Psychiatry Residency Training Program

Meet Our Residents!

PGY1

Lilliana Franklin, DO

Undergraduate and Post Graduate Education:

  • B.S. in Cell & Molecular Biology from University of South Florida
  • Post-Baccalaureate in Pathology from University of South Florida
  • Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine


Professional Accomplishments:
Behavioral Medicine Award from Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine, Content Creator for American Association of Community Psychiatry in 2023, Public Relations Director for Neuro/Psych Club in medical school

Clinical & Research Interests: Expanding psychiatric resources within communities through assertive community treatment and integrated behavioral health. Improving clinical outcomes with early psychosis intervention. Learning about types of psychotherapy.

Goals for Psychiatry Residency Training: Identify the deficits in mental health resources within Lakeland and play an active role to address them. Practice communication with patients of all backgrounds and pathologies. Learn more about ECT/TMS. Work collaboratively with social workers, psychotherapists, and peer specialists. Make great memories and build bonds with my co-residents.

Personal Interests: Painting, exploring local restaurants and bars, going to art museums, growing indoor plants, cooking and baking.

Tiffany Joseph, MD

Undergraduate and Post-Graduate Education:

  • American University of Antigua College of Medicine
    • Doctor of Medicine (MD) Degree  
  • American University of Antigua College of Medicine
    • Human Health Science Major
    • Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree 
  • University of South Florida
    • Biomedical Sciences Major 
    • Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree 


Professional Accomplishments:
Former Crisis Text Line Counselor, Global MD Certificate Program graduate, quality improvement initiative for medical students dealing with depression and anxiety, medical volunteer for the underserved in Antigua and Barbuda, USF Scholars Award

Research & Clinical Interests: Comprehensive evaluation and treatment for management of severe mood disorders; ECT, TMS

Goals for Psychiatry Residency Training: To use the biopsychosocial model to thoroughly assess and treat patients presenting with a variety of psychiatric illnesses. 

Personal Interests: Spending time with family, reviewing new restaurants, pickleball, dance, and swimming.

Ridhwan Mohammad, MD

Undergraduate and Post Graduate Education:

  • Stony Brook University
    • Bachelors in Biomedical Engineering, 2016
    • Masters in Biomedical Engineering, 2017
  • University of Central Florida, College of Medicine, MD,  2024


Professional Accomplishments:
Presented research at a national conference, PAS 2022 Denver

Clinical & Research Interests: Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Addiction

Goals for Psychiatry Residency Training: To become a well-rounded psychiatrist

Personal Interests: Cycling, soccer, listening to podcasts

Jonathan Zalkin, DO

Undergraduate and Post Graduate Education:

  • Graduate of University of Florida (B.S. in Psychology) and NSU-KPCOM (D.O)


Professional Accomplishments:
Prior experience as both a Psychiatric Discharge Planner and Scribe

Clinical & Research Interests: Trained in Crisis Counseling by the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 

Goals for Psychiatry Residency Training:

  • Conducting a psychiatric Quality Improvement project to reduce recidivism rates at LRH
  • Interested in pursuing Child & Adolescent Psychiatry


Personal Interests:
Visual arts: sketching and painting, and physical fitness

PGY2

Kristy
Matasavage, DO

Undergraduate and Post Graduate Education: BA of Psychology (Cum Laude)- Western Connecticut State University, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (Magna Cum Laude)- Campbell University

Professional Accomplishments: Captain of college field hockey team for 2 seasons, Psychiatric Technician for 3 years, President of the Psychiatry Club in medical school, Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine Teaching Assistant in medical school

Clinical & Research Interests: Postpartum depression and psychosis; Treatment of anxiety disorders; forensic psychiatry; ECT; TMS

Goals for Psychiatry Residency Training: To be exposed to a diverse learning environment and to get experience with different disciplines of psychiatry such as addiction, child and adolescent, forensic;  ECT, etc. To become more skilled with navigating patient encounters, develop different psychotherapy techniques and to further develop active listening skills.

Personal Interests: Field hockey, DIY home improvement projects, fostering and rescuing dogs

Azma Parhin, MBBS (MD)

Undergraduate and Post Graduate Education: Doctor of Medicine – Chittagong Medical College

Professional Accomplishments: Developed mental health screening protocol for limited resource setting.

Clinical & Research Interests:  Tele-psychiatric evaluations for Neurocognitive/Neuropsychiatric diseases.

Goals for Psychiatry Residency Training:  Evaluation and complete management of different types of common and rare psychiatric conditions.

Personal Interests: Spending time with family, exploring outdoors and playing bamboo flute.

Rachel
Sankin, DO

Undergraduate and Post Graduate Education: Florida Atlantic University (Magna Cum Laude) B.A. Biological Sciences

West Liberty University—M.A. Masters in Biomedical Sciences

West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine —  Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine

Professional Accomplishments: Undergraduate and Graduate Teaching Assistant in Biological Sciences

Research Coordinator for College of Scholarship and Inquiry Club

Clinical & Research Interests: Use of Antipsychotics and Metabolic Disorders. Eating Disorders.  Use of Psychedelic Medications for the treatment of PTSD, Depression, etc.

Goals for Psychiatry Residency Training:  Mastering the skills for psychiatric assessment and treatment in both the outpatient and inpatient setting. Becoming a reliable provider for the community.

Personal Interests: Long distance running, Pilates, spending time with family and friends, exploring new places, visiting art galleries.

Michelle
Wu, DO

Undergraduate and Post Graduate Education: BS of Biology (Magna Cum Laude)- Florida State University, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine- Nova Southeastern University

Professional Accomplishments: Co-Founder of Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association (APAMSA)-NSU Chapter and President of Asian Student Association (ASA); Induction to Sigma Sigma Phi Honorary Fraternity and Gold Humanism Honor Society in 2023; Undergraduate Teaching Assistant for Biology.

Clinical & Research Interests: Management of severe psychiatric disorders in the inpatient setting. Identify causes and implement effective strategies to reduce depression and suicidal crisis in children and adolescents. ECT,TMS.

Goals for Psychiatry Residency Training: Help destigmatize mental illness and address health disparities in psychiatry, especially within minority populations. Learn effective communication skills to foster empathy and compassion towards patients and families.

Personal Interests: Fostering cats, listening to true-crime podcasts, and trying new restaurants.

How to Apply

We will be recruiting 4 PGY1 residents for the 2023-2024 academic year. Applicants must submit a complete application via ERAS. Residents will be chosen through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP).

NRMP Number: 2323400C0

Required Supporting Documents:

  • Curriculum vitae
  • Medical School Transcript
  • Personal Statement
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • USMLE/COMLEX Scores

 

We are excited to welcome all candidates to apply for our Graduate Medical Education programs. However, please note that applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment Visas at this time. Thank you for understanding.

Contact Us

TAYLOR (1)

Taylor Sims

Psychiatry Program Administrator

863.687.1100 Ext.1718

or email below