The pediatric cardiology fellowship program at the UF Health Congenital Heart Center was established in 1962.
Statement of Philosophy
The overall goal of the Pediatric Cardiology Fellowship Training Program is to prepare future cardiologists to provide comprehensive care for patients with congenital and acquired heart disease from fetal life through adulthood. Trainees will participate in a structured research program to prepare them for a career in academic pediatric cardiology. Trainees will learn the utility of performing critical research in improving the care of children and adults with congenital heart disease. Following the three-year training program, pediatric cardiology fellows will have a comprehensive understanding of the pathophysiologic basis of congenital/pediatric cardiovascular disease and will be well prepared for independent practice. The training program will be structured to ensure its fellows obtain this knowledge within the following competency areas:
- Patient Care
- Medical Knowledge
- Practiced-Based Learning and Improvement
- Interpersonal and Communication Skills
- Professionalism
- Systems-Based Practice
Program Leadership
Program Director
Arwa Saidi, M.Ed., MBBCH
Assistant Program Director
Frederick J Fricker M.D.
Fellowship Coordinator
Melissa S. Watson
Current Fellows
Zasha Vazquez-Colon MD, FAAP
About the University of Florida
Program Certification
The pediatric cardiology fellowship program is certified in post-graduate education by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).
Simulation Curriculum
Facilities
The UF Health Congenital Heart Center is part of the UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital, a 200-bed pediatric facility. The Center has offices, teaching and laboratory space within the University of Florida Health Science Center and Academic Research Building (ARB), which is located on the University of Florida campus in Gainesville, Florida.
Diversity and Inclusion
At the University of Florida, we strongly believe in the value of diversity in our training program and our community. We encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply. Learn more about Diversity and Inclusion.
About Gainesville
Gainesville is a university community located in North Central Florida midway between the Atlantic coast and the Gulf of Mexico. The area is known for its natural beauty with its stately live oaks and many springs, lakes, and rivers.