Meet the Inova Advanced Lung Disease and Transplant Fellows

Fellowship:
Veterans Affairs Caribbean Health System
San Juan Puerto Rico
Training Specialty: Pulmonary and Critical Care, 7/2009 – 6/2012

Residency:
University of Puerto Rico
San Juan Puerto Rico
Training Specialty: Internal Medicine, 7/2006 – 6/2009

Medical School: University of Puerto Rico, 2006

Hometown: Toa Baja, Puerto Rico

Reason for Choosing Inova: After some years of working in pulmonary medicine and critical care, I wanted to expand my knowledge and get daily clinical experience in acute and chronic management of patients with advanced stages of complicated lung and heart diseases.

Having done all my training in Puerto Rico, I wanted firsthand experience managing advanced lung diseases before, during, and after lung transplant at a specialized, multidisciplinary center. Inova is certified in pulmonary diseases by multiple scientific worldwide and national societies and is well recognized as a referral center of excellence for interstitial lung diseases, pulmonary hypertension, and lung transplant. Also, the center offers multiple surgical and interventional modalities for group 4 pulmonary hypertension, excellent surgical services, interventional pulmonology, and medical specialties for supporting patients with advanced pulmonary conditions and lung transplant patients.

Finally, Inova is recognized as a center of excellence in the Virginia and Washington, DC, regions and the country. My experience here will round up my previous knowledge in pulmonary disease to help me bring a more multidisciplinary approach and better care to the people in Puerto Rico with advanced lung diseases.

Fellowship:
University of Arizona / Banner University Medical Center
Training Specialty: Pulmonary and Critical Care, 7/2018 – 6/2021

Residency:
Georgetown University Hospital
Training Specialty: Internal Medicine & Pediatrics, 7/2013 – 6/2017

Medical School: Albany Medical College, 2013

Hometown: Clifton Park, New York

Reason for Choosing Inova: I had the opportunity to rotate through the Inova Advanced Lung Disease and Transplant elective as a medical resident. I was awestruck by this phenomenal team of world experts and exemplary support staff. They demonstrated a passion for patient care and a dedication to high quality research in numerous fields of advanced lung disease including entities such as interstitial lung disease, cystic fibrosis, lung transplant and pulmonary hypertension to mention a few. In addition, every practitioner possessed a genuine enthusiasm for teaching that allowed the learner to understand the many nuances of a patient encounter in these specialized populations. After completing my general pulmonary and critical care training, I consider this advanced fellowship as a unique opportunity to help further my knowledgebase and partake in groundbreaking research in hopes of helping future generations.

Fellowship:
University of Manyland School of Medicine
Training Specialty: Pulmonary and Critical Care, 7/1/2013 – 6/30/2016

Residency:
University of Cincinnati Medical Center
Training Specialty: Internal Medicine & Pediatrics, 7/1/2009 – 6/30/2013

Medical School: University of Tennessee Health Science Center 2009

Reason for Choosing Inova: It is a privilege to be a part of the Inova Advanced Lung Disease and Transplant program. The team is comprised of world renowned experts in the field of advanced lung disease and transplant medicine. Each member of the program provides an amazing example of cutting edge and compassionate care for the most complicated disease processes. Inova fosters an environment of collaborative, patient focused care that leads to outstanding patient outcomes. The group also excels in high quality research focused on understanding and advancing the care of patients with advanced lung disease. As this years advanced lung disease fellow, I am eager to learn from this incredible group of clinicians. I have a particular interest in helping patients with cystic fibrosis transition care from pediatric to adult specialty care.

Fellowship:
Eastern Virginia Medical School
Training Specialty: Pulmonary and Critical Care, 7/1/2016 – 6/30/2019

Residency:
Eastern Virginia Medical School
Training Specialty: Internal Medicine, 7/1/2012 – 6/30/2015

Medical School: University of Tennessee Health Science Center 2009

Reason for Choosing Inova: The Inova Advanced Lung Disease and Transplant Fellowship allows for a unique opportunity to work with world renowned faculty at a top ranked quaternary care center. As a rotating pulmonary and critical care fellow I was drawn by the breadth of pathology, cutting edge care, and tremendous camaraderie I observed at Inova. The robust research program and support allows for academic and professional advancement rivaling the most esteemed Universities. The faculty are genuinely interested in fostering your career aspirations and academic interests, providing both flexibility and ample mentorship.

