Timoteo Almeida, M.D., MSc, Ph.D.
Chief Resident, PGY 5
Medical School: Federal University of Alagoas School of Medicine
Graduate School: University of São Paulo
Residency Training: Neurological Surgery, UFFS, Brazil
Fellowship: CAST-accredited Fellowship in Radiosurgery and Functional Neurosurgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (2024-25); Fellowship in Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, University of British Columbia (2019-20); Fellowship in Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery, University of Sao Paulo (2016-17).
Internship: SUNY Upstate
Clinical/Research Focus: Dr. Timoteo Almeida is a dual-trained neurosurgeon and Chief Resident in Radiation Oncology at the University of Miami with specialized expertise in CNS malignancies, stereotactic radiosurgery, neuromodulation, and image-guided minimally invasive therapies. He recently completed a CAST-accredited fellowship in Stereotactic Radiosurgery & Functional Neurosurgery at UPMC under Drs. Dade Lunsford and Jorge Gonzalez-Martinez, performing 400+ Gamma Knife cases and serving as faculty for the UPMC Gamma Knife Course. His clinical practice spans radiosurgical and surgical management of primary and metastatic brain tumors, skull base lesions, and functional disorders—including epilepsy, movement disorders, pain syndromes, and selected psychiatric indications. He has extensive experience with Gamma Knife radiosurgery, deep brain stimulation, laser interstitial thermal therapy, radiofrequency ablation, and MRI-guided focused ultrasound; current work includes advanced LINAC-based functional radiosurgery. Dr. Almeida’s research focuses on advanced neuroimaging, minimally invasive targeting, and interdisciplinary care in functional neurosurgery and CNS oncology. He is co-PI of a first-in-human trial evaluating low-intensity focused ultrasound for thalamic neuromodulation in refractory epilepsy. He is the recipient of the 2024–25 Resident Research Award.
Outside Interests: Cooking and exploring new cuisines; playing the guitar and the piano
Favorite Thing About Miami: The amazing cuisine and cultural diversity
Armando A. Vera, M.D.
PGY 5
Hometown: Caracas, Venezuela.
Medical School: Universidad Central de Venezuela - Escuela Luis Razetti.
Internship: Quinnipiac University Frank H. Netter School of Medicine at St Vincent’s Medical Center – Hartford Health Care, Bridgeport, Connecticut.
Prior Residency Training: Internal Medicine at Quinnipiac University, Frank H. Netter School of Medicine, St. Vincent’s Medical Center – Hartford HealthCare.
Board Certification: Internal Medicine
Clinical/Research Interest: As a fully trained internist, I am dedicated to enhancing patient outcomes through clinical practice and research. My primary interests lie in gastrointestinal and head and neck cancers. I am actively involved in developing innovative protocols to reduce hospitalization rates, improve treatment compliance for patients with head and neck cancers, and create new treatment strategies for cholangiocarcinoma. Additionally, I am committed to addressing radiation oncology emergencies with expertise and care.
Outside Interests: I am a soccer fan, particularly of the Premier League, but I also enjoy other sports like baseball. I love spending time with my family and always enjoy a good barbecue.
Favorite thing about Miami: My favorite things about Miami are the beaches within driving distance and the numerous sports events. The tropical weather is similar to my hometown, making me feel at home.
David Lee, M.D.
PGY 4
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Undergraduate: Brown University
Medical School: The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
Internship: Internal Medicine, Northwell Health
Clinical/Research Interests: CNS, GU and radiosensitizers
Outside Interests: Visiting the beach, going on drives, trying new restaurants, drawing on the computer
Favorite thing about Miami: Warm year-round weather, proximity to beaches, camaraderie/collegiality within the department
Ifeanyichukwu Ogobuiro, M.D., MHS
PGY 4
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
Undergraduate: University of Texas at Dallas
Medical School: Central Michigan University School of Medicine
Internship: Case Western Reserve University/ University Hospital - Surgery Intern year
Fellowship: T32 Surgical Oncology Research Fellowship (University of Miami, SCCC)
Clinical/Research Interests: CNS
Outside interests: Soccer, Tennis, Ping-pong, HIIT training, and Traveling
Favorite thing about Miami: Multicultural city with variety of food and entertainment
Isabella Dreyfuss, D.O., MPH, MBA
PGY 3
Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Undergraduate: : Duke University (Neuroscience Major, Minor in Economics, Certificate in Markets & Management)
Medical School: Nova Southeastern University
Internship: University of South Florida, Sarasota
Clinical/Research Interests: I am deeply passionate about radiation oncology, particularly in the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) malignancies. My research interests focus on improving treatment techniques and outcomes in CNS cancers, especially those involving leptomeningeal metastases. I am also interested in the development of brain-avoidant craniospinal irradiation (CSI) protocols to enhance the precision and efficacy of treatment while minimizing cognitive side effects. In addition, I aim to contribute to clinical trials evaluating novel radiation techniques and biomarker analyses to personalize cancer treatment. As the Research Chair of SWRO and Education Chair of ARRO, I am committed to fostering academic mentorship and cultivating an inclusive and innovative culture for women in radiation oncology, seeking to create opportunities for women to thrive in this field.
Outside interests: Family, running, traveling, weight-lifting, hot yoga, pilates, snowboarding
Favorite thing about Miami: The vibrant culture and the opportunity to work at a top cancer center while being close to family and friends.
Xochilt Labissiere, M.D.
PGY 3
Hometown: Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Medical School: Universidad Iberoamericana (UNIBE), Dominican Republic
Internship: General Surgery, Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center
Preliminary PGY2: General Surgery, University of California San Francisco (UCSF)
Post-Doctoral Research Fellow: Vazquez-Padron Vascular Surgery laboratory, University of Miami
Clinical/Research Interests: GI/GU
Outside interests: Gastronomy, Table Tennis, Being outdoors, My Australian Shepherd (Phoenix), traveling
Favorite thing about Miami: Being close to family, great weather, Diverse culture
