PGY-4
Austin M Cook M.D.
I moved to Jacksonville with my Aussie (Pepper) and Bengal (Leo) from North Carolina and have loved my experience at UF Jax. I’ve found that in addition to the wide variety of psychiatric pathology present, the amazing attendings, staff, and coresidents provide a welcoming, supportive, and friendly community with top-notch teaching/insight into psychiatry. It’s a program which balances wellness while also providing the pathway to become an excellent psychiatrist.
Megan M Green M.D.
I am a Florida native, born and raised on the Space Coast. I attended Florida State University for my undergraduate years and majored in Exercise Physiology, prior to returning to FSU for my medical degree. I am interested in psychiatric care for all ages. Outside of work, I enjoy singing, gardening, working out, and exploring new places.
David P Lindars M.D.
Having grown up in Northern California, I’m excited to call Florida my home for residency. I completed my undergraduate education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a major in Economics before returning to Northern California for medical school. 10 years ago I was working in Sales at a tech start-up in Silicon Valley and would never have guessed I’d be pursuing a career in Psychiatry. I came to find a passion for Psychiatry in medical school due to it’s patient-centered dynamic and emphasis on human connection. Throughout residency, I hope to narrow down my interests in Psychiatry, though I am currently drawn to community psychiatry and psychotherapy. Outside the hospital, you’ll find me on a long walk looking at plants, birds or water.
PGY-3
Abdullah J Allawala D.O.
I was born and raised in San Antonio and attended the University of Texas at Austin (Hook’em) where I majored in Public Health. After undergrad, I worked at Medtronic and then at a health-tech company in the Bay Area where I developed a better understanding of the business of healthcare. In my free time, I like to watch horror movies, try new recipes, and explore new cities with my wife.
Brittany J Blake M.D.
I’m a proud Jamaican who calls Florida home! I am so excited to be a double gator, I completed undergrad at UF, went to UMiami, then here at UF Jax. I am interested in inpatient, reproductive, and community psych, especially since my efforts at medical school involved building a street psychiatry clinic in Miami caring for the most vulnerable. I’m so excited to be at UF Jax where I can continue caring for marginalized populations and reducing health disparities in this diverse city and training program. My hobbies include Lego-building, crocheting, cooking and reading.
Joe Cyriac M.D.
I’m from Sarasota, Florida. I attended Florida State University on the Presidential Scholars program, where I majored in exercise physiology and developed a fascination with the connection between movement and medicine. I remained at FSU for medical school and was honored with the Regional Campus Dean’s Award, given in recognition of a student dedicated to the art and science of medicine, who demonstrates compassion for patients and their families, personal and professional growth, and academic excellence. I’m passionate about evidence-based, compassionate mental health care and am committed to reducing stigma and improving access to psychiatric services.
Perla Jimenez Herrera M.D.
I’m originally from the beautiful island of the Dominican Republic. Moved to Florida then went to UCF for my Bachelors. Decided to trade beaches for mountains and attended West Virginia University for medical school. My passion stems from wanting to make a difference for families and children, especially those from lower resources and socioeconomic status. I am in the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry track and looking forward to serving my community in a meaningful way.
Tyler M Martinez D.O.
I am from Ft. Lauderdale, FL and stayed close to home for college at Florida State University, go Seminoles! I then pursued my medical education at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Auburn, AL. During my clinical rotations, I discovered a strong interest in psychiatry and all the complexities that make it such a fascinating and rewarding field. I am currently drawn to both inpatient and outpatient work so that I can be equipped to help my patients at both levels of care. Outside of medicine, I enjoy activities that keep me active and outside such as powerlifting, woodworking, gardening, tennis, and camping.
Malaika J Singleton-Towns M.D.
I was born in New Jersey, but was proudly raised in Jacksonville, Florida and consider myself a Jacksonville native through and through (DUUUVALLL)! I went to Hampton University (THE REAL HU) for my undergraduate studies and then attended Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine. Although my interest in psychiatry began at an early age, it blossomed into a true passion during medical school, as I found that my most rewarding experiences were in psychiatry. I’m excited to return to my hometown as a resident, dedicated to giving back to the community that shaped me. Supporting mental health in Jacksonville means the world to me—and so does cheering on my favorite football team, the Jaguars! Areas of interest: Geriatrics, Community Psychiatry, and Women’s Mental Health
PGY-2
Afrah S Abedi D.O.
I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago before moving to Florida for medical school at LECOM-Bradenton. I’m in the child & adolescent psychiatry track and discovered my passion for working with youth while volunteering as a fitness and yoga instructor at a female adolescent residential center in Jacksonville. It reinforced an interest in supporting young individuals facing mental health, addiction, and legal challenges. Outside of medicine, I enjoy reading, traveling, cooking, and watching sitcoms. Excited to continue staying in Jacksonville!
Andy S Asher M.D.
I’m originally from Tallahassee, Florida, and completed both my undergraduate and medical education at Florida State University. My interests in psychiatry include child and adolescent psychiatry, psychotherapy, and TMS. Outside of work, I’m passionate about playing golf and tennis, fishing, video games, all FSU sports, and relaxing at home with my cat, Snips!
Artem F Dadamyan M.D.
I was born in Moscow, Russia before moving to Jacksonville in 2004. I attended medical school at Oakland University in Michigan and was beyond excited when I found out I was returning home to Jax for residency. I chose to pursue psychiatry because I felt like it was the only field where I can truly connect with patients on a human level and help them navigate the emotional and psychological challenges that impact every aspect of their lives. Outside of work, I enjoy golfing, working out, playing pickleball, going to Jags games, and being let down by Manchester United.
