Abdul-Aziz Al-Khayyat, MBChB
Medical School: University of Manchester School of Medical Sciences
Undergraduate School: University of Manchester
Clinical Interests: consult-liaison psychiatry, neuromodulation, psychosis
Research Interests: mental health policy, medical education, neuromodulation
Other Interests/Hobbies: tennis, vinyl record collecting, coffee, entrepreneurship, philosophy
Why did you choose to train at Jackson/UM Psychiatry? I was initially drawn to Miami for the sunny weather, its multicultural vibe, and—arguably most importantly—the Cuban coffee. But after my observership at Jackson/UM, what truly made me choose the program was the people who make it what it is. It was clear that the program is intentional in cultivating a culture of supportiveness and academic/clinical excellence. I knew this was where I wanted to be, and I'm proud to have matched into my dream program!
Avi Botwinick, M.D.
Medical School: University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Undergraduate School: University of Miami
Clinical Interests: Adolescent and Young Adult Mental Health, Psychotherapy
Research Interests: OCD and Related Disorders, Tics, Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis
Other Interests/Hobbies: Jewish life, Yoga, Martial arts, Long walks with my wife
Why did you choose to train at Jackson/UM Psychiatry? This program has top quality faculty, diverse patients and psychopathologies, and amazing resident culture! I’m passionate about my research at the UHealth Tourette Center of Excellence, and I’m appreciative of the opportunities for mentorship here. Miami is beautiful, and my family is close. It was an easy choice!
Brooke Buonocore, M.D., MS
Medical School: University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Undergraduate School: University of Miami
Clinical Interests: Community psychiatry, forensic psychiatry, LGBTQ+ mental health, psychotherapy
Research Interests: Genetics and epigenetics, public mental health
Other Interests/Hobbies: Cooking, writing Yelp reviews, NYT crossword puzzles, making espresso, chess.
Why did you choose to train at Jackson/UM Psychiatry? I wanted to train in a fast-paced, high-volume environment where I could challenge myself, work with people from diverse backgrounds, and see complex cases. As a medical student at UM, I thought the psychiatry residents and attendings were extremely welcoming, supportive, and excellent teachers. Additionally, I love Miami! The city has so much energy and there is always something to do.
Vasanth Govind, M.D.
Medical School: University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Undergraduate School: University of Miami
Clinical Interests: Addiction Psychiatry, psycho-oncology
Research Interests: First episode psychosis, substance use disorders
Other Interests/Hobbies: Reading, basketball, cooking, video games, mechanical keyboards
Why did you choose to train at Jackson/UM Psychiatry? As a Miami native and UM graduate, I knew that Jackson offered unparalleled clinical training and diversity. Jackson’s focus on serving the underserved and managing complex cases will help me develop the skills necessary to make a meaningful difference in my hometown.
Ryan Guillen, M.D.
Medical School: University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Undergraduate School: Vanderbilt University
Clinical Interests: Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Community Psychiatry, Psychotherapy
Research Interests: Health Literacy and the Social Determinants of Mental Health, Neuroinflammation and Psychiatric Illness, Substance Use Disorders
Other Interests/Hobbies: Board game enthusiast. Fan of literary & visual arts. Occasional mascot at Holtz Children's Hospital.
Why did you choose to train at Jackson/UM Psychiatry? I grew up in Miami and wanted to contribute to a healthcare environment that makes a real difference locally, especially for those who need care the most. Training here felt like a natural fit – Jackson/UM offers exceptional clinical training, exposure to a diverse patient population, and a strong focus on serving underserved communities.
Fernanda Gushken, M.D., MPH
Medical School: Albert Einstein (São Paulo, Brazil)
Undergraduate School: University of Southern California
Graduate School: Johns Hopkins University
Clinical Interests: Addiction and Child Psychiatry
Research Interests: Public health, Behavioral addictions
Other Interests/Hobbies: Travelling, running, crossfit, movies
Why did you choose to train at Jackson/UM Psychiatry? It was the perfect combination of great clinical training, diverse patient population, sunny weather and having family and friends in the area.
