Fellow Focus in Four will introduce you to fellows from each section of the Department of Internal Medicine. This month's fellow is Attila Feher, MD, PhD, fellow, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine
Why did you choose Yale Department of Internal Medicine for your fellowship?
To choose Yale was natural for me. This was simply the best fit for both research and clinical training. I have spent two years at the Yale Translational Research Center as a T32 fellow, performing translational cardiovascular research, and then advanced to a clinical fellowship. The combination of top-notch clinical care and one of the best research environments in the world was one of the main reasons I chose this training program.
As soon as I stepped inside the Yale Translational Imaging Center (Y-TRIC), I knew that this was where I wanted to continue studying coronary microvascular physiology, and where I would like to pursue my clinical training.
Perks of living in New Haven? Connecticut?
I am in love with the state parks around New Haven. More than 10 Connecticut state parks within a 10-mile radius -- this is truly exceptional.
What is your 5-year goal? 10-year goal? Overall career?
My ultimate goal is to become a physician-scientist, combining high-level translational research with rigorous clinical care. In 5 years, I would like to be in a faculty position at Yale doing research supported by my own grants. In 10 years, following the footsteps of my mentors, Albert Sinusas, MD, and Edward J. Miller, MD, PhD, I would like to become one of the leaders in nuclear cardiology.
My passion is coronary microcirculation. In my opinion, integrating different fields of internal medicine can lead to fruitful collaborations and important discoveries. Recently, I have started to work with Monique Hinchcliff, MD, in the Section of Rheumatology, Allergy & Immunology to uncover the underlying mechanisms of scleroderma-associated coronary microvascular disease. We are in the process of establishing a new cardio-rheumatology clinic to help patients with autoimmune disease with cardiovascular involvement. We believe that in the near future, this new field may become very important, similar to cardio-oncology.
What is a fun fact about you?
Before coming to the United States, I was the leader of a Hungarian rock band. Our studio record was available in stores, and one of our songs made it into the Top 30 in the national charts. The song is still played by the national radio stations.