Boston Children’s Hospital is home to the highest volume congenital heart catheterization program in North America. It has been a leader in training pediatric interventional cardiologists for the last four decades. Graduates routinely secure positions at respected academic centers, and continue to advance the field through clinical work and research activity. Many have served as directors of cardiac catheterization laboratories throughout the world.

Senior fellows participate in more than 1,500 invasive procedures in the Interventional Cardiology Program’s three dedicated biplane catheterization laboratories and a dedicated hybrid OR. They also gain exposure to ICU bedside procedures, intraoperative angiography, hybrid procedures, and fetal interventions. Senior fellows perform about 300 cases over the course of the year, and participate in the pre-procedural evaluation of patients, preparation of the patient for the procedure, performance of the procedure, and post-catheterization care. The fellows master the skills necessary to perform as an attending-level first assistant during the first part of the year. During the final months of their fellowship, senior fellows perform specific components of catheterization independently, but with appropriate supervision.

Trainees are expected to complete at least one project and publish original research as first author, with the mentorship of one or more staff members. Educating more junior fellows in the lab is an important part of the senior fellow’s responsibilities. In addition to completing a pediatric or adult cardiology fellowship at an accredited institution, candidates must demonstrate an aptitude for invasive procedures, clinical decision making, and potential for clinical research. To apply to the Interventional Cardiology Senior Fellowship Program, download the application here.

All application materials can be either emailed directly to Nicole Watson or mailed to her attention at the physical address noted below.

Timeline for application and selection

1. Deadline for completed application: July 1 (for fellowships beginning July 1 of the following year)
2. Interviews: July and August
3. Final selection: September

Contact information

Nicole Watson, Department of Cardiology
Boston Children’s Hospital
300 Longwood Ave., BCH 3215
Boston, MA 02115
Office: 617-355-6529 | fax: 617-730-7548
Email: Nicole.Watson@cardio.chboston.org 

Interventional Cardiology Fellow

Aravinth Karunanandaa

Interventional Cardiology Fellow

• Hometown: State College, Pa.
• Undergraduate school: St. Louis University
• Medical school: St. Louis University School of Medicine
• Post-graduate training: Levine Children’s Hospital (pediatric residency), Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (pediatric cardiology fellowship)
• Academic interests: Cardiac catheterization
• Hobbies: Running, pick-up basketball, reading, exploring new restaurants