After completing his fellowship at Inova Dr. Khangoora accepted an appointment at Inova Advanced Lung Disease and Transplant Program (Falls Church, VA). View his complete biography.

Fellowships:
Advanced Lung Disease and Lung Transplant, Inova Fairfax Hospital
Pulmonary Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 2/1/2009-11/1/2012

Residencies:
Categorical Internal Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, 7/1/2002-6/30/2005
Internal Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 8/1/2006-6/30/2008

Medical School: George Washington University Medical Center, 2002

Hometown: Hollywood, Florida

Reason for Choosing Inova: As Inova's Advanced Lung Disease and Transplant Program fellow, I am fortunate to contribute to an amazing medical team that truly "gives life." In addition to lung transplant care, the pulmonary team at Inova Heart and Vascular Institute is uniquely organized to care for patients with rare and complicated advanced lung diseases, such as pulmonary hypertension, interstitial lung disease (such as sarcoidosis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, occupational and connective tissue-related lung disease), and cystic fibrosis. This exposure provides me with the broad education required to care for patients with complicated and often overlapping medical problems.

Most importantly, the tradition of strong teamwork at Inova makes the daily challenges both exciting and fulfilling. I look forward to my year in the program.

After completing his fellowship at Inova Dr. Kowslow accepted an academic appointment at National Jewish Hospital ILD program (Denver, Colorado).

Fellowships:
Advanced Lung Disease and Lung Transplant, Inova Fairfax Hospital
Banner University Medical Center - Tucson Pulmonary & Critical Care Internal Medicine, 7/1/2014-6/30/2017

Residency: Maricopa Medical Center Internal Medicine, 6/16/2011-6/30/2014 

Medical School: Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 2011

Hometown: Irvine, California

Reason for Choosing Inova: This fellowship has a unique model of advanced training that combines a multidisciplinary team of specialists with a wealth of experience that cares for patients with serious lung disease such as interstitial lung disease and pulmonary hypertension, as well as performs lung transplant. In the case of transplant patients, I will have the opportunity to learn and contribute through evaluations, committee discussions for listing, organ procurement, transplant and post surgical care. Inova is also reference center where patients are referred for further care and enrollment in clinical trials which will allow me to be exposed to a high volume of patients with complex lung pathologies. 

I will also enjoy living close to Washington, DC, with its abundance of leisure activities and plan to enjoy the outdoors, attend different cultural events, and visit historical places.

After completing his fellowship Dr. Ahmad joined our Inova Fairfax Advanced Lung Disease and Transplant Program. View his complete biography.

Fellowships:
Advanced Lung Disease and Transplant, Inova Fairfax Hospital
Pulmonary and Critical Care, University of Tennessee

Residency: Wayne State University 

Medical School: Universidad Catolica "Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion"

Hometown: Asuncion, Paraguay

Reason for Choosing Inova: The fellowship is an unrivaled opportunity to get an in depth clinical experience in complex pulmonary medicine with direct teaching from a diverse and esteemed group of expert faculty and support staff. Inova, as a regional quaternary referral center, is filled with unique clinical scenarios and is home to a robust research program with more than ample opportunities for those that are academically inclined. Additionally, the fellow gets to part take in the full breadth of transplant medicine: from selection committee discussion, to donor procurement/ transplantation, and even to outpatient follow up nearly 20 years later! Beyond transplant, a heterogeneous regional referral base constantly challenges and teaches even the best pulmonary physician. Lastly, the setting is a beautiful hospital campus with a truly patient-first focus and a wonderful team-oriented work environment.

The other plus is living a year in the DC metropolitan. It’s a diverse community that’s great for those interested in the history of our nation, an amazing international food/cultural scene, and a good mix of both urban and outdoor activities; cycling being my sport of choice. Also, both the north and the southeast are easily reachable for weekend exploring trips.

After completing his fellowship at Inova Dr. Palacios accepted an academic appointment at Carillion Medical System with the goal to build an ILD and pulmonary hypertension program there.