Cardiology Fellowship Program

graphic image of medicine and a heart for cardiology

TTUHSC Permian Basin Cardiology Fellowship Program

Application Deadline | September 1, 2025
Next Start Date | July 1, 2026

The Permian Basin Cardiology Fellowship is a fully ACGME-accredited, three-year training program committed to developing well-rounded, highly skilled clinical cardiologists. Located in the heart of West Texas, our program offers comprehensive exposure to the full continuum of cardiovascular care—serving a diverse, medically underserved, and rapidly growing patient population.

Information for Applicants

Find out more about our program and how to apply through ERAS here.

With two fellows per year, we provide mentorship-driven training environment that prioritizes hands-on learning, individualized guidance, and career development. Fellows rotate through a variety of practice settings, including:

A high-volume tertiary care center with advanced cardiovascular service
Elective subspecialty rotations at leading institutions in Lubbock and Dallas to broaden procedural and academic experience

Our curriculum is designed to ensure proficiency across all core competencies in cardiology, with a focus on:

Procedural training and diagnostic excellence
Evidence-based practice and clinical decision-making
Team-based, multidisciplinary patient care

Fellows also engage in meaningful experiences in research, quality improvement, teaching, and health equity. One of the unique features of our program is the opportunity to serve a large Spanish-speaking population, fostering greater cultural humility and advanced communication skills.

At the Permian Basin Cardiology Fellowship, we are committed to shaping the next generation of cardiologists—leaders who bring compassion, competence, and commitment to every patient, community, and institution they serve.

Application Process

The Department of Cardiology Fellowship only accepts applications through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Information about the service may be obtained from your Dean's Office or from the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC). International medical graduates may obtain information about ERAS through the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG).

Resident Application Deadline is September 1, 2025.

Competitive Compensation and Benefits for Fellows

We offer a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional growth and personal well-being. Details regarding compensation, health coverage, retirement plans, and other benefits are available upon request or through our HR department.

Click here for more information.

PGY6

Carlos Felipe Matute Martinez, MD

Abi Watts, MD

PGY5

Alejandro Jose Herrera Ramos, MD

John Elliott Hermann, DO

PGY4

Arthur Ugochuwku Dilibe, MD

Muhammad Haseeb UI Rasool, MD

Cardiology Care Partnerships in West Texas

We collaborate closely with local hospitals to offer specialized cardiology services across West Texas. Our partnerships with Midland Memorial Hospital in Midland, enable us to provide top-tier care, utilizing state-of-the-art technology in our operating rooms and facilities. Through these alliances, we can deliver the highest standard of cardiology care, including advanced procedures, testing, and preventative measures.

Welcome to our fellowship program and thank you for taking the time to learn more about us!

Dr. Leela Kumar Lella, our Program Director, is a dedicated cardiologist, physician leader, and educator with extensive experience in cardiovascular medicine. He earned his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), completed his residency in Internal Medicine, and pursued subspecialty training in Cardiovascular Medicine and Interventional Cardiology. He is board certified in Cardiovascular Disease and is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology (FACC). In addition, he holds certifications in Nuclear Cardiology (CBNC), Echocardiography (ASE), and Vascular Imaging (RPVI).

Since joining Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center – Permian Basin, Dr. Lella has served in key leadership roles, including Program Director of the Cardiovascular Fellowship Program. In this role, he has been instrumental in restructuring the didactic curriculum, enhancing fellow education, recruiting faculty, and ensuring compliance with ACGME requirements. His leadership has strengthened collaboration across institutional sites, including UT Southwestern Medical Center, providing fellows with comprehensive training in all aspects of cardiovascular care.

Dr. Lella’s expertise and vision are reflected in his commitment to structured teaching, simulation-based training, and multidisciplinary learning. He is deeply engaged in institutional governance and program development, while also mentoring fellows in quality improvement initiatives. His professional interests include clinical education, faculty development, innovation in medical training, and expanding cardiovascular services in underserved regions.

Through his leadership, the fellowship continues to grow as a center of excellence in advanced training, research, and patient-centered cardiovascular care. Dr. Lella is dedicated to fostering an environment that empowers fellows to reach their highest potential as clinicians, educators, and future leaders in cardiology.

Leela Lella, MD

Program Director
TTUHSC Permian Basin Cardiovascular Fellowship Program