Rakel M Zarb, MD

My name is Dr. Zarb, and I am an assistant clinical professor in the Department of Surgery. My areas of focus are the hand and wrist, peripheral nerves, amputee care, and lower extremity salvage. Additionally, I perform general plastic and reconstructive surgery. Helping patients achieve better functional outcomes and quality of life is what motivates me the most.

Upon earning my medical degree, I was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. I pursued residency training in plastic and reconstructive surgery at the Medical College of Wisconsin, earning multiple awards for my research. I then completed a fellowship in hand and upper extremity surgery at Oregon Health and Science University.

I have authored numerous publications and presented nationally on topics ranging from Dupuytren's contractures to microsurgical reconstruction in high-risk patients. In addition to my research and clinical work, I also value mentoring the next generation of surgeons. Collaboration, innovation, and teaching are core to my practice, and I'm excited to contribute to the growing field of hand and reconstructive surgery at the University of Florida.

In my spare time, I enjoy visiting national parks, practicing yoga, attending live music events, scuba diving, Latin dancing and making fresh pasta.