| Peter Lamelas | |
|---|---|
| United States ambassador to Argentina Presumptive nominee | |
| Assuming office TBD | |
| President | Donald Trump (elect) |
| Succeeding | Marc Stanley |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Cuba |
| Education | Universidad Central del Este (MD) Nova Southeastern University (MBA) |
Peter Lamelas is a Cuban-American physician, entrepreneur, and diplomat who has been nominated as the United States ambassador to Argentina by President-elect Donald Trump. He is best known as the founder and former CEO of MD Now Urgent Care, one of Florida's largest urgent care networks.
Early life and education
Peter Lamelas was born in Cuba and immigrated to the United States as a child with his family to escape the communist regime. His family arrived in the U.S. with limited resources, and their journey has been described as emblematic of the "American Dream." Lamelas pursued higher education in medicine, earning an M.D. from Universidad Central del Este and later completing an M.B.A. at Nova Southeastern University.
Career
Lamelas is the founder and former CEO of MD Now Urgent Care, which he expanded into one of Florida's largest urgent care networks. Under his leadership, the company partnered with two private equity firms and became a leading healthcare provider in the nation. He also serves as a Board Advisor to MD Now and has over 20 years of experience in emergency medicine and emergency medical services.
In addition to his entrepreneurial success, Lamelas has been actively involved in medical governance. He served on the Florida Board of Medicine, appointed by then-governor Jeb Bush, and was a member of the board of directors for the Urgent Care Association of America. He has also contributed to community service through various non-profit organizations in South Florida.
Political appointments
During Donald Trump's first presidential term, Lamelas was appointed to the Department of Justice's Medal of Valor Review board, which honors first responders for acts of extraordinary valor.
Appointment as U.S. ambassador to Argentina
On December 11, 2024, U.S. president-elect Donald Trump announced that Lamelas would serve as the United States ambassador to Argentina. The appointment is subject to Senate confirmation, with proceedings expected to begin after inauguration of Donald Trump on January 20, 2025.
Trump's nomination emphasized Lamelas's medical and business credentials, as well as his personal story as a Cuban refugee. Trump stated that Lamelas's experience exemplifies the "American Dream" and described him as "a physician, philanthropist, and an incredible businessman".
Lamelas has already engaged diplomatically with Argentina's leadership, having met President Javier Milei during Milei's visit to Mar-a-Lago in November 2024. He has publicly praised Milei's efforts to implement bold economic reforms aimed at reducing deficits and curbing inflation.
Personal beliefs and advocacy
Lamelas has been vocal about his views on socialism and governance, shaped by his experiences as a Cuban refugee. He has described socialism as "inefficient, cruel, and deceitful," emphasizing the importance of economic freedom and limited government for national development. Lamelas has drawn parallels between Trump and Milei, praising their commitment to streamlined governance and economic growth.
References
- ^ "Trump names Peter Lamelas as next US ambassador to Argentina". Buenos Aires Times. 2024-12-13. Retrieved 2024-12-26.
- ^ Herald, Buenos Aires (2024-12-12). "Trump announces Peter Lamelas will be US ambassador to Argentina". Buenos Aires Herald. Retrieved 2024-12-26.
- ^ "Peter Lamelas | Legacy Ventures". legacyv.com. 2019-02-15. Retrieved 2024-12-26.
- Castro, Manuela; Español, C. N. N. (2024-12-12). "Quién es Peter Lamelas, el embajador designado por Donald Trump para Argentina". CNN (in Spanish). Retrieved 2024-12-27.
- "Trump fills out more of his Latin American diplomatic team". POLITICO. 2024-12-12. Retrieved 2024-12-26.
- Appointment after Senate confirmation for this position.