Pediatric infectious diseases physician named interim chair of pediatrics
“My vision is for us to be known not only for what we’ve achieved, but also for what we continue to pursue with compassion, collaboration, and excellence,” said Benjamin Estrada, M.D., interim chair of the Department of Pediatrics at USA Health.
By Casandra Andrews
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Benjamin Estrada, M.D., FAAP, FPIDS, a nationally recognized pediatric infectious diseases physician who has worked in a variety of clinical and leadership roles at the University of South Alabama, including USA Health, has been named interim chair of USA Health Pediatrics, part of USA’s academic health system.
At USA, Estrada is also assistant dean for medical education and a professor of pediatrics for 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 10 years.
“We are delighted Dr. Estrada has accepted this new role within pediatrics, one of the largest divisions in our academic health system,” said Natalie Fox, DNP, PNP-BC, interim chief executive officer and chief physician enterprise officer for USA Health. “I've had the privilege of working with Dr. Estrada for many years at USA Health, and he has been a consistent guiding presence and committed leader to our mission."
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 university. In 2021, he was recognized by the Sunbelt 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.
“As incoming interim chair, my goals for the Department of Pediatrics are to continue to build upon a unified, mission-driven community where faculty, learners, and staff are empowered to create lasting impact with a shared vision,” Estrada said. “I aim to strengthen our patient-centered clinical services, elevate our educational programs, and support faculty development through mentorship and leadership opportunities.”
Following medical school, Estrada completed a pediatric internship and residency at Children’s & Women’s Hospital.
“As the region's leading academic health system, our mission is to not only provide excellent healthcare for our patients but also to train and guide the next generation of physicians, scientists and other providers,” said Owen Bailey, chief executive officer and senior associate vice president for medical affairs at USA Health. “In addition to his other duties, Dr. Estrada works with researchers and colleagues at other academic health systems and universities to find treatments to some of the world’s most deadly communicable childhood diseases.”
“Dr. Estrada brings demonstrated skills as a servant leader, an engaged mentor and an excellent pediatric physician to this role,” Michael Chang, M.D., system chief medical officer and associate vice president for medical affairs at USA Health. “The ability he has to make complex, important matters both understandable and solvable, as demonstrated by his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, will serve him well in this leadership role.”
Estrada earned his medical degree from Universidad Francisco Marroquin in Guatemala City, Guatemala. Following his residency at USA Health, he completed fellowship training at Tulane University Medical School and Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans.
“For years, I have watched Dr. Estrada quietly demonstrate what it takes to be a true academic physician, providing compassionate care to pediatric patients and guiding learners through infectious diseases training,” said John V. Marymont, M.D., MBA, vice president for medical affairs and dean of the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine at USA. “I'm excited to see what the future holds for the Department of Pediatrics under his leadership.”
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.
“After being involved for 34 years in this department, I’ve seen its transformative impact on our region’s children, families, and trainees,” Estrada said. “My vision is for us to be known not only for what we’ve achieved but also for what we continue to pursue with compassion, collaboration, and excellence.”
