Start Year: 2023
Basics
- Hometown: Rochester, Minnesota
- Where did you attend university/college? Saint Olaf College
- Where did you attend medical and graduate school? Mayo Clinic
- Where did you attend residency? University of Michigan Hospital
Fellow Perspective
Tell us briefly about your background before cardiology fellowship?
I was born in the former Yugoslavia and am of Croatian descent. I moved to Rochester, MN as an exchange student in high school. I completed my undergraduate studies at Saint Olaf College majoring in Physics and Mathematics, and was strongly considering theoretical physics and complex analysis as career choices. I ultimately pursued a Ph.D. in Physiology and Biomedical Engineering at the Mayo Clinic, specializing in cardiac shear wave elastography, before continuing at Mayo for medical school. During residency at the University of Michigan, I further developed my interest in cardiac electrophysiology and engaged in research collaborations applying machine learning to arrhythmia detection and wearable health technologies. My academic path has been shaped by a desire to bridge engineering innovation with clinical cardiology.
What are your career plans in cardiology?
I plan to pursue a career in academic cardiology with a focus on cardiac electrophysiology and translational research. I am particularly interested in integrating machine learning and noninvasive imaging techniques to improve arrhythmia diagnostics and patient outcomes. I also intend to continue working on developing medical technologies, particularly in wearable health monitoring and device-based therapeutics
Why did you choose Duke for your cardiology fellowship training?
I was drawn to Duke because of its commitment to cutting-edge translational research and the unique opportunities available through DCRI. From the start, it was clear that Duke not only offers top-tier clinical training but also places a strong emphasis on bridging research and patient care. I was especially impressed by the collaborative environment and the resources available to support fellows interested in academic inquiry. On top of that, the people here—from faculty to fellows—were welcoming and genuinely invested in helping each other grow, both professionally and personally.
What do you enjoy doing in the Triangle area outside of work?
Outside of work, I like spending time with my family—including our dog, Django—and getting outside whenever I can. There are some amazing bike and running trails around the Triangle, which are perfect for endurance training. Coming from Minnesota and Michigan, I especially appreciate how mild the winters are here—it’s hard to beat being able to train outdoors year-round. I also really enjoy checking out the local food scene and trying out new breweries in the area. It’s a great place to balance work, training, and downtime with family.