Peter Lamelas

Peter Lamelas Biography

Peter Lamelas is a Cuban-American diplomat, physician, and entrepreneur who gained prominence as the founder and former CEO of MD Now Urgent Care, one of Florida's largest urgent care systems. In 2025, he was appointed and began serving as the United States ambassador to Argentina. Known for his expertise in emergency medicine and his leadership in healthcare innovation, Lamelas’s journey reflects both professional success and impactful public service.

Childhood

Peter Lamelas was born in Cuba and emigrated to the United States as a child with his family, fleeing the communist regime. His early years were marked by the struggles typical of many immigrant families who arrived with limited resources. His family’s story has often been cited as an embodiment of the American Dream, which fueled his drive and ambition throughout his life.

Education

Lamelas pursued his medical education at Universidad Central del Este, earning his Doctor of Medicine degree. His training included residencies in internal medicine across several institutions, such as Franklin Regional Medical Center, Steward Carney Hospital, and University of Connecticut. Later, he enhanced his expertise by obtaining a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Nova Southeastern University, blending medical knowledge with business acumen.

Career

Professionally, Peter Lamelas has over two decades of experience in emergency medicine. He served as the medical director of multiple emergency departments and was deeply involved in correctional healthcare services. He founded MD Now Urgent Care, which he successfully expanded into Florida's largest urgent care network with 59 centers before its acquisition by HCA Healthcare in 2022. Beyond healthcare, Lamelas has held various public service roles, including appointments on the Florida Board of Medicine and the Department of Justice's Medal of Valor Review Board. In 2025, President Donald Trump appointed him as the United States ambassador to Argentina, where he has been active in strengthening bilateral relations and addressing political and economic challenges.

Family Life

Peter Lamelas is married to Stephanie Lamelas, who played a supportive role in the early days of MD Now Urgent Care. Together, they have built a family while navigating the demands of their professional and public lives. Specific details about children or other personal relationships have not been publicly detailed, emphasizing their preference for privacy regarding family matters.

Achievements

Lamelas’s key achievements include founding and expanding MD Now Urgent Care into a highly successful network, contributing significantly to the urgent care industry. He has been a founding member of the Urgent Care Association of America, served on multiple medical boards, and held leadership roles such as chairman of the UCA Legislative Committee. His appointment as U.S. ambassador to Argentina marks a notable expansion of his influence from healthcare to international diplomacy, demonstrating his multifaceted career and leadership.

Controversies

Peter Lamelas’s appointment as ambassador to Argentina sparked controversy due to his outspoken political views during his confirmation hearings. He publicly supported Argentine President Javier Milei and criticized former President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, who is serving a sentence for corruption. His comments suggesting Fernández's involvement in cover-ups and linking her to unresolved cases caused backlash in Argentina. Additionally, Lamelas criticized China's influence in Argentina, which drew sharp rebukes from Chinese officials and local Argentine authorities accusing him of interference in national sovereignty.

Peter Lamelas Summary

Peter Lamelas is a Cuban-born American who rose to prominence through his dual careers in medicine and entrepreneurship, culminating in his leadership of Florida's MD Now Urgent Care network. His transition into diplomacy as the U.S. ambassador to Argentina signifies a notable blend of healthcare expertise, business leadership, and political engagement. His immigrant background, professional accomplishments, and active diplomatic role continue to shape public discourse both in the U.S. and Argentina, while occasional controversies highlight the challenges of navigating international relations and domestic politics.