Cardiovascular Fellows
1st Year
Resha Khanal, MD
Hometown: Kathmandu, Nepal
Undergrad School: Kathmandu Medical College, Kathmandu University, Nepal
Medical School: Kathmandu Medical College, Kathmandu University, Nepal
Residency: UPMC
What drew me to Cardiology: The field of cardiology is incredibly expansive, captivating me with its multifaceted components. Within this 300-gram organ, there exist intricate realms of anatomy, physiology, electricity, intervention, imaging, and beyond. Additionally, I'm excited by the prospect that cardiology offers a platform for practicing evidence-based medicine, alongside ample opportunities for innovative research and groundbreaking discoveries.
What do I like to do in my free time: Dancing is my mantra of happiness. I also enjoy spending quality time with my family. My husband and I are passionate about outdoor activities, including exploring new destinations, savoring local cuisines, engaging in water sports, hiking, and sightseeing. Additionally, I enjoy cooking traditional Nepali dishes.
Bikal Lamichhane, MD
Hometown: Pokhara Nepal
Undergrad School: Gandaki Boarding School
Medical School: Kathmandu University, Nobel Medical College
Residency: Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital
What drew me to Cardiology: Cutting-edge research, precision medicine, and opportunity for both inpatient, outpatient intervention, collaborative teamwork enticed me. Predictable variable and outcome, Hemodynamics and Electrical physiology of cardiovascular system fascinated me.
What do I like to do in my free time: Exploring nature and life, hiking and trekking. Talking to family and friend. Taste new food. Listening country songs. Watching Anime's or Comedy show.
2nd Year
Kevin Desai, MD
Hometown: Richmond, Virginia
Undergrad School: University of Virginia
Medical School: Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine
Residency: University of Illinois - Chicago
What drew me to Cardiology: I was driven to cardiology through various life experiences, including the high prevalence of cardiovascular disease burden in the South Asian population, which impacted by family. Cardiology is a rapidly advancing field with changing modalities of not only identifying at-risk persons, but also treating individuals both in the acute and the long term setting. Cardiology is a rare field where one not only gets to see the patients at their most vulnerable state in the hospital but also follow up with them as an outpatient in a more stable setting.
What do I like to do in my free time: I am a very active person! If I am not hiking or jogging somewhere, you will find me in the gym lifting weights! I also enjoy reading - one of my passions is reading investigative journalism and sociology/political philosophy literature. I passionate about art in its various forms including a recent developing interest in art history and a ever growing interest of writing poetry. Lastly, I try (and sometimes succeed) in making delicious vegan food.
Jocelyn McCullough, DO
Hometown: Bangalore, India
Undergrad School: Sophia High School
Medical School: New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine
Residency: Zucker School of Medicine Northwell Mather Internal Medicine Residency
What drew me to Cardiology: Delivering high acuity care and building lifelong relationships with my patients is what drew me to cardiology. This field of medicine has given me an opportunity to connect with my patients past the diagnosis and treatment.
What do I like to do in my free time: Swimming, gardening, cooking and spending time hiking with my two dogs Shadow and Cody.
3rd Year
Ivana Okor, DO
Hometown: Lagos, Nigeria
Undergrad School: Georgia Southern University
Medical School: Nova Southeastern College of Osteopathic Medicine
Residency: Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, LA
What drew me to Cardiology: I find that cardiology is an ever-evolving field with intriguing pathology and physiology. Learning over time about the burden of cardiovascular disease and the opportunities to make a profound clinical impact through prevention, research, and technological advances makes the field very exciting. I love the high acuity in cardiac critical care, and I find rewarding moments in interacting with critically ill patients and their families. In addition, I have an interest in advocating for women's heart health, cardiovascular disease prevention, and equitable health care.
What do I like to do in my free time: I enjoy trying new food/restaurants, dancing, and binge-watching TV shows. Generally living the good life on vacation is also at the top of my enjoyment agenda.
Hammad Ur Rahman, MD
Hometown: Sialkot, Pakistan
Undergrad School: GC University Lahore
Medical School: Allama Iqbal Medical College, Lahore, Pakistan
Residency: Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital, Sayre, PA
What drew me to Cardiology: Since medical school, my cardiology mentors impressed me the most. I always feel thrilled while studying cardiovascular disease and taking care of patients with heart disease. So I decided to become a cardiologist.
What do I like to do in my free time: In my free time, I enjoy being outdoor and exploring new places with my family and friends. I also like to follow vlogs on YouTube, current affairs, and cricket.