Meet Our Fellows
The Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship at Hackensack University Medical Center is a university-based program with a community feel. We have a 3 year general cardiology program with 2 fellows per year at Hackensack - allowing for a highly favorable faculty: fellow ratio amongst all aspects of inpatient, outpatient, and procedural cardiovascular care.
PGY-6
Residency: Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
Hometown: Freehold, N.J.
Why HUMC: I was attracted to the small collegial fellowship experience in a large clinically robust tertiary care center. I was excited by the opportunity to be a part of something new and have the opportunity to help establish a foundation for the fellowship. In addition, HUMC provided an opportunity for me to return to my home state of N.J., after being away for 7 years.
Research Interests: I am interested in non-invasive, preventative cardiology and the health care disparities that exist in cardiovascular diseases.
Personal Interests: Outside of medicine, I am a devoted husband and father to a two year old son. I enjoy spending time with my family whenever I have the opportunity. I also am a big sports fan, and follow the New York Jets closely.
PGY-5
Matthew Fata, D.O. (PGY-5)
Residency: Hackensack University Medical Center
Hometown: Lyndhurst, NJ
Why HUMC: As a resident here at HUMC, I began to develop strong working relationships with the cardiology faculty and wanted to continue to learn from them as a fellow. Additionally, the program’s strong commitment to education and wellness solidified my decision to come here.
Research Interests: Atrial fibrillation, CIED therapy, Ablations
Personal Interests: Video games, golf, boating, pro sports
Neel Shah, D.O. (PGY-5)
Residency: Hackensack University Medical Center
Hometown: Jersey City, NJ
Why HUMC: I wanted to train at a hospital that exposed to me to diverse pathophysiology, patient population as well as offered significant opportunities for research and procedures alike while being close to my home. Having completed residency at HUMC, I knew HUMC was a perfect fit for me hence I decided to stay for fellowship.
Research Interests: Clinical research in interventional cardiology, and cardiac electrophysiology
Personal Interests: Chess, golf, history, art, movies
PGY-4
Maria Peña, MD (PGY-4)
Residency: Mount Sinai Morningside-West
Hometown: Rockland County, NY
Why HUMC: Growing up in nearby Rockland County, I have always had geographic ties to this area. During my interview, it was clear that all of the faculty members come from strong backgrounds and are well-established in their field. As a cardiologist in training, their mentorship has been invaluable and everyone is very invested in your education.
Research Interests: Interventional cardiology, structural cardiology
Personal Interests: Staying fit, nutrition, boxing