Meet Our Fellows

Maria Peña, D.O., (PGY-6)
Residency: Mount Sinai Morningside-West
Hometown: West Haverstraw, NY
Why HUMC: Growing up in nearby Rockland County, I have always had geographic ties to this area. During my interview, it was clear that all of the faculty members come from strong backgrounds and are well-established in their field. As a cardiologist in training, their mentorship has been invaluable and everyone is very invested in your education.
Interests: Cardiac imaging, multi-modality imaging

Yang Liu, M.D. (PGY-6)
Residency: Stony Brook University Hospital
Hometown: Woodbury, MN
Why HUMC: Excellent attendings, huge hospital on the cutting edge of medical research. Plenty of opportunity for teaching and research if you are looking for it. Location is great with buses 30-45min away from NYC.
Interests: General Cardiology, ACHD, echo

Zeel Patel, D.O. (PGY-5)
Residency: Rutgers New Jersey Medical School
Hometown: Jersey City, NJ
Why HUMC: I was drawn to Hackensack University Medical Center for its outstanding faculty, high procedural volume, and unparalleled exposure to complex cardiac pathology. The fellowship offers a truly collaborative, interdisciplinary environment where mentorship and collegiality drive both professional and personal growth. As a growing and dynamic program, HUMC combines the strengths of an established academic center with the innovation of a rapidly expanding institution. Its proximity to major metropolitan areas—while remaining close to my hometown—provides the ideal balance of world-class training and personal connection.
Interests: Multi-modality imaging, Non-invasive cardiology, Critical care cardiology, Heart Failure, Interventional Cardiology

Sara Hazaveh, M.D. (PGY-4)
Residency: Hackensack University Medical Center
Hometown: Egg Harbor Township, NJ
Why HUMC: I have been training at HUMC since medical school and have always valued the robust clinical experience, inclusive working environment, and the outstanding colleagues and mentors I’ve had the privilege to learn from. I am grateful to continue my training here, where I am exposed to a wide spectrum of pathologies and advanced cardiovascular care. I also enjoy the location of our hospital, with its proximity to New York City and its setting in North Jersey, a diverse and vibrant area with much to offer.
Interests: Non-invasive, cardiac imaging, electrophysiology, preventive cardiology, and medical education.

Marissa Heyer, M.D. (PGY-4)
Residency: Hackensack University Medical Center
Hometown: Emerson, NJ
Why HUMC: HUMC offers an unparalleled environment for trainees, combining cutting-edge clinical training with a rich tradition of patient-centered care. As a lifelong Bergen County resident, I have witnessed the hospital’s amazing growth firsthand—from volunteering as a premedical student to completing my medical school and residency here. HUMC has evolved into a regional leader in cardiovascular care, offering fellows access to world-class faculty, innovative treatments, and a diverse patient population. It’s not just a place to learn; it’s a place where you can make a real impact on patient lives.
Interests: Cardio-obstetrics/Women’s heart health, Heart failure, Preventive cardiology, Medical education

Frailyn Nunez, M.D. (PGY-5)
Residency: MMC/SBH Health System
Non-ACGME Fellowship: Heart Failure, Hackensack University Medical Center
Hometown: Bronx, NY
Why HUMC: What truly sets HUMC apart for me is its ability to foster a genuinely collegial environment that feels like home, creating the ideal setting to learn. This supportive culture, combined with the program's robust exposure to all levels of cardiovascular pathology, makes it the perfect fit for my training. 
Interests: Advanced Heart Failure, Pulmonary Hypertension