Trump Picks Successful Florida Doctor for BA Embassy

Thursday, December 12, 2024 – 20:54 UTC

Cuban-born Lamelas was full of praise for Argentine president Milei

US President-elect Donald J. Trump has chosen Peter Lamelas to serve as ambassador to Buenos Aires during his administration, which will be inaugurated on January 20, 2025. The Cuban-born doctor has already met with President Javier Milei.

“United States Ambassador to Argentina. Peter is an incredible physician, philanthropist and businessman, best known for founding the largest urgent care company in Florida,” Trump posted on X. “As a child, Peter and his family fled communist Cuba and immigrated legally to the United States, starting from scratch and achieving the American dream,” he added.

“We previously appointed him to serve on the Justice Department’s Medal of Valor Review Committee, which honors the courage of our nation’s incredible first responders. He was a member of the Florida Board of Medicine and a city commissioner in Manalapan, Florida. Congratulations Peter!”, the Republican leader emphasized.

“Mr. President, thank you for this incredible honor. The world sees it clearly: America is back because Donald J. Trump is back. Under his leadership, the US-Argentina relationship will reach unprecedented greatness. MAGA,” Lamelas replied on the same social media platform.

Lamelas met Milei during the South American leader’s trip to Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida. The candidate, who still needs Senate approval, was full of praise for Milei a few days ago on his @pldocmd account: “As a Cuban refugee who escaped communism, I saw firsthand the devastation of socialism. It’s not just ineffective; it is cruel and deceptive. Leaders like Trump and Milei, with their unrepentant vision, are rejecting the failed policies of the past and building a new era of simplified governance and growth—for Argentina, America, and freedom-loving democracies around the world.

Regarding Milea, Lamelas described him as “a leader who is on a mission to free his country from decades of socialism and bad leadership. Like President Trump, Milei understands that prosperity starts with smaller, more efficient government.”

Lamelas is the founder and former CEO of MD Now Urgent Care, one of the largest urgent care networks in Florida, which grew from 6 clinics to 42 under his leadership, becoming a model of entrepreneurial success in the healthcare industry. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Emergency Care Association of America and was a member of the Florida Board of Medicine appointed by former Governor Jeb Bush. In addition, he played an active role in the community and worked with several non-profit organizations around the country.

The future diplomat earned his medical degree from East Central University and an MBA from Nova Southeastern University. His profile includes investment consulting through his association with Legacy Ventures, demonstrating the ability to operate in both business and public policy environments.

Along with Lamelas, Trump announced former Florida detective Daniel Newlin as his nominee for ambassador to Colombia. With a 28-year career in the fight against drug and human trafficking, Newlin is a “strong advocate for US interests” in a key country for US foreign policy, Trump said. Trump also chose businessman Leandro Rizzuto as Washington’s representative to the Organization of American States (OAS).