USA Health expands with addition of pediatric endocrinologist

Melissa Perez-Garcia, M.D., a pediatric endocrinologist, recently joined USA Health to diagnose and treat children with hormonal disorders, including diabetes. As part of the region’s only academic health system, Perez also is an assistant professor of pediatrics in the USA College of Medicine.

Most hormonal conditions, such as diabetes and thyroid disorders, are chronic and require regular visits to a physician. The opportunity to form long-term bonds with patients impacted Perez’s decision to pursue pediatric endocrinology. She also is passionate about the pathophysiology involving the endocrine system.

“Pediatrics was on my radar since medical school because I really like to work with children,” said Perez. “Children have amazing healing capabilities and, as a physician, this is very rewarding.”

Perez attended the University of Los Andes in Bogota, Colombia, where she earned a doctorate in medicine in 2012. She moved to the United States in 2015 and completed a residency at USA Health Children’s & Women’s Hospital in 2018. Her positive experience prompted her to return to the health system as a pediatric endocrinologist after completing a fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh this summer.

Perez’s mentors at Children’s & Women’s Hospital played an instrumental role in her decision to pursue pediatric endocrinology. “I'm super excited to come back to work with my mentors,” said Perez. “Dr. Anne-Marie Kaulfers has always been a role model for me, and I am honored to work as her colleague in this new position.”

During her residency, Perez familiarized herself with the health issues impacting the Mobile area and is returning to the community with hopes of promoting healthy lifestyle habits. She also is looking forward to sharing with residents how rewarding a career in pediatric endocrinology can be.

Perez is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Endocrine Society and the Pediatric Endocrine Society. She is fluent in Spanish and English.