Spotlight on Kamari Ositelu

One of my earliest cardiology related research projects dealt with understanding infiltrative cardiomyopathies. As my interest in infiltrative diseases matured, I learned of the opportunity to work with and learn from one of the world experts in a common form of infiltrative cardiomyopathy called cardiac amyloidosis, Dr. Sanjiv Shah. Through my training under Dr. Shah, I am gaining exposure to the clinical practice of caring for cardiac amyloidosis patients but also the vast role of clinical trials in this patient population.  

Through my cardiology fellowship training and unparalleled mentorship at Northwestern, I plan to practice as a clinician educator with clinical and research expertise in cardio-oncology and infiltrative cardiomyopathies.  It would be a dream to contribute to management guidelines for cardiac diseases that have yet to be established, such as in the treatment of patients with cardiac sarcoidosis.

My advice to students interested in clinical medicine and cardiology research would be to seek out mentorship in individuals who are passionate about what they do, even if their interests do not perfectly align with the student’s own interests.  Exposure to individuals who are passionate about their research and/or clinical area of interest may ignite a new interest or broaden their prospective on a topic. My mentors throughout the various stages of my career have had an immeasurable impact thus far.

Any area along the lakefront would be my favorite spot on campus.  No matter the season, getting a glimpse of the lake is always a treat. The medical school library would be my second favorite. It is a great place to truly focus and be productive.