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Sentara, EVMS welcome first class of cardiovascular fellows
New training program aims to strengthen the regional physician workforce and expand access to advanced heart care
The first fellows in Sentara Health's new Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship officially began training on July 1, marking a significant step forward in expanding advanced cardiovascular care and physician education across Hampton Roads.
The three-year fellowship provides comprehensive clinical training designed to prepare future cardiovascular specialists and help address a growing national shortage in the field. Its launch is an exciting milestone for Sentara Health and the Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences Eastern Virginia Medical School at Old Dominion University— a long-anticipated moment for the cardiologists who have spent years working to make it happen.
"We have been wanting to create a fellowship program for over a decade," said Deepak Talreja, M.D., Sentara’s clinical chief of cardiology. "There are about 80,000 cardiologists in the United States. Each year, approximately 2,000 retire while only about 1,500 complete training, putting our field at a deficit. It is our duty to train the next generation of physicians."
Beyond delivering an exceptional educational experience, the program represents an investment in cardiovascular care by developing physicians who will serve their communities with excellence, compassion, and a lifelong commitment to advancing cardiology.
The inaugural class of the Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship includes two fellows: Juveriya Yasmeen, M.D., and Giorgi Kochiaschvilli, M.D. Program leaders selected them not only for their strong academic achievements and clinical expertise, but also for their enthusiasm toward helping build a new fellowship program from the ground up. Throughout the interview process, both physicians distinguished themselves through their professionalism, work ethic, commitment to patient care, and passion for learning.
"I am committed to making the most of this rare and valuable opportunity," said Dr. Kochiaschvilli. "I look forward to mentoring the fellows who come after us, working alongside amazing cardiologists, and serving the Hampton Roads community."
Dr. Yasmeen said the program's breadth of training and collaborative environment made it an ideal fit.
"This fellowship program stood out to me for several reasons," she said. "Not only does it provide exposure to all of the specialties I am most interested in, but it will also help me form a strong cardiovascular foundation with people I want to work with."
The fellowship begins with an immersive first-year cardiovascular rotation that provides fellows with broad exposure to the full continuum of cardiovascular medicine, establishing a strong clinical foundation before they advance into more specialized areas of training.
Throughout the three-year program, fellows will gain extensive experience across all aspects of general cardiovascular care, including consult services, the cardiac intensive care unit, cardiac catheterization, electrophysiology, advanced heart failure, echocardiography, cardiac imaging, and outpatient cardiology clinics. They will work alongside a distinguished faculty dedicated to teaching, mentorship, and professional development. In addition to hands-on clinical training, fellows will participate in research projects, quality improvement initiatives, and educational conferences that equip them with the knowledge, skills, and experience needed for successful independent practice.
“My hope is they leave our program feeling confident in the knowledge and skills they've gained over the past three years,” said Amin Yehya, M.D., the program’s director.
“More importantly, I encourage them to continue to approach every patient with compassion, remain curious throughout their careers, and never stop learning. I look forward to seeing the positive difference they make in the lives of their patients and communities.”
The program is accredited to expand in 2027, welcoming four new cardiovascular disease fellows beginning July 2027. At full capacity, the fellowship will support up to 12 physicians in training — further strengthening the pipeline of cardiovascular specialists serving Hampton Roads and beyond.
The three-year fellowship provides comprehensive clinical training designed to prepare future cardiovascular specialists and help address a growing national shortage in the field. Its launch is an exciting milestone for Sentara Health and the Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences Eastern Virginia Medical School at Old Dominion University— a long-anticipated moment for the cardiologists who have spent years working to make it happen.
"We have been wanting to create a fellowship program for over a decade," said Deepak Talreja, M.D., Sentara’s clinical chief of cardiology. "There are about 80,000 cardiologists in the United States. Each year, approximately 2,000 retire while only about 1,500 complete training, putting our field at a deficit. It is our duty to train the next generation of physicians."
Beyond delivering an exceptional educational experience, the program represents an investment in cardiovascular care by developing physicians who will serve their communities with excellence, compassion, and a lifelong commitment to advancing cardiology.
The inaugural class of the Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship includes two fellows: Juveriya Yasmeen, M.D., and Giorgi Kochiaschvilli, M.D. Program leaders selected them not only for their strong academic achievements and clinical expertise, but also for their enthusiasm toward helping build a new fellowship program from the ground up. Throughout the interview process, both physicians distinguished themselves through their professionalism, work ethic, commitment to patient care, and passion for learning.
"I am committed to making the most of this rare and valuable opportunity," said Dr. Kochiaschvilli. "I look forward to mentoring the fellows who come after us, working alongside amazing cardiologists, and serving the Hampton Roads community."
Dr. Yasmeen said the program's breadth of training and collaborative environment made it an ideal fit.
"This fellowship program stood out to me for several reasons," she said. "Not only does it provide exposure to all of the specialties I am most interested in, but it will also help me form a strong cardiovascular foundation with people I want to work with."
The fellowship begins with an immersive first-year cardiovascular rotation that provides fellows with broad exposure to the full continuum of cardiovascular medicine, establishing a strong clinical foundation before they advance into more specialized areas of training.
Throughout the three-year program, fellows will gain extensive experience across all aspects of general cardiovascular care, including consult services, the cardiac intensive care unit, cardiac catheterization, electrophysiology, advanced heart failure, echocardiography, cardiac imaging, and outpatient cardiology clinics. They will work alongside a distinguished faculty dedicated to teaching, mentorship, and professional development. In addition to hands-on clinical training, fellows will participate in research projects, quality improvement initiatives, and educational conferences that equip them with the knowledge, skills, and experience needed for successful independent practice.
“My hope is they leave our program feeling confident in the knowledge and skills they've gained over the past three years,” said Amin Yehya, M.D., the program’s director.
“More importantly, I encourage them to continue to approach every patient with compassion, remain curious throughout their careers, and never stop learning. I look forward to seeing the positive difference they make in the lives of their patients and communities.”
The program is accredited to expand in 2027, welcoming four new cardiovascular disease fellows beginning July 2027. At full capacity, the fellowship will support up to 12 physicians in training — further strengthening the pipeline of cardiovascular specialists serving Hampton Roads and beyond.
By: Jen Lewis