First Years (2026 – 2028)
Saloni Shirke, DO
Medical School: Caribbean Medical University School of Medicine, Curacao
Residency: Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine/Mercy Health, Fort Smith, AR
Hometown: Markham, Ontario
Academic/Clinical interest: Antimicrobial Stewardship, Infection Control
Interests: Cooking, Travelling, Hiking, Crocheting
Why UF: The breadth of pathology: given Florida’s geographic location, we are exposed to a wide variety of cases. Also, UF Health has a strong GME culture with robust opportunities for scholarly activity and research. This provides diverse and comprehensive training that is difficult to find elsewhere. Also, Gainesville is a wonderful place to live.
Email: saloni.shirke@medicine.ufl.edu
Bret McCarty, MD
Medical School: Rutgers New Jersey
Residency: Jefferson Health
Hometown:
Academic/Clinical Interest:
General Interests:
Why UF?
Email: bret.mccarty@medicine.ufl.edu
Idelisse Suarez, MD
Medical School: University of Medicine and Health Sciences, St. Kitts
Residency: HCA Florida Healthcare/USF Morsani College of Medicine
Hometown: Carolina, Puerto Rico
Academic/Clinical Interest: Orthopedic infections, transplant infectious disease.
General Interests: exploring new restaurants and parks with my family, baking bread and cookies.
Why UF? Wide exposure to complex infections, transplant & ortho ID, antimicrobial stewardship, microbiology, HIV, global health, and hospital epidemiology; strong clinical training, diverse patient population, dedication to academic excellence, and the chance to train at both UF Health/the VA.
Email: idelisse.suarez@medicine.ufl.edu
Second Years (2025 – 2027)
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? Shands is one of the busiest hospitals, offering exposure to a wide range of pathologies and a high patient volume. I want to pursue a career in Global and Planetary Health with a focus on antibiotic stewardship and infection prevention in underserved regions globally, and UF’s exceptional electives align with my aspirations. I am truly grateful to be a part of this institution.
Email: Akankcha.Alok@medicine.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: Transplant infectious diseases, antibiotic stewardship, orthopedic infections, managing infections in immunocompromised patients, and how infectious disease physicians contribute meaningfully to patient outcomes.
General Interests: Interior design, architecture, traveling. I love sourcing vintage and antique pieces from all over the world.
Why UF? I chose this program because of its strength in transplant and orthopedic infectious diseases; its interdisciplinary approach and access to complex cases; and strong mentorship culture. It is an ideal environment for growth and contributing to meaningful work.
Email: madiha.bari@ufl.edu
Meir Cherniak, MD, PhD
Medical School: Bar Ilan University
Residency: Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem
Hometown: Jerusalem, Israel
Academic/Clinical interest: Clinical and Molecular Virology, Epidemiology, Antibiotical stewardship
General interests: Woodcrafting, hiking, 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