Biography

Amalia Guardiola, MD, is a Professor of Pediatrics at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, where she serves in the Division of Community and General Pediatrics. A dedicated clinician-educator, Dr. Guardiola has decades of experience in pediatric care, medical education, and academic leadership.

Dr. Guardiola earned her BS in Biology, magna cum laude, from the University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez Campus and her MD, also magna cum laude, from the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine. She completed her pediatric residency and a joint primary-care fellowship at UTHealth Houston, where she has remained a vital part of the faculty since 2007.

Dr. Guardiola has held numerous leadership roles in medical education, including director of the pediatric clerkship, course director for multiple rotations, and chair of the clinical education subcommittee. She has been instrumental in curriculum development, including the creation of innovative teaching modules, high-fidelity simulations, and virtual learning platforms. Her work has significantly shaped the pediatric educational experience for medical students and residents.

Nationally recognized for her contributions to medical education, Dr. Guardiola is an active member of the Council on Medical Student Education in Pediatrics (COMSEP), where she serves as a co-leader of the DEI Resource and Advisory Committee and has served in other leadership roles, including co-chair of the annual meeting committee. She is also a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and a member of the Academic Pediatric Association.

Dr. Guardiola’s clinical work spans ambulatory pediatrics and newborn care. She has served as medical director of the pediatric clinic at Spring Branch Community Health Center and currently oversees the well baby nursery at Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital.

Her dedication to mentorship, diversity, and excellence in teaching has earned her numerous accolades, including the Dean’s Teaching Excellence Award (multiple years), the Award of Champions of the Learning Environment (multiple years), and induction into the Academy of Master Educators. She is a frequent speaker at local, regional, and national conferences and has contributed to peer-reviewed publications, educational materials, and public health outreach, particularly within the Spanish-speaking community.

Education

Graduate School
University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, Puerto Rico, 2002
Residency
UTHealth Houston, Houston, TX, 2002-2005
Fellowship
UTHealth Houston, Houston, TX, 2005-2007

Areas of Interest

Clinical Interests

Childhood obesity

Resident and medical student education

General pediatrics topics

Publications

Dr. Guardiola’s Google Scholar profile contains the most complete list of publications.

Journals
  • “Does Motivational Interviewing Decrease BMI in Obese Adolescents?” Journal of Investigative Medicine 2007;55(1):S247-S316
Posters
  • Guardiola A: “Does Motivational Interviewing Decrease BMI in Overweight Adolescents?” Poster Presentation at the Texas Pediatric Society Meeting, San Antonio, TX, June 2007
  • Guardiola A: “Does Motivational Interviewing Decrease BMI in Overweight Adolescents?” Poster Presentation at the Ambulatory Pediatric Association, Southern Regional Meeting, New Orleans, Louisiana, Feb. 2007
  • Helmcamp J, Guardiola A: “Using Texas Pediatric Society Obesity Tool Kit to Aid 3rd Year Residents in the Diagnosis, Evaluation and Treatment of Pediatric Obesity” Poster Presentation at Advances in Learning and Teaching Conference, Houston, TX, May 2006
  • Guardiola A, Garcia L, Garcia I, Valcalcer M, Ortiz N: “Caretakers Satisfaction with High-Risk Neonates Services in a NICU Setting” Poster presentation at 13th EPSCOR Annual Meeting, Dorado
Presentations
  • “Drug Education and Lifestyle Choices” Distance learning lecture for elementary schools in the border of Texas
  • “Childhood Obesity” Presentation for the Texas Pediatric Society-Obesity Tool Kit
  • “Pediatric Orthopedics” Medical Student lecture series
  • “Diet and Exercise: healthy balance for a healthy heart” Distance learning lecture for elementary schools in the border of Texas
  • “Sickle Cell Disease” Hematology Morning Report and Medical Student lectures at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston. Houston, TX
  • “Urinary Tract Infection” Residents Noon Conference at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston. Houston, TX
  • “Bordetella Pertussis” Pulmonary Morning Report at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston. Houston, TX
  • “Rhomboencephalitis Case Presentation” Pediatric Neurology Grand Rounds at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston. Houston, TX
  • “Mom, my throat hurts” Senior Seminar at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston. Houston, TX
  • “Lemierre’s Syndrome” City Wide Infectious Disease Conference at Baylor College of Medicine. Houston, TX
  • “Atrial Fibrillation Case Presentation” Morning Report Conference at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston. Houston, TX