippines - Manila
Residency: Queens Hospital/Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai
Why UH: Well-rounded academic program with robust education curriculum, diverse hands-on clinical training, collaborative relationships with faculty and fellows, supportive mentors, and a strong sense of community
Plan after graduation: General/Geriatric Cardiology
Research interests: Cardiometabolic, heart failure, brain-heart interaction
Fun Facts: Started to play pickleball and am loving every minute in the court! As a trivia, my bff is Gabe Tensol.
Favorite things in Cleveland: The Cleveland Orchestra and a seasonal scoop of Mitchell's
Gabriel Tensol, MD
Hometown: Belo Horizonte - Brazil
Medical School: Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais
Residency: University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center / CWRU
Why UH: It’s the place that I did most of my research in addition to Internal Medicine training, which led me to know the institution very well and it’s great things such as an amazing clinical experience, diverse staff and a well stablished research department with world-wide famous researchers.
Plan after graduation: Fellowship training in either/or Electrophysiology/Interventional Cardiology
Research Interests: Coronary physiology, intravascular imaging, biomedical engineering in interventional cardiology
Fun Fact: I’m am both an exercise geek and a computer geek and my BFF is Satawart!
Favorite things to do in Cleveland: Cycling on Towpath Trail and riding my bike thru Cuyahoga National Park are one of my favorites. The restaurant scene is very good as well!
Satawart Upadhyay, MD
Hometown: Richmond, Virginia
Medical School: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Residency: University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center/CWRU
Why UH: Incredible training environment with individuals who are passionate about patient care, advocacy, and medical education
Plan after graduation: Electrophysiology or Interventional Cardiology
Research Interests: Integrating AI into Medicine, Medical Education/Curriculum Development, Quality Improvement
Fun Fact: I've visited 14 national parks (and counting)
Favorite things to do in Cleveland: Cleveland Metroparks/CVNP with my dogs, biking the Towpath trail, exploring new restaurants/breweries, Flats, Cavs/Guardians >> Browns, Playhouse Square, Cleveland Orchestra (at Severance Hall and Blossom Music Center), Cleveland Museum of Art (free exhibits and MIX events)