Second year fellows
Nina Axiotakis, DO
Nina Axiotakis, DO grew up primarily in the Philadelphia corner of Pennsylvania within a family whose roots are Greek and Italian. She completed her undergraduate education at Oberlin College in Oberlin, Ohio where she studied economics and chemistry, but if she could turn back the clock she might choose fine arts and philosophy. Before attending medical school she worked as an AmeriCorps health coach at the Camden Coalition of Healthcare Providers in Camden, New Jersey; it was here that her interests in mental health and community-based care first began to crystalize. She went on to receive her medical degree from Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Stratford, New Jersey during which she continued to volunteer for a number of community organizations. She then moved to Capitol Hill in DC for her psychiatry residency here at Georgetown where she looks forward to staying on for her child & adolescent psychiatry fellowship. She has always loved spending time with youngsters as she delights in their unique wit and creative perspectives. Additional passions of hers include psychodynamic therapy for any age, social justice in healthcare, surrealism,
Janie Cao, MD, MPH
Jaine Cao, MD was born in Jinzhou, Liaoning, China and immigrated to Houston, Texas, U.S.A. as a child. She spent most of her life in Texas prior to moving to D.C. She graduated from Rice University and completed a combined M.D./M.P.H. program at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center with an emphasis on community health and disease prevention. She received her general psychiatry training from Baylor Scott & White Health. Her personal experience with acculturation at a young age and her Christian faith have grounded her in values of altruism, diversity, equity and inclusion that have informed much of her academic and professional trajectory. Dr. Cao is excited to further her training at Georgetown and is looking forward to developing her skills in culturally sensitive care and systems-based psychiatry.
Ruthzaine Lopez, MD
Ruthzaine Lopez, MD was born and raised in Colombia. She completed her medical school at River Plate Adventist University in Argentina. During her training, Dr. Lopez served on different medical mission trips in Argentina, Peru, and Haiti. She subsequently completed her adult psychiatry residency at she completed her Adult Psychiatry residency at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. She currently serves at the Texas Medical Association Diversity, Inclusion, Equality, and Justice task force, which empowered her to build a career targeting minority health disparities. Her career interests include mental health prevention and education, Lifestyle mental health, global mental health, and a focus on underserved communities. Now as a Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Fellow, she is thrilled to apply these passions to her career at Georgetown and the larger DMV area. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, cooking plant-based food, and volunteering at faith based and non-profit organizations.
First Year Fellows
Alexandra Carter, MD, MSW, MA
Alexandra Carter, MD, MSW, MA spent her childhood in rural Virginia and moved to Northern Virginia for high school. She received her BA in American Studies and Linguistics with a minor in Russian from Georgetown University. She went on to earn a MA in Asian American Studies from the University of California, Los Angeles. After spending several years in Los Angeles working in the documentary film industry she returned to Virginia and completed a MSW at Virginia Commonwealth University. Her training and experience in social work sparked her curiosity and desire to pursue a degree in medicine. She attended medical school at Howard University College of Medicine and completed her residency training in adult psychiatry at Virginia Commonwealth University. Dr. Carter grew up horseback riding and was a registered therapeutic horseback riding instructor. In the future she hopes to incorporate animal assisted interventions into her clinical work. She is also passionate about working with underserved communities and advocating for health equity. She is so happy to return to her alma mater, to be closer to family and friends, and to be a part of the Georgetown CAP family!
Israel I. Taylor, MD, MPH
Israel I. Taylor, MD, MPH is from Miami, FL. She earned her Bachelor of Health Science from University of Florida (Go Gators!), then attended the University of Miami where she completed the dual-degree MD and MPH program. As part of her Capstone, Israel was awarded the Kuvin Foundation Scholarship and spent 7 weeks abroad as a partner with the Jerusalem District Health Office to engage in the practice of public health. This served as a formative experience in her growing interest in community health. Israel completed her Adult Psychiatry training at the University of Central Florida, where she spearheaded numerous case conferences and published work related to Black mental health disparities during the pandemic. Israel is excited to fast-track into Child and Adolescent fellowship to continue her training in DC. She has special interests in working with underserved populations, adolescent mental health, and health advocacy. She is also a dancer, creative writer, home cook, and lover of the arts. Fun fact: she won first place in her first-ever baking competition in medical school and has recently published her own e-cookbook!
Francois Williams, MD
Dr. Francois Williams, MD, grew up in Dallas, Texas. He obtained his B.S. in Biology from Xavier University of Louisiana and went on to earn his medical degree from Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia. During his time at Morehouse, he explored the unique relationships between mental health and public spaces, as well as the political and social determinants of mental health.
While in medical school, Dr. Williams led the Cut Hypertension Initiative at Fade-A-Way Cutz Barbershop in Atlanta. Through the American Psychiatric Association Foundation Helping Hands Grant, he connected blood pressure screenings with a mental health campaign that included depression screenings and mental health forums in the barbershop.
Following medical school, Dr. Williams completed his adult psychiatry residency at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. Dr. Williams was awarded the 2021-2022 SAMHSA Minority Fellowship, enabling him to further his understanding of group dynamics as a means of running psychotherapy groups that promote both change and healing.
With one year of postgraduate training in group psychotherapy, Dr. Williams brings a unique perspective to his clinical work. He completed his training through the Eastern Group Psychotherapy Society, an affiliate of the American Group Psychotherapy Association. His preferred theoretical frameworks encompass a diverse blend of DBT, family systems, and psychoanalytical orientations, which collectively shape his approach.
His interests extend to diverse areas, including the collective parenting of Black children, the challenges of fatherhood, men's mental health, transitional aged youth, school-based mental health, and the transformative power of group psychotherapy.
Dr. Williams enjoys exploring new neighborhoods in Washington, D.C., and trying new restaurants. His passion for menswear reflects his keen eye for detail and his appreciation for individual expression.