Residents

PRG 4

Paul R Chakkaphak

Paul R Chakkaphak D.O.

Resident Physician

Medical School: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine

I am a Jacksonville native and am ecstatic to return home and serve the community through my psychiatric training. I first developed an interest in psychiatry as an undergraduate student at Vanderbilt University, where I majored in neuroscience, and then saw that interest grow into a passion while in medical school at the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine. As a medical student, I was inducted into the Sigma Sigma Phi Osteopathic Honors Fraternity and was awarded my College’s 2022 Behavioral Medicine Award. I look forward to carrying my passion for general psychiatry throughout residency as I explore the many facets of this wonderful field. Outside of work, I enjoy collecting records, going to concerts, relaxing at home with my partner and our fat cat Julius, and crossing my fingers that the Jaguars will one day stop losing so much.

Massiel Montes De Oca

Massiel Montes De Oca M.D.

Resident Physician

Medical School: University of Florida College of Medicine

I grew up in Orlando, Florida but had wonderful opportunities to move around throughout my studies. For undergrad I went to Brown University where I majored in community health and then pursued a Master’s in Public Health at Columbia University in New York City. While passionate about public health, my desire to study medicine remained and I then pursued a Master’s in Medical Sciences at the University of South Florida to better prepare for the rigors of medical school. Later, the University of Florida College of Medicine welcomed me into their training program. During my clinical rotations, I discovered I greatly enjoyed psychiatry and all the nuances that accompany what appears to be the last frontier of medicine. I am fascinated by the roles of psychopharmacology and psychotherapy in helping patients achieve stability in their lives. I have interests in community psychiatry, child and adolescent psychiatry, and forensic psychiatry. In my free time, you can find me traveling and exploring Jacksonville with my husband and baby boy.

Irina Tardif

Irina Tardif M.D.

Resident Physician

Medical School: University of Central Florida College of Medicine

I completed my undergraduate and medical school education at the University of Central Florida in Orlando. As a medical student, I was drawn to psychiatry during my psychiatry clerkship when I realized how much I valued interpersonal aspects of patient care and clinical medicine. During my time in medical school, I received Academic Excellence Award and the Outstanding Senior in Psychiatry Award for demonstrating academic, patient care and professional achievements. My current interests in psychiatry are broad and include addiction and neuromodulation. I am hoping to work on an inpatient psychiatry unit as well as community, and private practice. In my free time, I enjoy being outdoors, exploring new places, and spending time at the beach with family and friends.

PRG 3

Austin M Cook

Austin M Cook M.D.

Resident Physician

Medical School: Stanford University School of Medicine

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.

Peace O Oginni

Peace O Oginni M.D.

Resident Physician

Medical School: University of Florida College of Medicine

I was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria before moving to Florida in 2013. I am in the child & adolescent psychiatry track and excited to be a quadruple gator since I completed my undergraduate and medical school education at the University of Florida. I am interested in community psychiatry especially in individuals who are living with homelessness, in-patient psychiatry, psychotherapy and child & adolescent psychiatry. My hobbies are baking, cooking and enjoying a sunny day on the beach with family and friends.

David P Lindars

David P Lindars M.D.

Resident Physician

Medical School: California Northstate University College of Medicine

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.

Megan M McCreery

Megan M McCreery M.D.

Resident Physician

Medical School: Florida State University College of Medicine

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.

Nneka Nwosisi

Nneka Nwosisi M.D., M.P.H.

Resident Physician

Medical School: Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University

I was born and raised in Nigeria before moving to Nashville, TN. I went to medical school at Quillen COM, where I also received a master’s in public health with a concentration in health administration and health policy. I was introduced to psychiatry during my AP psychology class in high school and since then, I have developed a strong interest in global and interventional psychiatry. My goal is to help eliminate health disparities and treat medically underserved populations. In my free time, I enjoy brunch, working out, and traveling. I’m looking forward to creating a home in Jacksonville!

PRG 2

Abdullah J Allawala

Abdullah J Allawala M.D.

Resident Physician

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

Brittany J Blake M.D.

Resident Physician

Medical School: University of Miami Miller School of Medicine

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

Joe Cyriac M.D.

Resident Physician

Medical School: Florida State University College of Medicine

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

Perla Jimenez Herrera M.D.

Resident Physician

Medical School: West Virginia University School of Medicine

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

Tyler M Martinez D.O.

Resident Physician

Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Auburn Campus

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

Malaika J Singleton-Towns M.D.

Resident Physician

Medical School: Boston University School of Medicine

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!

PRG 1

Afrah S Abedi

Afrah S Abedi D.O.

Resident Physician

Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton

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

Andy S Asher M.D.

Resident Physician

Medical School: Florida State University College of Medicine

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

Artem F Dadamyan M.D.

Resident Physician

Medical School: Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine

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

Ryyan Kassoo D.O.

Resident Physician

Medical School: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine

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

Daniel A Nichols M.D.

Resident Physician

Medical School: SUNY Upstate Medical University Alan and Marlene Norton College of Medicine

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

Omobusayo F Purser D.O.

Resident Physician

Medical School: Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine

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

Tevin S Um D.O.

Resident Physician

Medical School: Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine

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.