Get to know Shariq "Shaq"
Dr. Refai is a trailblazing psychiatrist with a wealth of experience in various facets of mental health care. He is the founder of shrinkMD and serves as the medical director. From his early days working in a psychiatric hospital during his undergraduate years at the University of North Florida where he earned two bachelors degrees, to his training with world-renowned faculty and medical professionals at St. George’s University School of Medicine, Dr. Refai has amassed an impressive range of expertise in General Adult Psychiatry including addictions. He completed his residency at the University of Hawaii and at John Peter Smith Hospital in Texas, while also earning certificates in Electroconvulsive Therapy and Obesity Medicine from Columbia University in New York. He is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and by the National Board of Physicians and Surgeons.
With extensive experience in inpatient, outpatient, emergency room, sports psychiatry, and consultation services, Dr. Refai has also worked as an expert witness in the court system and has taught medical students and trained psychiatric residents on evidence-based treatment modalities. In his previous practice, he began and ran a transcranial magnetic stimulation program for many years; the first in the city of Jacksonville at the time. He has also earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the world renowned Fuqua School of Business at Duke University.
Dr. Refai’s expertise also extends to the sports world, as he serves as a psychiatrist for players, coaches, families, and office staff in the National Football League (NFL). He has been part of the NFL’s substances of abuse program. He understands the importance of mental health in achieving peak performance on the field and has worked with athletes to achieve stability and success.
Beyond his foundational roles, Dr. Refai has garnered recognition as a leading psychiatrist, evidenced by being featured in ‘Best in Florida’ magazine as a top doctor, and voted as a top psychiatrist in both ‘Jacksonville Top Docs’ and ‘Florida Top Doc’ magazines. His commitment to sports psychiatry is underscored through his consulting role with the Jacksonville Jaguars football team, where he applies his expertise to enhance the mental health and performance of athletes. Additionally, Dr. Refai’s dedication to advancing the field is marked by his board eligibility to the American Board of Sports and Performance Psychiatry, aligning with his vision to elevate mental health care in sports and performance settings.
Dr. Refai is licensed to practice medicine in several states including California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Maine, New York, Texas, and Virginia. His diverse background and vast knowledge make him an excellent choice for clients from a wide range of life circumstances seeking compassion and expertise in mental health care.
Education & Training
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Two Bachelor's Degrees from the University of North Florida
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Medical Degree from St. George's University School of Medicine
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Adult Psychiatry Residency at University of Hawaii
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Adult Psychiatry Residency at John Peter Smith Hospital
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Certification in Obesity Medicine and ECT at Columbia University
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Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Duke University Fuqua School of Business
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Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
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Board Certification by National Board of Physicians and Surgeons
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Sports Psychiatry with the National Football League (NFL)
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American Board of Sports & Performance Psychiatry
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Recognized as one of Florida's Top Doctors
