In this month’s Fellow Spotlight, we feature Offdan Narvaez-Guerra, MD, a fellow in Cardiovascular Medicine, from Arequipa, a city in the Andean Highlands of southern Peru. We recently caught up with Dr. Narvaez Guerra to learn more about his work, why he chose UMass, and more. 

What are your clinical and research interests?  
My main interest is the non-invasive assessment of cardiovascular hemodynamics, specifically in extreme environments such as hypobaric hypoxia. I want to explore the potential utility of the use of cardiac magnetic resonance-based new technologies for the evaluation of right-sided ventriculo-arterial interactions and dysfunction at high-altitude, a research area with enormous applications in the clinical field. After completing my training in cardiovascular medicine, I will do an additional year of advanced cardiac imaging, focusing on magnetic resonance, computed tomography, and echocardiographic guidance of structural interventions at Georgetown University. In the future, I would be open to studying the use of deep learning methods in cardiovascular image analysis.    

Why did you choose UMass for your fellowship?  
I chose UMass for my cardiology fellowship because it provides superb exposure to all the areas in the field. Its unique location is advantageous in the sense that it is a large referral center in central Massachusetts, providing fellows the opportunity of taking care of patients from diverse demographic backgrounds. Additionally, UMass is proud in having some of the world-renowned gurus in echocardiography and hemodynamics among its faculty.   

Where is your favorite place to travel for vacation and why?  
My favorite vacation was a family trip to the small town of Stowe, in Vermont.  It was a breathtaking adventure and one of the best traditional Christmas experiences we have had in North America.   
 
What is your favorite game or sport to watch and play?  
I am a soccer enthusiast. I follow AC Milan in the Italian Calcio and whenever they are competing in the Champions League.