Our Program Leadership Team:
Meghan Howell, MD - Program Director
Born and raised in the foothills of East Tennessee, Dr. Howell came to Tulane in 2005, following completion of her undergraduate work at the University of Tennessee. Having completed her Master's Degree, Medical Degree and General Pediatrics residency training (including a chief resident year) at Tulane, she has two decades of experience learning from and serving the greater New Orleans area. Fueled by a passion for early childhood and complex care, she opened and now directs the NICU Graduate Clinic, leading a multidisciplinary team focused on early intervention in our highest-risk infants with four clinic sites across southeast Louisiana. Additionally, she has a growing research program, including serving as a site PI for two NIH-funded clinical trials in opioid-exposed infants and site PI for the IDeA States Pediatric Clinical Trials Network. Outside of work, she can be found cheering on her three children (all native New Orleanians!) or snuggling with her rescue dogs. When able, she and her husband enjoy quiet evenings focused on food, whether it is trying a new restaurant or cooking a new dish! She welcomes recommendations for new recipes, podcasts or mystery & suspense novels.
Maradith Skalak, MD - Associate Program Director, Clinical Competency & Evaluation
Originally from Ohio, Dr. Skalak joined Tulane Pediatrics after her neonatalolgy fellowship at Cincinnati Children’s. She is passionate about quality improvement in the NICU and is leading a QI curriculum for residents. Dr. Skalak is also pursuing a Master’s Degree in Bioethics at Tulane. Outside the hospital, she enjoys exploring New Orleans with her husband (a Tulane pediatric orthopedic surgeon) and their dogs—who, despite loving parks, prefer to avoid the city’s lively parades. Together, they’re on a quest to try as many local restaurants as possible!
David Swetland, MD - Associate Program Director, Didactics & Curriculum
Ekei Eyo, DO - Chief Resident (2025-26)
Originally from Nigeria, Dr. Eyo grew up in the beautiful state of South Carolina. There are so many things she loves about her training at Tulane Pediatrics—especially the supportive culture, the varied patient population, and the hands-on, rigorous clinical training. These experiences have shaped her into a confident and well-prepared pediatrician.
Wagma Mirzoy, MD - Chief Resident (2025-26)
Our patients come from all over the Gulf South, including Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, with a range of pathology and representing remarkably different cultural contexts. Due to key factors including geography, culture and climate, we see things here that you might not see anywhere else, in addition to the bread-and-butter diagnoses that comprise a pediatrician's typical daily work.
Our faculty members work in every pediatric subspecialty, and are nationally renowned in their fields of practice. Our subspecialists provide innovative care and discover new treatment strategies through research. Without a significant number of fellows, our residents work directly with these leaders.
In addition to the traditional subspecialties, our general pediatricians demonstrate a working knowledge of collaborative and complex care. Dr. Meghan Howell opened and now runs our multidisciplinary NICU Graduate Clinic. Dr. Mary Rossi treats the growing number of children impacted by obesity and diabetes. Dr. Patrice Evers brings high-quality care to youth impacted by the criminal justice system.
Lastly, but importantly, the people you train beside make a difference! Our team is composed of residents from many different backgrounds, who are motivated by the same core values. We seek future pediatricians driven to improve the wellbeing of children - whether driven by advocacy, scholarship & research, or innovative clinical care. Our residency culture is focused on fostering an enriching and supportive community where the next generation of pediatric leaders can refine their skills.
Categorical Pediatrics (3 year program)
- 8 interns per year
Pediatrician-Scientist, Pediatrics (4 year program)
- 1 intern per year
- 18 months protected research time during PGY2 through PGY4 years
Internal Medicine/Pediatrics (4 year program
- 6 interns per year
Triple-Board (Pediatrics, General Psychiatry, Child & Adolescent Psychiatry)
- 2 interns per year
| 2024 Salaries | |||
| PGY-1 | $57, 707 | ||
| PGY-2 | $59,642 | ||
| PGY-3 | $61, 643 | ||
PGY-4 | $64, 145 | ||
| Vacation | 4 weeks per academic year | ||
| Additional Benefits: | |||
| Book / Educational allowance | $200 per year | ||
| Meal allowance | $125 per month | ||
| AAP Membership | Included | ||
| MedStudy Core Curriculum | Given during PGY2 year | ||
| Parking | Free at all locations | ||
| Health Insurance: | |||
| Resident only | Free (add'l cost for family or partner) | ||
| Life, Disability & Malpractice Insurance | Free | ||
