Program Director

Abdo Asmar, MD, FASN, FACP

Abdo Asmar, MD, is a Professor of Medicine at the University of Central Florida, College of Medicine. He is a founding faculty member and serves as the Program Director for the Internal Medicine Residency Program for the UCF/HCA GME consortium (Greater Orlando), as well as Vice-Chair of Graduate Medical Education. 

He completed his residency in internal medicine at Cook County (Stroger) Hospital in Chicago, Illinois, where he also served as Chief Resident. He then completed his nephrology fellowship training at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida. He is a Designated Clinical Specialist in Hypertension by the American Society of Hypertension.

Dr. Asmar’s academic interest is focused on education and professional development across the continuum of medical education. His goal as an educator is to empower learners, foster critical thinking, and infuse a desire for lifelong learning. He aims to balance this approach with a focus on learner’s well-being to help them find meaning in the workplace. 

Dr. Asmar is a member of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Interdisciplinary Review Committee and previously served on the National Kidney Foundation of Florida Board of Directors. Dr. Asmar was a member of the editorial board for the American Journal of Kidney Disease. His numerous affiliations and expertise have led to many invitations to present on a variety of medical education topics for medical and research conferences both nationally and internationally. 


Associate Program Director

Olga Karasik, MD, FACP

Dr. Karasik completed her Internal Medicine residency at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. She has been with the UCF COM/HCA GME Consortium Internal Medicine Residency Program since its inception. Dr. Karasik began her participation in our program as the Administrative Chief Resident for our inaugural class, staying as an Associate Program Director.

Dr. Karasik actively participates in the clinical and didactic education of our residents. She facilitates morning report, M&M, and actively teaches during rounds with our inpatient teams. Her particular interests include quality and process improvement, facilitating resident scholarly activity and promoting ongoing professional and personal growth.


Associate Program Director

Jorge Restrepo, DO

Dr. Restrepo completed his Internal Medicine residency at UCF/HCA GME Consortium in Greater Orlando, FL. Dr. Restrepo practices at the Orlando VA Healthcare System as a teaching hospitalist and primary care physician. He also completed a one-year administrative chief residency at the Orlando VA, followed by a leadership position as the IM program site director, prior to moving into the role of VA Associate Program Director.

Dr. Restrepo’s particular interest include clinical and didactic education of our residents. He facilitates noon report, M&M, POCUS, and simulation sessions.


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