In the final part of our alumni interview series, Dr. Dor Lotan, MD, Associate Professor of Cardiology at Columbia University Irving Medical Center-New York Presbyterian Hospital, talks about his experiences as a former student at Semmelweis and how his career has evolved since then.
What prompted you to become a doctor?
I knew from a young age that the medical profession was my mission; As the son of a doctor, I felt this was my destiny. When I was 16 years old, I volunteered for the National Ambulance Service as part of a compulsory school programme, and during this time I connected critically with the profession, igniting a real passion in me.
How did you find Semmelweis University and why did you choose this higher education institution?
Immediately after completing my military service, at the age of 21, I decided to pursue a career in medicine. At the time, a close friend of mine was doing a preparatory program in Budapest, and I decided to visit. The moment I arrived, I was mesmerized by the vibrant life and rich culture of the city. I immediately felt that this was where I wanted to continue my medical education, so after a few weeks I applied to a pre-med program. In the meantime, I actively researched several Hungarian medical university programs, and Semmelweis University proved to be the best choice. One of the main reasons for this is that as I was studying in a city with leading hospitals, I knew I could gain extensive experience with a variety of medical conditions.
Tell us about your college years – what was the most memorable part of that time?
When I started medical school in 2006, the first few days were stressful, but filled with excitement, especially since I came to Europe from the Middle East. The cultural differences were evident and it took me time to adjust. One of the things that drew me in from the start was the stunning historic building where the lessons were held. By being there, I felt like I had become a part of the university’s rich history. Knowing that great scientists and doctors sat in the same chairs as me filled me with pride and motivation. I was impressed with the quality of education I received compared to my friends in medical schools around the world. Overall, the college years have been the best part of my career. The friendships I made with Hungarians and students from all over the world still hold true today.
What steps did you decide to take after graduation?
In the fifth year, during the lectures on cardiology, I realized that the profession of a cardiologist is my true vocation. I was deeply impressed by the field’s continued development, innovative breakthroughs, and disease complexity. At this point, I haven’t decided on a specific location for my dream to come true, I’ve decided to keep my options open. Accordingly, I embarked on a journey to complete the USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) requirements by the end of my sixth year. After graduation, I had an important decision to make: Should I apply for a residence permit in the United States or should I return to my country. In the end, I decided to continue my training in both internal medicine and cardiology in Israel, with the hope that one day I would be able to continue my studies in the United States.
How did you get the opportunity to work at Columbia University in the United States?
During my cardiology fellowship, I became fascinated with the field of cardiomyopathy, heart failure, heart transplantation, and hemodynamics. Above all, it was innovation and pioneering advancement here that inspired me to pursue a higher level of scholarship in this specialized field. Out of the options, Columbia University-New York Presbyterian’s Advanced Heart Failure Program stood out, so I chose it. Their program is one of the largest of its kind in the country, performing nearly 100 heart transplants and 60 left ventricular assist device implantations each year, and the program is headed by a world-renowned cardiologist. This one-year experience proved so rewarding that my training was extended for another two years. After completing my fellowship, I was invited to join the prestigious Columbia University School of Medicine, which was a significant milestone in my career.
Would you like to talk in more detail about the benefits of working abroad?
In medicine, different areas may have different treatment approaches, available technology, and different levels of diagnostic testing. These differences can greatly impact the way we healthcare professionals work, creating an ongoing challenge and opportunity for evolution. For example, the treatment of a patient in a “free healthcare system” may differ significantly from the treatment of a patient in a healthcare system that relies on compensation from insurance companies. Navigating these different systems requires flexibility and adaptability, ensuring the best possible patient care, no matter what environment we find ourselves in.
What attracts you most to heart disease?
