In this month’s Fellow Spotlight, we highlight Timothy Cashman, MD, a Cardiovascular Medicine fellow. Here, Dr. Cashman describes his clinical and research interests, why he chose UMass for his fellowship, and why the coast of Maine is his favorite place to travel. 

Hometown?
I grew up on the West Coast in Sammamish, Washington. I consider myself a permanent East Coast transplant, however, after spending my summers in Maine and living in New England since college. 

What are your clinical and research interests?
Clinically, I am interested in general noninvasive cardiology. For research, I am interested in valvular disease, particularly aortic stenosis. I spent several years in the ABIM research pathway doing a basic science postdoc with Dr. Chinmay Trivedi that focused on understanding the mechanisms driving the development of aortic stenosis as well as the impact of genetic and environmental factors in its progression. 

Why did you choose UMass for your fellowship?
I completed my internship and residency in internal medicine at UMass Chan. I loved working with the cardiology faculty and found them to be warm, welcoming, and fantastic teachers. I enrolled in the ABIM research pathway in cardiology and joined the fellowship initially as a research fellow and, now, as a clinical fellow. The clinical volume and acuity, combined with the warm and collegial environment, drew me to the fellowship.  

Are you involved in any other groups or activities at UMass that you’d like to highlight?  
I work with the LPP program to introduce clinical history and physical exam-taking to first-year medical students. It’s been a great experience! 

Where is your favorite place to travel for vacation and why?
The coast of Maine. The food, environment, and atmosphere can’t be beat! 

Who is your favorite author?
Several come to mind, but Aldous Huxley’s, Brave New World, was eye-opening and changed my perception of reality and society.