PGY-1
Melissa Chen, DO
Hometown: Queens, New York
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine - Erie campus
Undergraduate Studies: Florida Gulf Coast University
About Me: I was born in New York and moved to Fort Myers, Florida; my parents ran a Chinese food restaurant that I grew up in. I was fortunate enough to attend medical school and discover my interest in psychiatry; I’m extremely passionate about mental health, particularly in working with immigrants and minorities/underserved populations.
Hobbies: Weight-lifting, yoga, aerial silks, crocheting, traveling, baking, cooking, food!
Career Interests: Child and adolescent psychiatry (all the way!), psychotherapy (psychoanalysis), community psychiatry, research, advocacy
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Haider Khan, DO
Hometown: Miramar, FL
Medical School: A.T. Still University – School of Osteopathic Medicine Arizona
Undergraduate Studies: Florida International University
About Me: I was born in Pakistan but moved to South Florida when I was 4 years old. I lived there for the majority of my life but ultimately my family moved to Houston in 2018. I then started medical school in Arizona in 2020 and was there for a year before moving to Chicago for 3 years for clinical. And now I live in the fantastic sunshine state again. So yes I have moved A LOT. But that allowed me to meet so many different people with different stories and cultures (and foods!!!).
Hobbies: Going on road trips in my 2002 Miata, hiking the moderate trails on alltrails.com if I'm feeling brave, playing board games (especially Taboo and Codenames), maximizing the Regal Unlimited Movie pass (not sponsored I promise)
Career Interests: I enjoy all aspects of psychiatry, but would be interested in addiction medicine or pain medicine!
Malissa Descalzo, MD
Hometown: Jupiter, FL
Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine
Undergraduate Studies: Biomedical Sciences at the University of Central Florida (Go Knights! Charge on!)
About Me: I was born and raised in South Florida (Jupiter to be exact - the location of season four of American Horror story, fun fact). I spent most of my youth playing volleyball competitively, believing I would pursue a college career playing my favorite sport. But since I'm on the shorter side, I decided being a doctor was probably easier than a professional volleyball player. I became interested in the field of Psychiatry after taking an AP course in high school. I wanted to be a part of changing the face of mental illness in this country, and truly listen to patients to decide the best path forward for them. In my free time you can find me running around the theme parks, trying to survive that Florida heat, or lounging on the beach or at the pool.
Hobbies: Beer brewing, lounging on the beach, volleyball, watching football, building LEGO
Career Interests: outpatient psychiatry with a special interest in LGBTQ+ care
Rachel Penumudi, MD
Hometown: Gainesville, Florida
Medical School: St. George's University
Undergraduate Studies: University of Florida
About me: Having grown up across various states—Iowa, Indiana, and Nevada—I've experienced diverse cultures and perspectives that have shaped my approach to medicine. For over a decade, Gainesville, Florida, has been my home, where I earned my degree from the University of Florida. My fourth-year rotation at HCA North Florida Hospital was a particularly formative experience; I was deeply impressed by the caliber of teaching and the strong sense of camaraderie among the residents.
The opportunity to contribute to my community and address the stigma surrounding mental health is a driving force behind my pursuit of a career in psychiatry. I am eager to bring my unique background and enthusiasm to the field, and I am committed to making a meaningful impact through compassionate care and community engagement.
Hobbies: I enjoy attending Broadway shows, traveling, singing in choir, watching movies, and savoring diverse cuisines, all while cherishing quality time with family and friends.
Career interests: Neuropsychiatry, Inpatient Psychiatry, Forensic Psychiatry
Haley Gallaher, MD
Hometown: Williamstown WV
Medical school: Saint James School of Medicine
Undergraduate: West Liberty University
About me: I was lucky enough to do my medical school clinical rotations in South Texas and I had the most amazing preceptors who really fostered my love and interest in psychiatry. Now I'm living my dream as a psychiatry resident in the sunshine state!
Hobbies: I love reading at the beach or by the pool
Career interests: telemedicine psychiatry
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Alexis Shahidi, MD
Hometown: Westminster, Colorado
Medical School: St. George's University
Undergraduate Studies: American University, Washington D.C. (Public Health)
About Me: I've had a deep love of travel ever since my family moved to Abu Dhabi while I was in high school. Since then, I've lived in, and enjoyed exploring, New York, New Jersey, Washington D.C., Grenada and now Florida. I'm very excited to have started my residency in Psychiatry at UCF/HCA North Florida! Having lived abroad and in many different cities in the US, I've always found myself able to make friends and establish meaningful connections with those around me. I've pursued my love of establishing these relationships with people into my Psychiatry training with the hopes that I can build bonds and make a difference within the community.
Hobbies: Reading, travel, Peloton (shout out to Cody!), watching reality television, and spending time with family and friends (when Love Island isn't on).
Career Interests: I'm keeping an open mind, but enjoy Inpatient and Outpatient Psychiatry, Telepsychiatry, Addiction, and Community Psychiatry
Felix Hernandez Perez, DO
Hometown: Tampa, FL
Medical School: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine - South Georgia
Undergraduate Studies: University of South Florida. B.A. in Psychology and B.S. in Cell and Molecular Biology
About Me: I was born in Cuba and moved to Tampa at the age of 14. My interest in psychiatry began during my first semester of undergraduate studies, but it was solidified after witnessing a close friend's struggle with mental illness. This personal experience deepened my commitment to the field. As I started medical school, I explored various specialties, yet none resonated with me as profoundly as psychiatry. I am particularly passionate about supporting the Hispanic community, recognizing the significant work needed to address mental health stigma within this population. I am eager to embark on this journey and dedicate myself to becoming the best psychiatrist I can be.
Hobbies: Spending time with my family and dog, watching TV shows, traveling, eating cheese :)
Career Interests: Community Mental Health, Inpatient and Outpatient Psychiatry, Mood Disorders, LGBTQIA+
Insherah Sughayer, MD