The interdisciplinary nature of this field is simply amazing. Unlike many other specialties, cardiology provides an incredible opportunity to serve as primary case managers for patients with access to surgical and interventional options, making cardiology an incredibly diverse and attractive field. This diversity and complexity of the issues makes it truly unique and endlessly interesting. As a cardiologist, I am committed to accepting challenges, staying at the forefront of development, and making a difference in the lives of those entrusted to me.
What are your areas of research and why did you choose them?
During my residency in Internal Medicine, I mainly dealt with advanced heart failure, pericardial disease, cardiovascular hemodynamics, and cardiology. Over the years, I have authored many book chapters on pericardial disease that have appeared in leading publications such as the European Society of Cardiology’s Textbook of Cardiovascular Diseases. I have also been involved in several retrospective research and prospective clinical trials, all aimed at advancing understanding of cardiology. At my current organization, I am leading a prospective clinical trial dealing with remote monitoring of patients supported by left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). In addition, I am involved in research on cell-free DNA and heart transplant recipients, as well as research on the use of microcirculation cameras to assess organ perfusion in the context of advanced heart failure and cardiogenic shock. I believe that through comprehensive research and compassionate patient care, we can improve the lives of people with heart disease.
What would you highlight in your life and career and owe to your alma mater?
As a recent graduate, I had concerns about how well I would fit into a new healthcare system in another country. However, I soon realized that my knowledge of basic science, anatomy, and physical examination that I had acquired during my undergraduate years provided a significant advantage in the effective treatment of patients. This solid foundation has also given me the space to learn from potential mistakes and adapt to a new healthcare system at my own pace. In addition to all this, one particularly warm memory stands out: a few years ago, I was giving a presentation at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress, when I met my cardiology instructor, Dr. With David Becker. He was the mentor who took me under his wing in 2011 and allowed me to study his work in the cath lab in my spare time. Reuniting with him after so many years, expressing my gratitude, and reminding him of the impact he had had on my journey was a moment truly dear to my heart. I had similar experiences with another trainer, Dr. Regarding Bella Merkley, who examined me during my training and has since held the position of Vice-President of the Economic and Social Council and Rector of the University. The opportunity to meet him again after many years and share memories of the past proves the importance of close relationships and enrichment of strength for study abroad.
Do you have any hobbies that keep you busy outside of medicine?
Well, in the 11 years since graduation, I have focused on advancing my career and expanding my medical knowledge, and in my spare time, I have devoted myself to research and quality time with family and friends. But now, as a father of two wonderful children, I spend all my free time with my family. I must say that this new chapter of my life brings me so much joy. No matter what challenges I face at work; When I enter my home and spend time with my kids, all the stress melts away. This time together not only refreshes my mind but also reminds me of the important things in life, other than my medical career. Being a single parent has brought balance to my life, where every moment is precious.
What would you advise today’s students, residents, and doctoral students regarding their undergraduate years, life, and career?
I believe that in the world of medicine, building relationships, commitment, hard work, and cultivating international connections can pave the way to success in any career path. I encourage all young people to broaden their interests and explore hitherto unknown areas such as research. I advise you to focus on your areas of true interest, and work hard to build relationships so that you will excel in your chosen field over time. Don’t be afraid to change course, because decisions made in a given situation do not necessarily determine future practice. Early steps such as volunteering at a university or hospital to expand your knowledge, participating in research to improve your skills in journalism and biostatistics, attending medical courses, and attending conferences all go a long way towards future success. Finally, I want to stress the importance of being bold and dreaming big. As a sophomore, I spent my summer holidays in New York, and the impression I made there had a profound effect on me. After seeing a doctor in a surgical gown on Fifth Avenue, I shared with my mother my dream that I would one day achieve what he did. Although I was a foreign medical student in Hungary and then had to establish myself as a “foreign doctor” in Israel, I managed to fulfill my dream and become a foreign doctor in New York. I encourage all aspiring healthcare professionals to take chances, believe in their dreams, and then embark on the journey with determination and passion.
Alumni Council
The article was published by the Directorate of Communications at Semmelweis University.
