Jonathan Soverow, MD, MPH

Jonathan Soverow, MD, MPH, is a first-year fellow in interventional cardiology at Columbia University Medical Center (New York, NY). A graduate of Princeton University, New York University School of Medicine, and the Harvard School of Public Health, Dr. Soverow completed his medical training at the Massachusetts General Hospital and general cardiology training at the University of California, Los Angeles. He is the chief editor ofThe Evidence: Classic and influential studies every medicine resident should know, which summarizes more than 80 studies that shape the practice of medicine. Published in early 2014, it is now available on Amazon and iTunes. His post-fellowship career plan is to work as an academic interventional cardiologist focusing on clinical trials and peripheral intervention.

Why did you decide to pursue interventional cardiology? 

The field combines my academic interests with the pure, raw sense of joy I get being in the lab. I still remember the first STEMI I saw in the cath lab as a resident. It was awesome. Resuscitate the patient, open the artery, put in a stent—what an amazing thing to be able to do. Thankfully, the thrill of working in the lab has continued through general and interventional fellowships. It’s a fantastic specialty because one can work on a patient acutely, follow them chronically, and also do research that addresses broad population health issues.

What has been your most meaningful clinical experience thus far? 

Just recently we did a multivessel PCI on a young patient with ventricular fibrillation, arrest, and shock. It was a very difficult case, but things went well and we were able to talk to the patient the next day.

How do you see the field changing in the next 5 years?

I think we'll be busier than ever. Rapid technological advances are making interventions in the structural, peripheral, and coronary arenas safer, faster, more effective, and more rational than ever. As a result, I think we'll see an expansion of indications in all those fields with incredible improvements in patient outcomes.

What is the best piece of advice your mentor has given you?

Michael B. Collins, MD, also of Columbia University Medical Center, once told me: “It's not about your technical ability as an operator. It's about your ability to think about the patient.”

What is something that people might not know about you? 

I'm an avid guitar player. Playing an instrument is a very Zen experience; it's totally engrossing. It's what I do to relax in my limited free time, and I think there are some parallels—such as the need to practice and acquire technical knowledge of the workings of the device—between it and interventional cardiology.

What his fellowship director, Ajay J. Kirtane, MD, SM, says:   

Jon has an innate sense of calm about him that is very hard to emulate in the cath lab where things can move pretty fast. In addition, in our lab the interventional fellows teach many of the general fellows and even students. Jon has been recognized as someone who junior trainees have really found helpful when rotating with us. Finally, he’s been able to do all of this after moving across the country with a new baby. Having done the same when I was a fellow, I can tell you that’s no small feat!   
 

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