Dr. Melvin Almodovar, Professor of Pediatrics, currently serves as Division Head of Cardiac Critical Care for LSU Health Sciences Center Department of Pediatrics. In addition, he is Director of the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, and Co-Director of the Children’s Heart Center at Children’s Hospital New Orleans

Dr. Almodovar began his academic journey at the University of Southern Colorado (now Colorado State University Pueblo), where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology in May 1988. He then pursued his medical degree at Stanford University School of Medicine, graduating in June 1993. Dr. Almodovar completed his internship and residency in Pediatrics at Children’s Hospital Boston from July 1993 to December 1995. Following this, he specialized in Pediatric Cardiology through a fellowship at the same institution, which he completed in December 1998. To further hone his expertise, he undertook an advanced clinical fellowship in Cardiac Intensive Care Medicine at Children’s Hospital Boston, concluding in December 1999.

Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Almodovar has held significant leadership positions at several prestigious institutions, including Boston Children’s Hospital, Children’s Hospital Colorado, and Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida. He is highly regarded for his extensive experience and expertise in managing complex congenital heart disease. His scholarly contributions include over 50 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters. Additionally, he has been a dedicated mentor to many trainees and junior faculty, who have gone on to practice in and lead cardiac intensive care units across the country.

His contributions to pediatric cardiology and cardiac intensive care continue to impact the field significantly, both through his clinical work and his commitment to education and mentorship.