James A. Fallavollita
MD
James A. Fallavollita MD
Specialties
Cardiology; Cardiovascular Disease; Metabolism
Hospital-based provider only
Professional Summary:
My clinical activities as a noninvasive cardiologist primarily take place at the Buffalo VA Medical Center (VAMC). My responsibilities include attending on the inpatient cardiology consultation service and interpreting echocardiograms, stress tests and electrocardiograms (EKGs).
My research career initially focused on translational research using porcine models to investigate physiologic and metabolic adaptations that result from acute and chronic myocardial ischemia (chronically stunned and hibernating myocardium). These preclinical investigations have led to clinical research, including the recent completion of an NIH-sponsored clinical trial. This trial, on which I am the co-principal investigator with John M. Canty, Jr., MD, proved that the presence of sympathetically denervated myocardium quantified by positron emission tomography can predict the risk of sudden death in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy. I am in the process of extending these findings to the clinical management of patients with implantable cardiac defibrillators.
My work as a physician-scientist has included serving on numerous research-related oversight committees and as a peer reviewer for multiple national, regional and local committees. I have been funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Department of Veterans Affairs and the American Heart Association to conduct a variety of investigator-initiated research projects.
Medical education is a critical component of my professional life. Nearly all of my clinical and research activities are performed in conjunction with the education of fellows in cardiovascular diseases, residents in internal medicine and medical students. I facilitate small group sessions for second-year medical students in Cardiovascular Physiology for which I have earned several commendations for teaching excellence; I am gratified to have participated in the education of hundreds of young physicians. I have also published dozens of abstracts and manuscripts with various levels of trainees, giving them the opportunity to grow as physician-scientists while at the same time advancing medical knowledge.
Specialties:
Cardiology, Cardiovascular Disease, Metabolism
Patients Treated:
Adults, Seniors/Elderly
Physician Gender:
Male
Hospital Locations (for inpatients only):
- VA Medical Center
Board Certifications:
- Board Certification, American Board of Internal Medicine
- Board Certification, American Board of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Diseases
Education and Training:
- MD, University of Washington School of Medicine (1987)
- BS, University of Washington (1983)
Awards and Honors:
- Best Paper in Circulation: Cardiovascular Imaging (2018)
- Outstanding Research, Department of Medicine (2014)
- Commendations for Teaching Excellence (2011)
- University at Buffalo School of Nursing Dean's Mentor Award (2008)
- Fellowship, American College of Physicians (2002)
- Fellowship, American Heart Association (2001)
- Young Investigator Award to attend the European Society of Cardiology Conference (1999)
- Travel Award, 4th Annual Astra Merck Cardiovascular Young Investigator Forum (1998)
- Fellowship, American College of Cardiology (1997)
- Clinician Scientist Award, American Heart Association (1996)
- Young Investigator Award, NYS ACC (1994)
- John C. Sable Memorial Heart Fund Grant, Independent Order of Oddfellows (1993)
- Commissioned Officer Student Training and Extern Program. US Public Health, Bethesda, MD (1985)
Research Profile:
This UBMD physician is also a member of the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo, teaching the next generation of doctors and researching to advance care in WNY and beyond. Learn more about this physician's research and teaching activities, as well as view credentials, publications, professional involvement and more below.