1. Residencies & Fellowship Programs
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Advanced Fellowship in Preventive Cardiology

The Advanced Fellowship in Preventive Cardiology at The Mount Sinai Hospital offers an exceptional one- to two-year, non-ACGME training opportunity that positions participants at the forefront of cardiovascular medicine.

Combining clinical excellence with robust opportunities for lipid-associated research, fellows gain expertise in study design, protocol development, manuscript writing, and statistical analysis. Our clinical curriculum encompasses the management of both inherited and acquired lipoprotein disorders, cardiovascular disease risk mitigation, and metabolic optimization. Fellows gain in-depth training in high-risk genetic traits, implementing nutritional and metabolic interventions, employing advanced cardiac disease risk mitigation strategies, and applying modern lipid-lowering therapies. Our graduates exit prepared to sit for the National Lipid Association’s Clinical Lipidology board examination.

While working in a high-volume program that manages a substantial number of complex lipoprotein disorders, our fellows learn from leading clinical lipidologists and translational medicine faculty members. Additionally, fellows interact with experts in genetics, atherosclerosis imaging, and basic mechanisms of immune-mediated thrombosis.

Meet the Director

Under faculty supervision, our fellows are responsible for evaluating new and existing patients referred to Mount Sinai’s Metabolism and Lipids Program for cardiovascular risk assessment and creating personalized lipoprotein disorder treatment plans. Each fellow is expected to demonstrate proficiency in counseling patients on lifestyle modifications, including plant-based diets, Mediterranean-style diets, weight loss strategies, and exercise. They must additionally acquire expertise in the FDA-approved indications for lipoprotein-modifying agents, including understanding possible drug interactions and the ability to recognize major adverse events. In accordance with national and professional society guidelines, fellows must also develop expertise in the treatment of major cardiovascular risk factors.

Sample Schedule: Advanced Fellowship in Preventive Cardiology

Day of the Week

Morning

Afternoon

Monday

 

Rotation A

Noon-1 pm: Metabolism and Lipids Journal Club

 

Rotation B

Tuesday

 

Clinical Trials Support in Metabolism and Lipids Program/Research

Metabolism and Lipids Program – Outpatient session

Wednesday

 

Clinical Trials Support in Metabolism and Lipids Program/Research

Metabolism and Lipids Program – Outpatient session

Thursday

 

Metabolism and Lipids Program – Outpatient Session

 

Research

Friday

 

Clinical Trials Support in Metabolism and Lipids Program/Research

 

Rotation C

In addition to clinical training, our fellows gain valuable experience in research. They develop skills in statistical data for research projects through hands-on projects, which may include enrollment in courses offered by the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Throughout their time in the Advanced Fellowship in Preventive Cardiology, our fellows must also maintain certifications in human subject research.

Under the mentorship of the program directors, each fellow completes a comprehensive literature review which helps lead to hypothesis generation. Our fellows are trained in all aspects of proposal development, including Internal Review Board submissions, collection of data, analysis of data, and drafting of the manuscript. They gain further experience in one or more of the areas of research investigation within our program or with our primary partners, which may include leveraging real-world data, atherosclerosis imaging, translational biology, and genetics. Hands-on experience is also gained by assisting study coordinators with conducting examinations and administering medications. Fellows also participate in the Metabolism and Lipids Program journal club sessions to stay apprised of the current research and clinical implementation of therapeutics relevant to the program’s goals.

To apply for the Advanced Fellowship in Preventive Cardiology, candidates must have completed and passed all three United States Medical Licensing Examination® steps, possess a valid Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) certificate if they are foreign medical graduates, and have completed Internal Medicine Residency in the United States or abroad.

We particularly encourage cardiovascular disease training graduates to apply. If accepted, fellows must obtain a full New York State medical license, or if on a work visa, a limited license.

By Wednesday, October 15, interested candidates should submit the following to Maria Directo, Fellowship Program Manager:

  • Advanced Fellowship in Preventive Cardiology application form
  • Current CV
  • Personal statement
  • Three letters of recommendation (including one from a mentor who can provide insight on your clinical and research capabilities)
  • Copy of ECFMG certification, if relevant
  • Copies of any published abstracts and manuscripts

Core Faculty

Robert Rosenson, MD
Robert Rosenson, MD

Director, Advanced Fellowship in Preventive Cardiology

Jeffrey I Mechanick, MD
Jeffrey I Mechanick, MD

Advanced Fellowship in Preventive Cardiology

Research Mentors

Ron Do, PhD
Ron Do, PhD

Human Genetics

Juan J Badimon, PhD
Juan J Badimon, PhD

Atherothrombosis

Filip Swirski, PhD
Filip Swirski, PhD

Immunity and Inflammation

Robert Rosenson, MD
Robert Rosenson, MD

Translational Medicine, Clinical Trials, Novel Lipid Lowering Agents, Inflammation

Meet Our Current Fellow

image of fellow

Aleesha Shaik, MD, MPH | 2025-2026 Advanced Fellow

“I chose to train at Mount Sinai for the deep mentorship, innovative research, and use of cutting-edge therapies in the management of complex lipid disorders. The program’s flexibility also allows me to pursue interests like cardiac CT and women’s health, further supporting my growth as a clinician and leader in the field.”

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Aleesha Shaik, MD, MPH | 2025-2026 Advanced Fellow

“I chose to train at Mount Sinai for the deep mentorship, innovative research, and use of cutting-edge therapies in the management of complex lipid disorders. The program’s flexibility also allows me to pursue interests like cardiac CT and women’s health, further supporting my growth as a clinician and leader in the field.”

image of fellow

Aleesha Shaik, MD, MPH | 2025-2026 Advanced Fellow

“I chose to train at Mount Sinai for the deep mentorship, innovative research, and use of cutting-edge therapies in the management of complex lipid disorders. The program’s flexibility also allows me to pursue interests like cardiac CT and women’s health, further supporting my growth as a clinician and leader in the field.”