Categorical Fellows
Thomas Fiedorek, M.D.
2023-2026
I chose Arkansas Children’s Hospital because: the people who work within the Cardiology section are phenomenal to work with and learn from. Additionally, ACH is a high-volume center with unlimited learning opportunities.
Outside of work, I spend my time fly fishing on the many rivers in Arkansas.
Favorite quote: “Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.” –Vince Lombardi
Hometown: Little Rock, AR
Medical School: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Residency: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Clinical Focus: Cardiac ICU and Interventional Cardiology
Research Interest: Cardiology Education
Alaa Ismail, M.D.
2023-2026
I chose Arkansas Children’s Hospital because: I was impressed with the friendly work environment and all the available resources to provide the best care for kids with congenital heart disease.
Outside of work, I spend my time with my family trying to have a quality time with my kids. I also enjoy cooking and reading.
Favorite quote: “The most important 2 days of your life the day you’re born and the day you find why?” Mark Twain
Hometown: I am originally from Khartoum, which is the capital of Sudan, which is a very beautiful country in Africa
Medical School: Omdurman Islamic University
Residency: University of Florida, Pensacola program
Clinical focus: Noninvasive cardiac imaging and fetal cardiology
Research Interest: Noninvasive cardiac imaging and fetal cardiology
Abdelrahman Masri, M.B.B.S.
2023-2026
I chose Arkansas Children’s Hospital because: It is such an amazing place to train, see and do everything, and learn from exceptional teachers.
Outside of work, I spend my time exploring new trails with my wife, and recovering from overuse injuries I get with running.
Favorite quote: “for God is with those who are mindful of Him and who do good.”
Hometown: Nablus, Palestine, and Amman, Jordan
Medical School: Jordan University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine
Residency: The Metro-Health System/Case Western Reserve University
Clinical focus: Everything Cardiology, mostly electrophysiology and interventional cardiology
Research Interest: Electrophysiology and interventional cardiology
Benjamin Theisen D.O.
2024-2027
I chose Arkansas Children’s Hospital because: the volume and variety of the clinical work offer top tier training opportunities, and the faculty both professionally and personally are as good as they come.
Outside of work, I spend my time with my wife and our young son, watching football or hockey, or getting out and exploring Little Rock and central Arkansas.
Favorite quote: “All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”
Hometown: Howell, MI
Medical School: New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine at Arkansas State
Residency: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Clinical focus: Undecided at this point, but CVICU and imaging have been the most interesting to me so far.
Research Interest: Undecided
Lubaina Ehsan M.B.B.S.
2024-2027
I chose Arkansas Children’s Hospital because: Everyone during the interview process was incredibly welcoming and echoed how the program supports the fellows achieve their fullest potential. I also wanted to train at Arkansas Children’s as it serves a diverse patient population, with cases that could range from simple bread and butter cardiology to the rare zebras.
Outside of work, I spend my time: Road trips with my husband, watercolor painting, and playing team sports.
Favorite quote: “It’s leviOsa, not levioSA!” – Hermione Granger
Hometown: Islamabad, Pakistan
Medical School: Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
Residency: Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine
Clinical focus: Advanced Imaging
Research Interest: Advanced Imaging
Taylor Lemoine M.D.
2025-2028
I chose Arkansas Children’s Hospital because: The faculty are easy to get along and work with, very knowledgeable, and great educators.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time outdoors and reading.
Favorite quote: “Never put off till tomorrow what may be done day after tomorrow just as well.” ―Mark Twain
Hometown: Baton Rouge, LA
Medical School: LSU New Orleans
Residency: Our Lady of the Lake, Baton Rouge, LA
Clinical focus: Likely pursuing a 4th year CVICU training position
Research Interest: CVICU
Salika Gadiwala M.D.
2025-2028
I chose Arkansas Children’s Hospital because: I chose ACH for its high-volume clinical exposure, supportive learning environment, and an opportunity to learn from an exceptional and dedicated team of faculty and fellows.
Outside of work, I enjoy my time exploring hiking trails, running, and reading non-fiction.
Favorite quote: “Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value”- Albert Einstein
Hometown: Valsad, Gujarat, India
Medical School: B J Medical College, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
Residency: Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, Maryland
Clinical focus: I enjoy all aspects of cardiology, with a focused interest in Interventional Cardiology and Electrophysiology
Research Interest: Interventional Cardiology and Electrophysiology
Advanced Imaging Fellow
Timothy Nissen, D.O.
2025-2026
Medical School: Oklahoma State University
Residency: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Fellowship: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Research Interest: Advanced Cardiac Imaging