Current Fellows

Class of 2024-2026

Evelina Khalilova, MD

Medical school: Crimea State Medical University

Residency program: Richmond University Medical Center

Hobbies: I truly enjoy cooking traditional Mediterranean cuisine, as well as exploring and broaden my knowledge in World History.

Why I chose Infectious Diseases: In the past, diseases that once claimed countless lives have become curable or manageable, thanks to the relentless efforts of infectious disease physicians. I am truly inspired by the progress we have made, and I am committed to being part of the ongoing fight against infectious diseases, ensuring that more lives can be saved in the future. I have a particular interest in transplant infectious disease, where the complexity of managing infections in immunocompromised patients presents both unique challenges and opportunities.

Francesca Licandro, MD

Medical school: University of Medicine and Health Sciences, St. Kitts

Residency program: Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, Baltimore, MD

Hobbies: I enjoy spending time with my family/friends, reading novels, watching horror movies, going to haunted houses, and playing soccer.

Career Goals: ID is such an interesting and diverse subspecialty. I am excited to further explore all ID has to offer, currently I am interested in General ID and possibly private practice.

Abdullah Tahir, MD

Medical school: Services Institute of Medical Sciences

Residency program: Icahn SOM Mount Sinai-Elmhurst Hospital

Hobbies: bicycling, board games, sci-fi books

Why I chose Infectious Diseases at NJMS: I joined ID fellowship at NJMS, Newark for its prestigious reputation, diverse patient population, and access to esteemed mentors. It also allows me to enjoy the beautiful nature the tri-state has to offer.

Class of 2025-2027

Glen Ivano Abdo, MD, MPH

Medical school: Trinity School of Medicine

Residency program: New York Medical College at Saint Clare’s Denville Hospital and St. Mary’s General Hospital, NJ

Hobbies: Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, and Cumbia - Dance Instructor, cooking and baking, creating new dishes, photography, swimming, soccer, gardening, and mentoring/coaching.

Why I Chose Infectious Disease: I choose Infectious Disease because for its intellectual challenge, ability to cure complex illnesses, dynamic ability, broad impact on global health & public health, and the gratifying chance to provide powerful treatments to chronic diseases.

Fadi Barkho, MD

Medical school: St. George's University School of Medicine

Residency program: Saint Peter's University Hospital, NJ

Hobbies: I trade stock market options during my free time, enjoying the strategic analysis it requires. Fitness is a passion that allows me to stay physically and mentally strong. Cooking allows me to explore creativity, while media creation combines my love for technology and design.

Why I Chose Infectious Disease: While serving underrepresented minorities, I learned compassion and empathy. As I gained experience, I took on leadership roles, organizing health fairs to boost community awareness. This teamwork-driven approach inspired me to pursue a fellowship to enhance healthcare access and equity.

Mark Grijalva, DO

Medical school: University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine

Residency program: Hackensack - Palisades Medical Center, NJ

Hobbies: : I enjoy spending time with my wife and pet cat. My wife and I enjoy date nights, cooking together, and exploring New York City restaurants and museums. We enjoy day trips to the beach, and hiking. I enjoy weight lifting, building keyboards and the history of public transportation and infrastructure.

Why I Chose Infectious Disease: Infectious diseases represent a dynamic and challenging field where the stakes are high, and the rewards—both in terms of patient outcomes and scientific discovery—are immense. I want to make a meaningful impact through clinical care, research, and education.

Amisha Tailor, MD

Medical school: Aureus University School of Medicine

Residency program: New York Medical College at St. Mary's Passaic and St. Clare's Denville/Dover, NJ

Hobbies: Organizing and volunteering in community health fairs, personal training, rock climbing, hiking, knitting for colleagues' children, and reading almost all genres.

Why I Chose Infectious Disease: Being the only physician in my family, I understand the challenges of seeking help in an unfamiliar environment and strive to bring this empathy to patient care.