Dr. Alissa currently serves as President of the Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (FCAAP). She earned her medical degree from the University of Damascus School of Medicine in Syria and completed her pediatric residency at the University of Florida (UF) in Jacksonville. A board-certified pediatrician and pediatric hospitalist, she has been practicing at UF Jacksonville for about 13 years and was promoted to Associate Professor of Pediatrics in 2022.

She currently serves as the Medical Director of the newborn nursery and provides coverage at two UF campuses. In addition, she recently completed a three-year term on the Faculty Council for the Department of Pediatrics.

Since residency, Dr. Alissa has been actively involved in the Duval County Medical Society (DCMS), graduating from the Leadership Academy and now serving on its Board of Directors.

Her involvement with FCAAP began during residency. From 2018 to 2023, she co-chaired the Membership Committee and served as a CATCH Grant facilitator between 2019-2024. Prior to her current role as President, she served as Vice President and secretary of FCAAP. In 2019, she established FCAAP’s Wellness Program and has served as its ambassador since then. Under her leadership, the program has hosted numerous successful wellness events and book club sessions. For this work, she was awarded the national AAP Special Achievement Award.

Dr. Alissa has taken part in the AAP Leadership Conference, where she contributes to discussions and decision-making on key policy resolutions.

A passionate advocate, Dr. Alissa is committed to advancing FCAAP’s mission in areas such as gun safety, immunization uptake, healthcare access, and adolescent mental health. She frequently meets with state and national lawmakers and has contributed to the development and passage of numerous health-related bills in Florida.

As a dedicated educator, Dr. Alissa has received the prestigious Apple and Exemplary Teacher Awards each year since joining the UF faculty, along with several additional teaching honors. Her research has been published in respected pediatric journals, and she has presented at both national and international conferences, earning multiple research awards.

Widely respected by colleagues, staff, and patients alike, Dr. Alissa is recognized as an outstanding pediatrician and has received numerous awards for her clinical excellence.