Melita Viegas, MD

Melita Viegas, MD, is a pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. She is also an assistant professor of cardiothoracic surgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and is board-certified in general surgery, thoracic surgery, and congenital cardiac surgery. Dr. Viegas is also the Director of Pediatric Mechanical Support and was recently appointed as the Diversity and Inclusion Co-Director for the new UPMC ACGME Congenital Cardiac Surgery Fellowship in recognition of her significant contributions to growing the Congenital Cardiac Surgery Program at UPMC. Dr. Viegas completed general surgery training in 2010 from Southern Illinois University School of Medicine followed by cardiothoracic surgery residency and congenital cardiac surgery fellowship training from University of Southern California. 

Dr. Viegas has authored several research papers and book chapters and has given numerous invited lectures and presentations. Alongside clinical responsibilities, Dr. Viegas is heavily involved in education and mentorship of the upcoming generations of cardiothoracic surgeons including medical students, residents, and fellows in and outside the operating room. In her role as the Co-Director for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Dr. Viegas ensures that trainees in the the Congenital Cardiac Surgery Fellowship program are being taught important principals of social determinants of health. Dr. Viegas also sees to it that the program actively pursues diverse and inclusive faculty and trainee talent.