PGY-3
Shaina Aifuwa, MD
Hello! I'm Shaina. I'm a first-generation American and my parents are from Edo State, Nigeria. I was born and raised in Massachusetts, then relocated to Dacula, Georgia right before starting high school. I completed my undergraduate studies at Georgia State University with a bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences, and then went on to graduate from Morehouse School of Medicine.
I knew I wanted to work in healthcare since high school. Throughout my education, I became very interested in the neurobiological and psychological aspects of the brain and I really enjoyed working as an undergraduate clinical research assistant in a developmental psychology lab. After completing my psychiatry clerkship in medical school, I fell in love with the field. One of the best parts was interacting and building relationships with patients. I never realized how much I enjoyed talking to people nor anticipated how meaningful and resonant these encounters would be. Most importantly, I've learned a lot about the misunderstandings and stigma surrounding mental health issues and how that plays a major role in why so many people, especially those from underserved areas, are not receiving the quality psychiatric care that they need.
Career interests: I want to practice general adult psychiatry in both inpatient and outpatient settings. I'm also passionate about mental health equity, and I would like to serve in high physician shortage areas with greater focus on socially and economically disadvantaged groups.
Hobbies: includes aerobic exercise, meditation, journaling, watching thriller movies, surfing on social media, checking out different restaurants and trying new foods, and reconnecting with family and friends. Also, I love reading about astrology!
Matthew Postler, DO
Hello, my name is Matt and I was born and raised in the state of Vermont. I majored in neuroscience at Middlebury College and have always found the brain to be fascinating. I am a graduate of Lincoln Memorial University - DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine. While in medical school, I was unsure of which specialty I wanted to pursue, that is until I started my psychiatry clinical rotation. I loved getting to know the patients and hearing their stories. To me, the field of psychiatry is interesting, complex, ever-changing, and something that will challenge me to think critically for my patients every single day. I am looking forward to spending the next four years in Gainesville. My career interests include inpatient psychiatry, psychotherapy, forensic psychiatry, rural mental health. My hobbies include spending time with family, cooking, traveling, hip-hop music, and trying new restaurants. Fun fact: I was radio DJ for four years while in college.
Megan Ayala, MD
Hometown: Miami Springs, FL
Medical school: St. George’s University
Undergraduate studies: Psychology and Biology at Florida International University
About me: Born and raised in Miami. I love soaking up the sunshine and all the beautiful things that nature has to offer. I am passionate about mental health and helping others realize their potential.
Hobbies: Nature, meditation, exercise/yoga, dance, writing, Veganism, and cross stitching.
Career interests: Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Forensics, ADHD
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Sampreeth Murali, DO
I was born in India and raised in Philadelphia. I attended University of Pittsburgh, where I graduated with a degree in Accounting. I completed my pre-reqs for medical school at USF. I attended Kansas City University COM for my medical school. My hobbies include basketball, meditation, reading, working out, and streaming shows/movies. My career interests are trauma, PTSD and addiction psychiatry.
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Patricia de la Cabada, MD
Home town: Miramar, FL
Medical school: Ross University School of Medicine
Undergraduate studies: Anthropology at the University of Florida
About me: Hello! My name is Patricia, or Patty for short. I am of Puerto Rican and Cuban descent. I was always interested in mental health, neuroscience, and the sociocultural determinants of health, but I did not realize I wanted to go into psychiatry until I did my psychiatry clerkship. It was then that I fell in love with the field and realized it was the perfect fit for me.
Hobbies: Running, hiking, and skiing out in nature, reading psychological thrillers and mysteries, watching movies, finding the best brunch places, and spending time with my family and friends.
Career interests: Child and adolescent psychiatry, first episode psychosis, mood disorders, and addiction
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Emily Shilakis, MD
Hometown: La Crosse, WI
Medical School: St. George University
Undergraduate Studies: Kinesiology at University of Wisconsin (Go Badgers!)
About Me: I grew up in Wisconsin and moved to Florida after graduation. I am the second oldest of five kids which always meant chaos but I wouldn’t change it for anything. I love Florida sun; however, fall will forever by my favorite season…I mean who wouldn’t love football, leaves changing color, and finally bearable temperatures? That being said of course I am a Packers fan. If you ask my co-residents they would probably tell you my favorite thing is Christmas season as I am obsessed with anything holiday related!
Hobbies: Weightlifting/HITT, golf, crochet, reading
Career interests: forensic psychiatry or Emergency Psychiatry
Syed Hussain, DO
Home town: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Medical school: Nova Southeastern University
Undergraduate studies: BS in Biology at Nova Southeastern University
About me: Hi everyone, I am Moby! You can usually find me joking around and laughing at nothing.
Hobbies: Video games, Sports, TV, Nature, Animals, Road trips, Roller Coasters, Comedy
Career interests: Child and adolescent psychiatry
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Ramon Zardon, MD
Hometown: Pembroke Pines, Fl
Medical school: Ross University SOM
Undergraduate studies: University of Florida
About Me: Even though I wasn’t born in Florida, I’m a Floridian through and through. Coming back to the town I finished my undergraduate studies has been a fun experience, allowing me to visit with old friends while gaining new skills in my training. Despite my lengthy Floridian resume, I still avoid the sun like it’s the plague, opting to spend my time indoor rock climbing or enjoying a great videogame or TV show.
Hobbies: music, video games, rock climbing
Career interests: outpatient psychiatry, with focus on psychotherapy; possibly CAP or Forensics