Benjamin Estrada tapped to lead USA Health pediatrics

By Casandra Andrews
[email protected]

Nationally recognized pediatric infectious diseases physician Benjamin Estrada, M.D., FAAP, FPIDS, who has worked in a variety of clinical and leadership roles at the University of South Alabama, and its academic health system, USA Health, has been named chair of the Department of Pediatrics following a national search.

At USA, Estrada is a professor of pediatrics at the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine. He is double board-certified in pediatrics and infectious diseases and has been recognized nationally as a Castle Connelly Top Doc for more than a decade. He previously served as assistant dean for medical education.

“Dr. Estrada has earned the respect of colleagues across our health system through decades of thoughtful leadership, exceptional patient care and a deep commitment to children and families,” said Natalie Fox, DNP, PNP-BC, chief executive officer for USA Health. “He understands what it means to lead in an academic health system, where advancing clinical excellence goes hand in hand with educating future providers and improving the health of our communities. I look forward to seeing the Department of Pediatrics continue to grow and thrive under his leadership."

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Estrada played a pivotal role in ensuring the health and safety of children and their families who interacted with the health system and the university. In 2021, he was recognized by the Sun Belt Conference for a collaboration with other healthcare faculty that allowed athletic programs to continue, giving college athletes the opportunity to more safely compete during much of the pandemic.

"Dr. Estrada’s positive impact as a physician, educator and mentor has been evident since we met,” said Jeffrey S. La Rochelle, M.D., MPH, dean of the Whiddon College of Medicine. “In his new role, he’ll continue to help shape generations of medical students and pediatric residents while continuing to build a strong foundation for academic excellence. His collaborative leadership style, dedication to scholarship and passion for teaching make him exceptionally well-suited to guide the department as it continues to expand its clinical, educational and research missions."

Estrada is a fellow of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society and the American Academy of Pediatrics, and a member of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. In 2013, he was inducted as a faculty member into the Arnold P. Gold Humanism Honor Society at the Whiddon College of Medicine. He has won numerous faculty awards for teaching and medical outreach in the community. Estrada is an author of dozens of academic journal articles and book chapters. His research continues to be funded by federal grants.

He earned his medical degree from Universidad Francisco Marroquin in Guatemala City, Guatemala. Following his residency at Children’s & Women’s Hospital, he completed fellowship training at Tulane University Medical School and Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans.  

"Over the years, I have had the privilege of witnessing the remarkable evolution of a department whose commitment to children and families has never wavered,” Estrada said. "More important than anything is the shared mission that brings us together. The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families is what has always inspired me, and it is the people of pediatrics who have shown me what that commitment looks like every day. Their example has reinforced an enduring truth: our purpose extends beyond individual accomplishments because we are united by a mission far greater than ourselves.”