By: Mallory Bachmann
The Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases at UF Health is welcoming five first-year movement disorders fellows for the 2026-27 academic year, marking the largest fellowship class in the program’s history. The incoming class surpasses the program’s typical class size of three fellows and reflects the increasing demand for specialists who can provide comprehensive care for patients with movement disorders while advancing research and innovation in the field.
Established in 2002 when the institute was known as the Center for Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration, the program has trained more than 50 movement disorders fellows who have gone on to become leaders in clinical care, education and research around the world.
As the number of patients diagnosed with movement disorders grows and treatment options continue to evolve, Fixel’s goal is to prepare the next generation of leaders who will advance patient care and research in the field. The institute is committed to integrating emerging technologies, including precision medicine, biomarkers, artificial intelligence, advanced neuromodulation and digital health, into fellowship training as the program continues to grow.
This fellowship provides advanced training in the diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson’s disease, tremor, dystonia, Tourette syndrome, ataxia, Huntington’s disease and other complex neurological conditions. Fellows work alongside a multidisciplinary team while gaining hands-on experience with deep brain stimulation, botulinum toxin therapy, infusion pump therapies, clinical trials and research. Through mentorship from leading experts in the field, fellows develop the clinical and research skills needed to advance care and improve quality of life for patients and families.
“Our goal is for these fellows to become the future leaders in the field and to impact as many lives as possible by applying the simple philosophy that the patient is the sun,” said Michael Okun, M.D., executive director of the Fixel Institute and a movement disorders specialist.
Beyond clinical and procedural training, fellows benefit from a collaborative learning environment that encourages teamwork, mentorship and shared discovery.
Pooja Gupta, M.D., the 2026-27 chief fellow, said the people within the program are what set Fixel apart.
“We have a large fellowship and we are all able to work together in one workroom. This allows for wonderful collaboration among the fellows on research projects, interesting case discussions and overall great vibes,” said Gupta. “The movement disorders faculty are exceptional mentors and teachers as well.”
This year’s incoming class brings together physicians with diverse clinical interests, research backgrounds and experiences from across the country and around the world.
Meet the five fellows joining Fixel’s movement disorders fellowship program for the 2026-27 academic year.
Meet Surabhi Dharmadhikari, M.D.
Supported by the Tikvah Parkinson’s Fellowship
Dr. Dharmadhikari earned her medical degree from RCSM Government Medical College in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India, and completed her neurology residency at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Her clinical interests include Parkinson’s disease prevention and deep brain stimulation (DBS).
Looking ahead to her fellowship year, Dharmadhikari said she is most excited about interacting with and learning closely from legends in the field of movement disorders.
Outside of the clinic, Dharmadhikari is looking forward to exploring all things nature. “I am excited about all the natural springs around the area and the abundance of wildlife. I am an outdoors girl, and a water baby. Gainesville is perfect for that!”
Meet Wendy Gaztanaga, M.D.
Supported by the Bob Anderson Fellowship
Dr. Gaztanaga earned her medical degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and completed her neurology residency at the University of California, San Francisco. Her clinical and research interests include deep brain stimulation (DBS), movement disorders epidemiology and improving equitable access to specialized neurology care and advanced therapies.
Reflecting on what drew her to Fixel, Gaztanaga said she is most excited to learn from the multidisciplinary team, with the hope that the experience will lead to new, more targeted research questions grounded in patients’ clinical needs.
As a newcomer to Gainesville, she is also looking forward to exploring the area. “I’m new to Gainesville but grew up in Miami, so I’m excited to be closer to family and the beach. I’m also looking forward to exploring the area’s nature, particularly seeing the wild horses and experiencing the springs.”
Meet Shoeb Lallani, M.D.
Supported by Rachel and Neil Blumenthal & The Mora & Michael Hecht Fellowship
Dr. Lallani earned his medical degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine and completed his neurology residency at Stanford University. His clinical and research interests focus on motor control physiology and the neural circuitry underlying movement, with a particular emphasis on improving deep brain stimulation (DBS) targets and developing new treatment options for patients with movement disorders.
Looking ahead to his fellowship year, Lallani said he is most excited about the opportunity to engage in clinical research and learn from the exceptional faculty at Fixel. One of his key goals for the fellowship is to bridge his basic science mouse research with clinical questions, exploring how findings at the bench can translate into better outcomes for patients with movement disorders.
As a newcomer to Gainesville, he is also looking forward to exploring the community. “I am new to Gainesville and am looking forward to experiencing the vibrant college sports culture here. I’m also excited to explore everything the area has to offer as I settle in.”
Meet Octavio Carranza-Renteria, M.D.
Supported by the Brooks/Hagood Family
Dr. Carranza-Renteria earned his medical degree from Universidad Vasco de Quiroga Escuela de Medicina General in Mexico, completed his neurology residency at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton and recently completed a behavioral neurology fellowship at the University of Florida. His clinical and research interests include the overlap between movement disorders and behavioral neurology, with a particular focus on the cognitive, behavioral and psychiatric manifestations of movement disorders, as well as brain imaging and its applications.
When asked what he is most excited about as he begins his fellowship at the Fixel Institute, Carranza-Renteria shared, “I am really excited about working with all the faculty from the program and becoming able to evaluate patients with movement disorders such as tremor, ataxia and chorea. I am also very excited about learning about deep brain stimulation and microelectrode recording.”
Although he is already familiar with Gainesville, he continues to enjoy everything the community has to offer. “I’m not new to Gainesville, but I really enjoy living here because of the many sports and arts activities that happen in town, many times in association with the University, whether that is football or basketball to the Arts and Crafts Festival. I also love the many restaurants, coffee shops and breweries in town.”
Meet Robert Eisinger, M.D., Ph.D.
Supported by The Salah Foundation
Dr. Eisinger earned his M.D. and Ph.D. from the University of Florida and completed his neurology residency at the University of Pennsylvania. His clinical and research interests include Parkinson’s disease, neuromodulation and non-motor symptoms.
Eisinger said he is looking forward to strengthening his clinical skills and becoming part of the Fixel community.
Although he is no stranger to Gainesville, he is looking forward to returning. “We used to live in Gainesville, so we can’t wait to visit all our favorite spots but also see what’s new.”