Melanie G. Kitagawa, MD, MHA

As Medical Director for the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Texas Children’s Hospital in the Medical Center, I have the privilege and responsibility of ensuring the highest level of care for children and their families. In my role, I lead a dedicated multidisciplinary team to provide the highest level of care to critically ill children, working collaboratively to optimize outcomes and provide compassionate support during some of the most vulnerable times in our patients' lives.

As critical care providers, we have the unique opportunity to make a profound impact on the lives of our patients and their families. It is an honor to do this work, and I am committed to delivering excellence in care. I strive to ensure that every patient under my care receives not only the best medical treatment but also holistic support from their entire care team.

My academic interests are centered on social determinants of health and their impact on a child’s hospital admission. I am particularly focused on understanding and addressing the unmet needs of children with chronic medical conditions. By identifying and addressing these needs, we can enhance the care we provide and improve health outcomes for our patients.

I am motivated by the potential to make a difference in the lives of children and their families. I aim to advocate for a comprehensive system that uses data to advance care for this challenging population. By understanding the medical complexities faced by our patients and their families, I am dedicated to providing optimum care tailored to each patient’s unique needs. My vision is to lead in pediatric critical care, driving innovative solutions and fostering a culture of excellence and compassion. Through my work, I aim to contribute to the advancement of pediatric health care and ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive.