3rd Years

Ahmed Chmaisse
PGY 6
American University of Beirut
Hobbies: I have always loved playing basketball and I spend as much time in the gym as possible. Both my wife and I enjoy travelling to new places, and it is our mission to visit as many states/national parks as possible during our time here in the US. I'm also an avid gamer!
Research/QI Interests: During residency, I was involved in research related to transcatheter PDA closure in preterm infants. Now that I have started fellowship, I am figuring out where my interest lies, but I am intrigued in research related to patients with pulmonary hypertension and patients with heart failure requiring ventricular assist devices. I am also interested in medical education and implementing simulation-based teaching in the cardiology realm.
Why Pediatric Cardiology?
Fascinated by the physics of fluid dynamics and electricity at a younger age, I found myself drawn to the intricate details of the physiology & pathophysiology of the heart and its diseases during medical school. Combining my love for working with children and my curiosity about the heart, it did not take me long to identify my life vision of becoming a pediatric cardiologist.
Why IU School of Medicine/Riley Hospital?
I am fortunate to have completed my residency at Riley and got accepted into fellowship here. IU has provided me with excellent training thus far, and I have felt appreciated during my time here. I also like Indy and it has become a home for me! It is also great for my wife and I to support each other while she finished her PhD at Purdue.

Aubrey B. Schley, MD
PGY 7
University of Kentucky College of Medicine
Hobbies: I love spending time with my husband, baby, and dog! We love to spend time outdoors and find new restaurants.
Research/QI Interests: My interests are wide given that I have just started fellowship, however I am interested in potentially pursuing a career in adult congenital cardiology. I'm looking forward to getting more involved with research focused on adult congenital cardiology during my time at IU/Riley!
Why Pediatric Cardiology?
I love the variety of patients cared for in pediatric cardiology. The complexity of the patients with congenital heart disease is so interesting as well as preventative pediatrics with a focus on healthy living. I also enjoy the ability to work in multiple settings including inpatient and outpatient. Mostly, I love that pediatric cardiology easily lends to building long term relationships with patients and their families!
Why IU School of Medicine/Riley Hospital?
I knew Riley would be a great fit as it is a kind and friendly learning environment, large patient volume, and a wide variety of patients in addition to close proximity to my family for support!
2nd Years

Megan Damera, MD
PGY 6
Indiana University School of Medicine
Research/QI Interests: Most of my research in residency focused on improving and expanding current ECG technology, and I hope to continue being involved in these types of innovative advancements within the field! Currently, I am working on a project to evaluate and improve mortality for patients with single ventricle physiology after second stage palliation. I also have a strong interest in ACHD, and I hope to direct some of my research to this patient population during fellowship!
Why Pediatric Cardiology?
Pediatric Cardiology offers a wide range of experiences from outpatient clinic to critical care medicine to procedures and advanced imaging. The field is incredibly complex, yet so exciting with its constant developments and advancements. Additionally, I value the longitudinal relationship you get to build with patients and their families. Finally, with my background in MedPeds, I am passionate about transitions in medicine, which is why I hope to eventually go into Adult Congenital Heart Disease.
Why IU School of Medicine/Riley Hospital?
I completed medical school at IU/Riley, where I was first introduced to Pediatric Cardiology during a third year rotation. The experience was memorable not only for the fascinating material, but I also remember how much I enjoyed learning from the faculty and their dedication to patient care. When considering fellowship, I wanted a program that offered a wide range of pathology, diverse clinical experiences and perspectives, and an emphasis on research and evidence based medicine. Additionally, my husband and I couple’s matched for fellowship, so we were excited to return home to be closer to family.

Christopher Vincent, MD
PGY 5
Indiana University School of Medicine
Research/QI Interests: I am starting out fellowship now and trying to keep an open mind with regards to research. During residency, I enjoyed QI projects aimed at improving workflow for providers without compromising patient care.
Why Pediatric Cardiology?
Pediatrics was an easy choice during medical school as taking care of children never felt like a job. My daughter was born with a small VSD that thankfully closed spontaneously but sparked an interest for the field of cardiology. Keeping up with her little engine inspired me to take care of this population. It was a perfect match in a field that hits so close to home!
Why IU School of Medicine/Riley Hospital?
My wife and I both grew up in Indiana and consider this to be our home. I went to medical school here at IU School of Medicine and coming back was always the goal. IU School of Medicine/Riley Hospital is an excellent program and it's a lovely benefit of serving the community that has given my family so much already.
1st Years

Ashley L. Dean, MD
PGY 4
Central Michigan College of Medicine
Research/QI Interest: I’m passionate about health equity and advocacy, which shaped my QI-focused research during residency. Most recently, I worked to improve inpatient screening and mental health referrals for postpartum depression in parents of children with prenatally diagnosed congenital heart disease. In fellowship, I hope to continue similar QI and advocacy work while integrating my interest in advanced imaging.
Why Pediatric Cardiology?
I’m drawn to the cardiovascular system’s pathophysiology and the complexity of congenital heart disease. Pediatric cardiology offers diverse experiences — from imaging and critical care to procedures — while allowing me to build meaningful, long-term relationships with families facing life-changing diagnoses.
Why IU School of Medicine/Riley Hospital?
Riley stood out on interview day for its high patient volume, clinical complexity, strong research support, and collaborative environment. It checked every box I was looking for in a program — and being close to family in Indiana and the midwest, with a vibrant city nearby, was an added bonus.

Kesha Kandoi, MD
PGY 4
Indiana University School of Medicine
Research/QI interests: I have an interest in quality improvement within pediatric cardiac imaging! During residency, one of my research projects centered on a QI initiative to standardize the echocardiographic description of hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus. This work aimed to reduce variability in interpretation and facilitate evidence-based management of PDAs. I am drawn to the intersection of imaging and clinical outcomes and am eager to continue exploring how standardized imaging protocols can improve care in pediatric cardiology.
Why Pediatric Cardiology?
Pediatric cardiology is so fascinating! I find the complexity and physiology of congenital and acquired heart disease to be incredibly interesting. This field is constantly evolving and being a part of a specialty that continually pushes the boundaries of what’s possible is exciting and motivating! I’m also drawn to the opportunity to build long-term relationships with patients and their families, supporting them through both acute and chronic phases of their journey.
Why IU School of Medicine/Riley Hospital?
I chose IU School of Medicine/Riley Children’s Hospital for pediatric cardiology fellowship because it is a leading pediatric heart program with an incredible breadth and depth of clinical exposure. Having attended medical school at IU, I’ve seen firsthand the unmatched sense of warmth, collaboration, and genuine investment in learners that defines the culture at Riley. Mentorship is woven into every aspect of the program — faculty are not only approachable but truly excited to teach and support trainees. It’s a place where I knew I would be challenged, supported and constantly inspired!