Maya Hazimeh, M.D.
Medical School: American University of Beirut
Undergraduate School: American University of Beirut
Clinical Interests: Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Interventional Psychiatry, Mood Disorders
Research Interests: Neuromodulation, treatment-resistant depression, mental health disparities
Other Interests/Hobbies: Hiking, yoga, trying new restaurants, enjoying a sunny day at the beach
Why did you choose to train at Jackson/UM Psychiatry? Jackson/UM Psychiatry had everything I was looking for in a residency program: exceptional clinical training, cutting-edge research, a diverse patient population, broad exposure to various psychopathologies and clinical sites, and the opportunity to serve underserved communities. The warm and welcoming nature of the residents and faculty further strengthened my enthusiasm for the program. Miami’s beautiful weather, scenic beaches, and vibrant, multicultural community were simply the cherry on top. It truly felt like the perfect fit.
Nicholas Lukish, M.D.
Medical School: Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Undergraduate School: Johns Hopkins University
Clinical Interests: Personality Disorders, Trauma Disorders, Psychotherapy, Neuromodulation
Research Interests: Medical Education,
Other Interests/Hobbies: Everything Science Fiction, Fossil Hunting, Pickleball, Live Music, Traveling, Cooking
Why did you choose to train at Jackson/UM Psychiatry? I chose UM/JHS because of the diversity of training sites and the available opportunities for me to pursue my individual clinical and research interests. I wanted to join a program that was academically rigorous and had a strong community focus, where the core commitment is to serve those who are most in need. During my rotation with the PGY3s in the outpatient center, I came to believe that the program prioritized resident feedback, provided ample opportunities for professional development, valued and delivered high-quality teaching and mentorship, and supported the well-being of its residents. Being able to train in a beautiful, international, and vibrant city such as Miami was a bonus on top of everything else.
Sergio Muttio Hernandez, M.D.
Medical School: Universidad de Monterrey, Facultad de Medicina - México
Clinical Interests: Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Addiction Psychiatry
Research Interests: Adverse childhood experiences and adult mental health outcomes
Other Interests/Hobbies: Endurance sports, reading, hiking
Why did you choose to train at Jackson/UM Psychiatry? This program reflects my values, goals, and the kind of psychiatrist I aspire to become. UM offers the perfect blend; strong clinical training, opportunities to grow, and an environment that pushes you to thrive. Training in a bilingual, multicultural city like Miami made it feel like home.
Alexandra Perez, M.D.
Medical School: University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Undergraduate School: Johns Hopkins University
Clinical Interests: Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Women’s Mental Health/ Reproductive Psychiatry
Research Interests: Cultural competency & mental health equity, medical education, adverse childhood experiences
Other Interests/Hobbies: Pickleball, trying new restaurants, audiobooks, pilates, traveling
Why did you choose to train at Jackson/UM Psychiatry? I chose UM because I’ve seen firsthand how supportive and invested the faculty are in their students’ growth. I was drawn to the diverse patient population, the broad exposure to a wide range of psychopathology, and the variety of fellowship and training opportunities. Lastly, with my family and support system here and the bonus of warm weather, UM just felt like the most natural choice!
Andrea Rivera Molina, M.D.
Medical School: Colegio Mayor de Nuestra Señora del osario School of Medicine, Bogotá Colombia
Clinical Interests: Women’s Mental Health/Perinatal Mental Health, Geriatrics, Psychotherapy, Integrative Medicine
Research Interests: Neurocognitive Impairment in Older Adults, Barriers of PMH in Latin America
Other Interests/Hobbies: Ballroom dancing, exercising, spending time with loved ones.
