1st Year Fellows
Akankcha Alok, MD
Medical School: Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, India
Residency: University of Central Florida COM/HCA Florida North Florida Hospital Gainesville
Hometown: Jamshedpur, India
Academic/Clinical Interest: Global Health, Planetary Health, Tropical Medicine, Antibiotic Stewardship, Infection Prevention
General Interests: Traveling
Why UF? The University of Florida is one of the busiest hospitals, offering exposure to a wide range of pathologies and a high patient volume—creating excellent opportunities for learning and growth. My long-term goal is to pursue a career in Global and Planetary Health, with a focus on antibiotic stewardship and infection prevention in underserved regions of India, Africa, and South America. UF’s exceptional Global Health electives in India and Colombia align closely with these aspirations. I am truly grateful and excited to be a part of this institution.
Email: akankcha.alok1@ufl.edu
Madiha S. Bari, MD
Medical School: Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Maharashtra, India
Residency: Nazareth Hospital, Philadelphia, PA
Hometown: Tallahassee, FL
Academic/Clinical Interest: I am particularly interested in transplant infectious diseases, antibiotic stewardship and orthopedic infections. These areas fascinate me because of the clinical complexity and multidisciplinary nature they require. Managing infections in immunocompromised patients, especially post-transplant or following surgical interventions, demands thoughtful collaboration, attention to detail, and up-to-date knowledge of emerging pathogens and resistance patterns. I’m also drawn to how infectious disease physicians contribute meaningfully to patient outcomes in both inpatient and consultative roles.
General Interests: Outside of medicine, I have a passion for interior design and architecture and traveling. I love sourcing vintage and antique pieces from all over the world to curate a timeless and lived in aesthetic for my home.
Why UF? I chose the University of Florida Infectious Disease program because of its strength in transplant and orthopedic infectious diseases, which aligns perfectly with my clinical goals. The program’s interdisciplinary approach, access to complex cases, and strong mentorship culture made it an ideal environment for my continued growth. I’m excited to train in a setting where academic rigor meets hands- on patient care—and where I can contribute to meaningful work in the infectious disease community.
Email: madiha.bari@ufl.edu
Meir Cherniak, MD, PhD
Medical School: Bar Ilan University Medical Faculty
Residency: Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem
Hometown: Jerusalem, Israel
Academic/Clinical interest: Clinical and Molecular Virology, Epidemiology, Antibiotical stewardship
General interests: Woodcrafting, hiking, spending time with my family
Why UF: The combination of two advanced Medical Centers with research facilities such as Emerging Pathogens Institute creates a unique environment for clinical and scientific development in Infectious Diseases. The ID department in the UFL combines professionalism with a pleasant working environment and is oriented to put the patient’s needs first. I am truly honored to continue my education and development here.
Email: mcherniak@gmail.com
Jackie Chung, DO
Medical School: Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine in Yakima, WA
Residency: Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, FL
Hometown: Tampa, FL
Academic/Clinical Interest: Antibiotic stewardship, infection control, general infectious disease, health advocacy, and quality improvement
General Interests: exploring new restaurants and parks with my family, baking bread and cookies, doom-scrolling
Why UF? UF offers the opportunity to learn about the complexities of medical diseases, including transplant, trauma, and tropical diseases, all in one place. My interview day with faculty and staff was extremely welcoming and emphasized wellness, and values fellows’ opinions when considering program changes.
Email: hac-tu.chung@medicine.ufl.edu
2nd Year Fellows
Apeksha Kakkar, MD
Medical School: Grant Govt. Medical College, Mumbai, India
Residency: The Wright Center for GME, PA
Hometown: Mumbai (you can win me over with ‘cutting’ chai)
Academic/Clinical Interest: Tropical medicine, Global health, One health, Travel medicine
General Interests: Writing (@lodestarpoetry – insta handle), Reading – fiction, Traveling, Swimming
Why UF? One of the best places in the United States to gain exposure in Tropical medicine. In addition to Global health, UF is one of the few premier institutes to offer a Planetary health track.
Email: kakkar.a@ufl.edu
Chilsia Shafi, MD
Medical School: K. S Hegde Medical Academy, NITTE University
Residency: The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education
Hometown: Kochi, India
Academic/Clinical Interest: Traditional ID, Tropical medicine, Epidemiology (tough to choose!)
General Interests: I am trained in Indian classical dance, and I venture to try out other forms of dance when I get the time. I also love baking!
Why UF? The people, especially the leadership and the vibrant atmosphere at the University of Florida really drew me in. With its extensive resources and unparalleled learning opportunities, UF was easily my top choice for ID training.
Email: cshafi@ufl.edu
Celin Rajan, MD
Medical School: Christian Medical College (Ludhiana), Punjab, India
Residency: University of Texas Rio Grande Valley- Knapp
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Academic/Clinical Interest: General infectious disease, Epidemiology, Infection control
General Interests: Outdoor activities, baking, tennis, volleyball
Why UF? I heard great things about the program from a prior fellow which led me to apply to the program. But I chose this program because of the diverse cases it offers and the welcoming environment I experienced on the interview day.
Email: crajan@ufl.edu