Early career
Lamelas is the founder and former CEO of MD Now Urgent Care,which he expanded into one of Florida's largest urgent care networks. Under his leadership,the company partnered with two private equity firms and became a leading healthcare provider in the nation. He also serves as a Board Advisor to MD Now and has over 20 years of experience in emergency medicine and emergency medical services. [2] [4]
In addition to his entrepreneurial success,Lamelas has been actively involved in medical governance. He served on the Florida Board of Medicine,appointed by then-governor Jeb Bush,and was a member of the board of directors for the Urgent Care Association of America. He has also contributed to community service through various non-profit organizations in South Florida. [2] [4]
Political appointments
During Donald Trump's first presidential term,Lamelas was appointed to the Department of Justice's Medal of Valor Review board,which honors first responders for acts of extraordinary valor. [2] [3]
United States ambassador to Argentina (2025–present)
On December 11,2024,President-elect Donald Trump announced he would nominate Lamelas as the United States ambassador to Argentina. Trump's nomination emphasized Lamelas's medical and business credentials,as well as his personal story as a Cuban refugee. Trump stated that Lamelas's experience exemplifies the "American Dream" and described him as "a physician,philanthropist,and an incredible businessman". [2] [3]
Lamelas has already engaged diplomatically with Argentina's leadership,having met President Javier Milei during Milei's visit to Mar-a-Lago in November 2024. He has publicly praised Milei's efforts to implement bold economic reforms aimed at reducing deficits and curbing inflation. [2] [3]
During his confirmation hearing in July 2025,Lamelas explained that his objectives were to make Argentina a “partner of choice”for the United States. In the context of the rivalry between Argentina and the United Kingdom over control of the Falkland Islands,he reiterated the “neutrality”of the United States on this issue. Lamelas confirmed his intention to combat the influence of certain countries in Argentina,such as China and Venezuela. He also announced his support for the judicial proceedings against former President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner. The Chinese Embassy in Argentina criticized his remarks,saying they were “plagued with ideological prejudice and Cold War mentality.”Regarding his statements about former President Kirchner,Buenos Aires Governor Axel Kicillof said they “evoke the darkest eras of U.S. interference in the democratic life of our region.” [6]
On September 18,2025,Lamelas was confirmed by the Senate. [6] He presented his credentials to President Javier Milei on November 4,2025. [7]
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