Meet the People Behind the Program
Our leadership team reflects the various specialties, backgrounds and cultures that make the Driscoll Children’s Hospital Rio Grande Valley Residency Program unique.
MD, FAAP, FPIDS
Dr. Mirza received her medical school degree from the Dow University of Health Sciences in Karachi, Pakistan. She completed her pediatric residency at Penn State University, Hershey, PA and subsequently fellowship in pediatric infectious diseases at the Tulane/LSU combined program in New Orleans, LA. She is board certified in pediatrics and pediatric Infectious Diseases and holds a Certificate of Knowledge in Clinical Tropical Medicine and Traveler's Health through the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene and Leadership in Educational Academic Development, Association of Pediatric Program Directors.
Dr. Mirza has significant experience in graduate medical education, having served as a program director in her previous institution for almost ten years prior to relocating to Texas. Besides medical education and training the next generation of pediatricians, Dr. Mirza is passionate about infectious diseases and loves solving complex puzzles! Her hobbies outside work include traveling around the globe exploring off unique and exotic places, hiking and gardening.
MD
Dr. Ana Almeda earned her medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. She completed her pediatric residency at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona, followed by a fellowship in pediatric critical care at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. Dr. Almeda is board-certified in General Pediatrics, Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, and Healthcare Quality Management.
Dr. Almeda served as the Chief Medical Officer of Driscoll Children’s Hospital Rio Grande Valley, when the hospital opened in 2023 through May 2026. In this position, she led initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality, safety, and accessibility of pediatric care in the region. Dr. Almeda is also the Associate Program Director of the DCH RGV pediatric residency program, where she played a key role in developing the first pediatric residency program in the Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Almeda is passionate about providing safe quality care to her patients and is dedicated to building a zero-harm system. She grew up in Brownsville, Texas, and loves being back in the Rio Grande Valley, serving her community.
MD
Dr. Raghuveer Puttagunta earned his medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at Geisinger Health Systems in Danville, Pennsylvania, where he also pursued fellowships in Comprehensive and Complex Care Across the Age Continuum and Clinical Informatics. He is board certified in General Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, Clinical Informatics, and Clinical Tropical Medicine and Travelers’ Health.
Dr. Puttagunta currently serves as the Chief Medical Informatics Officer at Driscoll Children’s Hospital and as the Associate Program Director for the Driscoll RGV Pediatric Residency Program. In these roles, he combines clinical leadership with a strong focus on informatics and medical education.
MD
Dr. Veronica Trevino earned her medical degree from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in Edinburg, Texas. She completed her pediatrics residency at Driscoll Children’s Hospital in Corpus Christi, Texas, and is board-certified in General Pediatrics.
Dr. Trevino currently serves as the Associate Program Director of the Driscoll RGV Pediatric Residency Program, where she is dedicated to mentoring future pediatricians and advancing pediatric care in the region.
Larisa Garcia serves as the Program Coordinator for the Driscoll Children's Hospital Rio Grande Valley Pediatric Residency Program, where she oversees the administrative operations of the residency program and supports the education and development of future pediatricians. She has over four years of experience in graduate medical education and is also a Certified Training Administrators of Graduate Medical Education (C-TAGME) professional, demonstrating her expertise and commitment to excellence in graduate medical education administration.
Larisa was born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Pre-Medical Biology and later completed a Master of Health Science in Healthcare Administration at the University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley. Outside of work, Larisa enjoys traveling, fishing, and spending time at the beach.