Pediatric Chief Residents

Chikho Baraa, M.D.
Chief Resident
Class 2026-2027

Dr. Baraa Chikho is originally from Damascus, Syria, and considers Canada another place he calls home. He graduated from Syrian Private University School of Medicine in Damascus in 2020 and is currently a Pediatric Chief Resident at Henry Ford St. John Children’s Hospital. He chose the program for its hands-on clinical experience, opportunities to teach medical students, and supportive learning environment. As a chief resident, Dr. Chikho especially enjoys getting to know his colleagues, advocating for residents, and helping create a residency experience where people feel supported, confident, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Dr. Chikho’s favorite part of the program is outpatient pediatrics, where he enjoys building relationships with families and watching children grow over time. He hopes to pursue a career in private outpatient pediatrics while continuing to explore his passion for medical education and leadership, with the long-term goal of becoming a Program Director or Department Chair. He believes residency should be challenging and rewarding, emphasizing that a supportive environment and a willingness to learn from one another can make all the difference. Outside of medicine, Dr. Chikho enjoys traveling, swimming, and playing soccer. He also recently celebrated a very special milestone by getting married during residency!

Subi Acharya, M.D.
Chief Resident
Class 2026-2027

Dr. Subi Acharya is a Pediatric Chief Resident at Henry Ford St. John Children’s Hospital. Originally from Kathmandu, Nepal, Dr. Acharya earned her medical degree from the Nepalese Army Institute of Health Sciences – College of Medicine. Throughout her residency training, she has embraced the opportunity to grow as a clinician and leader while contributing to the supportive, collaborative culture of the program.

Dr. Acharya chose Henry Ford St. John Children’s Hospital because of its close-knit community and welcoming environment, where residents are encouraged to ask questions, learn from one another, and feel comfortable being themselves. Her favorite aspect of the program is undoubtedly the people and the strong sense of teamwork that makes even the busiest days more rewarding.

Following residency, Dr. Acharya plans to pursue a career in general pediatrics, where she looks forward to building meaningful, lasting relationships with children and their families. Outside of medicine, she enjoys reading, hiking, watching anime, and drawing, with hopes of finding her way back to her sketchbook soon.

Abdul Rafay, M.D.
Chief Resident
Class 2026-2027

Dr. Abdul Rafay is a Pediatric Chief Resident at Henry Ford St. John Children’s Hospital. Originally from Karachi, Pakistan, he earned his medical degree from Ziauddin Medical College in Karachi. Before coming to Michigan for residency, he also spent time living and working in Ontario, Canada. Throughout his training, Dr. Rafay has demonstrated a strong commitment to clinical excellence, medical education, and supporting his fellow residents.

Dr. Rafay chose Henry Ford St. John Children’s Hospital for its welcoming environment, diverse patient population, hands-on clinical experience, and close-knit learning community. His favorite part of the program is the people, particularly the collaborative relationships he has developed with co-residents, faculty, nurses, pharmacists, respiratory therapists, and the broader care team. He especially appreciates the approachable faculty and the genuine investment they make in residents' growth, both professionally and personally.

Following residency, Dr. Rafay plans to pursue fellowship training in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine. He is passionate about caring for critically ill newborns and supporting families through some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. He finds great fulfillment in being part of each patient's journey, from the challenges of the NICU to the milestone of going home healthy.

Dr. Rafay has been recognized for his contributions to the program, receiving the PGY-2 Resident of the Year Award and the W. Peter McCabe, MD Award for Physician Education and Medical Leadership. He is also passionate about medical education and runs the Instagram page @pediatricsunfolded, where he shares pediatric knowledge and makes medical information more accessible and engaging, particularly for parents.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Rafay enjoys traveling, exploring new places, and spending time with family and friends. He especially treasures time with his wife, Roomi, and their daughter, Laila, who has brought tremendous joy and excitement to their lives. As Chief Resident, he values the opportunity to give back to the program, mentor and support fellow residents, and contribute to the positive, collaborative culture that makes Henry Ford St. John Children’s Hospital such a special place to train.