Tulane Pediatric Residency Program Information

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

Dr. Swetland is a New Orleans native and has been here for most of his life, including Tulane University for his undergraduate education. He completed residency training at Manning Family Children’s and completed his fellowship training in Pediatric Pulmonology at Cincinnati Children's. He returned to New Orleans to take care of a large variety of patients, including those with cystic fibrosis, those requiring mechanical ventilation, and those with aerodigestive concerns. Outside of work, he enjoys taking part in all that City Park has to offer, including the New Orleans Museum of Art, the Besthoff Sculpture Garden, and plenty of outdoor space to relax.

Liz Watkins, MD - Associate Program Director, Continuity Clinics

Liz Watkins is an actual local! I left for pediatric residency at Arkansas Children's Hospital, then moved to Atlanta and Seattle before returning home in 2023 to continue my medical career in the same city I’ve always loved. In fact, I now work in the very same building where my childhood pediatrician once practiced, which feels like a beautiful full-circle moment in my life. Throughout my medical career, I've always had a passion for teaching, and now, I’m proud to work with our residents and medical students in the Academic Clinic, helping them develop into compassionate,knowledgeable pediatricians.

I also love fostering a sense of community among our residency program, often helping host get-togethers and offering a rest stop for the Mardi Gras parades. And yes, I’m a proud dancing mermaid in the Sirens of New Orleans dance krewe during our many parades and celebrations throughout the year! The energy and joy of the city inspire me, and I try to bring that same enthusiasm into my work, both with my patients and with the residents I mentor. When I'm not dancing or teaching, I hang out with my 2 children, our dog Waldo, and my husband Ben, "Mr. Dr. Watkins."

Laissez les bon temps rouler!

Ekei Eyo, DO - Chief Resident (2025-26)

Ekei is originally from Nigeria but grew up in South Carolina. Outside of work, she’s easing back into running and fitness, discovering local coffee shops, or planning her next travel adventure.

"My time at Tulane Pediatrics has been amazing—I love the supportive culture, working with such a varied patient population, and the hands-on, rigorous clinical training. These experiences have molded me into a confident, well-prepared pediatrician." ~Ekei

Wagma Mirzoy, MD - Chief Resident (2025-26)

Wagma was born and raised in West Lafayette, IN.  She loves baking and find the best bakeries and coffee shops in town.  Her career goals include working as an adult hopsitalist with a sprinkle of pediatrics!  

"I love our patients and the community the most. The amount of love and appreciation the community has for each other is a rare finding and one of the many beautiful things about New Orleans." ~Wagma