Ryyan Kassoo D.O.
Florida has always been home—I was born and raised in Orlando. I earned my undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Florida (Go Gators!) and went on to complete a Master’s in Medical Sciences at the University of South Florida. I later attended medical school in Alabama and am thrilled to be back in Florida for residency training. Psychiatry stood out to me because of its focus on the whole person—mind, body, and environment—and its ability to build lasting, meaningful connections with patients. Outside of medicine, I’m passionate about health and fitness, enjoy cooking, staying active, traveling, making music, and discovering new spots in the local food scene.
Daniel A Nichols M.D.
Originally from Tucson, Arizona, I served in the Air Force for five years in Anchorage Alaska, then spent a year as a deckhand touring the Caribbean and Mediterranean. Afterward, I spent two years backpacking through Europe and Latin America, volunteering and learning from a wide range of communities. I’m certified in trauma-informed yoga and have led community classes focused on mindfulness and movement. My interests include child and adolescent psychiatry, consultation-liaison psychiatry, trauma-informed care, and working with underserved populations. Outside of work, I enjoy surfing, cycling, gardening, and spending time with my wife and son.
Omobusayo F Purser D.O.
I was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, and earned my undergraduate degree in accounting before moving to South Florida. My path to medicine was shaped by a deep commitment to service and a passion for working with underserved communities. I discovered my interest in psychiatry during my third-year rotation, especially after seeing how often mental health is neglected or misunderstood in my culture. That experience sparked a deep desire to be part of the change. My goal is to learn as much as I can in order to help people around the world, especially through mission work and community outreach. Outside of medicine, I love spending time in the kitchen trying recipes from different cultures and sewing as a creative outlet.
Tevin S Um D.O.
Born in Cincinnati (Go Bengals!) and raised in Orlando, I completed my undergraduate education at UCF on full scholarship. I then came to medical school at NSU KPCOM already set on psychiatry. Throughout medical school, my commitment to destigmatizing mental health across all cultures led me to found the PsychSIGN chapter and serve in multicultural organizations from the local to national levels. I also began exploring AI applications in psychiatric care, presenting my research at APA and AACAP conferences. Clinically, I’m drawn to child and adolescent psychiatry, inpatient care, and neuromodulation therapies including ECT. Outside the hospital, you’ll find me on the golf course (perpetually three-putting), gaming with friends, or spending time with my partner, family, and our german shepherd.
PGY-1
John Y Cho D.O.
Born in Texas and raised in Virginia. I went to Virginia Tech for my undergrad education focusing on biology, psychology, and neuroscience. I ended up pursuing medicine after working with an orthopedic surgeon for some years, learning the value of medicine. I found myself going into psychiatry, building upon my academic background and interests.
Abby L Denham D.O.
I grew up in Central Florida and earned my bachelor’s degree in Nutritional Science from UF before attending LECOM. I chose psychiatry because it allows me to combine medicine with meaningful human connection. I feel privileged to support patients through some of the most challenging moments of their lives. I have an interest in addiction and community psychiatry, but there is still so much to learn about the field, and I’m excited to see where residency takes me. Outside of medicine, I enjoy bringing people together. Whether it’s hosting a game night, trying a new workout class, or exploring local coffee shops and restaurants, I’m always happiest when sharing experiences with family and friends.
Sarah K Duffy D.O.
Born and raised in Jacksonville, I’m thrilled to be back home and have the opportunity to train in the community where I grew up. I earned my undergraduate degree from Florida State University and a masters in medical science before attending medical school at the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine (ACOM), where I continued pursuing my lifelong interest in psychiatry. During my training, I discovered a particular passion for child and adolescent psychiatry and working with underserved populations. Outside of work, I love baking, reading, and spending time with my family, friends, and my dog, Blue.
Salma A Farag M.D.
I’m from the southwest suburbs of Chicago and studied cognitive and behavioral neuroscience at Loyola University Chicago before attending SUNY Upstate for medical school. My interests include child and adolescent psychiatry and psychotherapy. Outside of work, I enjoy cycling, reading, and spending time with my family.
Taylor N Ham M.D.
I grew up in Sunrise, FL and completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Florida where I studied English and nutrition. For medical school, I attended the University of Central Florida. I chose psychiatry because of the opportunity to use medicine to help patients live their best lives. My current interests include street and reproductive psychiatry. When not at work, I love spending time with my husband and our two cats, watching documentaries, and practicing aerial arts.
Bella-Cristina Objio M.D.
I was born in New York but moved to Florida as a child and have called it home ever since. I grew up in Orlando and completed my undergraduate education at USF. I then returned home to Orlando for 4 years where I worked as a caregiver for adults with intellectual disabilities and behavior challenges. That experience inspired me to pursue a career in medicine and ultimately led me to Florida Atlantic University for medical school. There, my passion for supporting vulnerable populations led me to found the Disabilities Interest Group and mentor youth with autism in the community. Clinically, my interests are in Child & Adolescent psychiatry. Outside of medicine, I enjoy exploring new cities, staying active, and spending time with friends and family.
Elizabeth A Ruelke M.D.
I’m a born and raised Florida native. I completed my bachelor’s degree at UCF, my master’s degree at USF, and my medical degree at FSU. Psychiatry stood out to me because of the focus on the whole person: mental, physical, social, and environmental. I’m passionate about evidence-based and compassionate healthcare for the underserved and those with limited socioeconomic means. Within psychiatry I’m currently drawn to psychotherapy, neuromodulation (TMS, ECT), and community psychiatry. Outside of medicine, you can find me watching movies, writing short stories, cooking with my partner, and playing ball with my rescue dog.