Linda Aponte-Patel, MD

Linda Aponte-Patel, MD, specializes in pediatric critical care medicine for children in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and Pediatric Cardiovascular ICU, including those recovering from surgery for complex congenital heart disease as well as patients who need organ transplants, suffer trauma, or have neurosurgical or orthopedic conditions. She works closely with a team of multidisciplinary specialists to provide compassionate care to children with complex conditions.

In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Aponte-Patel has been a valued member of the Department of Pediatrics since joining the Division of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine in 2013. She has played a pivotal role in shaping the educational experience for pediatric residents and fellows, serving previously as Associate Program Director for the Columbia Pediatrics Residency Program and Director of the Pediatric Critical Care Medicine Fellowship. Her expertise in communication and debriefing within the PICU highlights her commitment to advancing both patient care and medical education. In recognition of her leadership, she was appointed Section Chief of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine in 2020.

Beyond her academic contributions, Dr. Aponte-Patel is a passionate advocate for health equity. She founded the Pediatric Development and Inclusion Council (PDIC) in 2013, which grew to over 100 members and is open to all members of the Department of Pediatrics, and implemented a housestaff-led health equity curriculum. Her impactful work has been recognized with prestigious honors, including the 2015 Kenneth A. Forde Diversity Alliance Faculty Diversity Award and the 2017 P&S Award for Excellence for Diversity.

In 2020, she became Associate Vice Chair for Education, co-directed bias reflection trainings and numerous educational initiatives. By 2024, she was appointed Vice Chair for Health Equity, Alliance, and Leadership, and was tasked with spearheading the newly established Office of Health Equity, Alliance, and Leadership (HEAL).