Why did you choose to train at Jackson/UM Psychiatry? I had the opportunity to work in research within the department and complete a clinical rotation. The program's culture is incredibly welcoming, with excellent training opportunities, great and supportive attendings, residents, faculty and staff; exposure to diverse populations; complex psychopathologies, and strong support for pursuing individual interests. I feel very blessed to complete my residency in this amazing program and that I get to stay close to my family and support system!
Bianca Robinson, M.D.
Medical School: University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Undergraduate School: Georgia State University
Clinical Interests: Addiction, Psychotherapy, Consult-Liaison
Research Interests: Public psychiatry, trauma and related disorders, homelessness and mental health
Other Interests/Hobbies: paddleboarding, rollerblading, traveling, cooking
Why did you choose to train at Jackson/UM Psychiatry? I chose Jackson/UM Psychiatry because it aligns with my goal of becoming a public health physician focused on reducing mental health disparities in underserved communities. I’m excited to build on my past research in a setting committed to advocacy, equity, and community engagement. I also value practicing medicine in both English and Spanish to better connect with patients and reduce stigma around mental health, especially in Latinx communities like my own. Training here also allows me to stay close to my family and support system—something that’s deeply important to me as I grow personally and professionally.
Lucero Sangster Carrasco, M.D.
Medical School: Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas, Lima, Perú
Clinical Interests: Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Perinatal and Women’s Mental Health, Neurostimulation-based interventions.
Research Interests: Transcranial magnetic stimulation and other brain stimulation modalities, neurobiological and physiological markers of treatment response, and disparities in women’s mental health care.
Other Interests/Hobbies: My main hobby is definitely eating out and trying new foods—I consider myself a true foodie! I love exploring every city I visit through its local cuisine and discovering new restaurants. You’ll also always catch me taking pictures of little moments.
Why did you choose to train at Jackson/UM Psychiatry? I chose Psychiatry at Jackson/UM because from the very first moment I was here, I felt a strong connection to the program. The sense of community among the residents—the way they support one another and their constant drive to grow and improve patient care—truly stood out to me. The opportunity to serve such an underserved, diverse, and complex population will provide a strong foundation for my training as a psychiatrist. And, of course, spending the next four years in such a vibrant and beautiful city is an exciting opportunity.
Ragini Sharma, M.D.
Medical School: Maulana Azad Medical College, India
Clinical Interests: Public Health, Global Mental Health, Integrative Care, LGBTQ+, Psychotherapy, Addiction
Research Interests: Mental health equity, Community psychiatry, Culturally-sensitive trauma-informed care, Integrative (CAM) approaches
Other Interests/Hobbies: Mindfulness, Yoga, Cat mom, Theatre, Acting, Humanitarian clowning, Dancing, Traveling, Cooking
Why did you choose to train at Jackson/UM Psychiatry? I chose psychiatry at the University of Miami/Jackson Health System because during my rotation there, I genuinely fell in love with the program. The warmth and camaraderie among the residents, along with a truly outstanding faculty made it feel like the perfect place to grow. With its vibrant clinical diversity, strong academic exposure, and unbeatable Miami weather, it checked every box. Most importantly, the program is deeply committed to nurturing both your professional aspirations and the personal vision you carry into your journey in psychiatry.
Michel Wakim, M.D.
Medical School: FIU Herbert Wertheim School of Medicine
Undergraduate School: University of Miami
Clinical Interests: Consult-Liaison Psychiatry, Emergency Psychiatry, Psycho-Oncology, Psychotherapy
Research Interests: Psychopharmacology, Public Mental Health, Addiction
Other Interests/Hobbies: Pickleball, Basketball, Trivia
Why did you choose to train at Jackson/UM Psychiatry?
I chose to train at the University of Miami/Jackson Health System because of its strong commitment to serving a diverse patient population, its supportive and collaborative culture, and its outstanding opportunities for academic growth and mentorship. I feel deeply connected to this vibrant community, and I’m excited to continue my training in a place that feels like home. My experiences with the faculty and residents—especially during my rotation at the VA—affirmed that this is the ideal environment for my personal and professional growth as a future psychiatrist.
