I am a neonatologist at University Health and an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at UT Health San Antonio. I graduated with honors in microbiology from the University of Texas El Paso, then completed pediatrics residency and neonatology fellowship at the University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston. In 2017, I obtained a master’s in clinical investigation and translational science.
I have authored more than 50 articles, with research featured in JAMA Pediatrics, Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Cochrane, Newsweek, BBC News, and National Geographic. My accolades have also been highlighted in an author podcast for JAMA Otolaryngology; a publication in PLOS ONE in 2017 was among the top 10% most cited that year. I was recently asked to co-write the neonatal COVID-19 chapter from the prestigious Remington and Klein Pediatric Infectious Disease Book.
Research Interests
My research interests lie at the interface of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and bioinformatics. I am currently funded by an NIH NICHD K23 award that focuses on transcriptomic signatures that can predict and track BPD. Other lab interests include machine learning, predictive analytics, data visualization, meta-analyses and developing web applications and dashboards.
Clinical interests include evidence-based protocol development and management of complex neonates. I meet weekly with a multidisciplinary team composed of dietitians, pharmacists, gastroenterologists and surgeons to discuss treatment plans for high-risk infants. I also serve as the program director for University Health’s Physician Assistant Neonatology Residency Program. To date, the program has graduated three providers
Career Highlights
Aside from research, I enjoy teaching trainees. In nine years, I’ve been awarded “Best Faculty Rounds” twice by pediatric residents. Many of my mentees have been awarded travel grants at regional and national meetings. Under my tutelage, several medical students have graduated with an MD with Research Distinction or have received the Senior Medical Student Research Award. High school and college students working in my lab are now at top tier universities and medical schools, respectively.
Interests & Hobbies
In my free time, I enjoy exercising, love hiking with my wife and two girls, and relish my time with my 14-year-old dog. A glutton for punishment, I also find time to study for my master’s in biomedical informatics.
Articles & Publications
Journal Articles
Moreira A, Benvenuto D, Fox-Good C, et al. Development and Validation of a Mortality Prediction Model in Extremely Low Gestational Age Neonates [published online ahead of print, 2022 May 20]. Neonatology. 2022;1-10. doi:10.1159/000524729.
Savorgnan F, Moreira A, Moreira A, et al. Physiologic profile associated with severe multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children: a retrospective study [published online ahead of print, 2022 May 14]. Pediatr Res. 2022;1-8. doi:10.1038/s41390-022-02108-6.
Smith, A. M., Ramirez, R. M., Harper, N., Jimenez, F., Branum, A. P., Meunier, J. A., Pandranki, L., Carrillo, A., Winter, C., Winter, L., Rather, C. G., Ramirez, D. A., Andrews, C. P., Restrepo, M. I., Maselli, D. J., Pugh, J. A., Clark, R. A., Lee, G. C., Moreira, A. G., Manoharan, M. S., … Ahuja, S. K. Large-scale provocation studies identify maladaptive responses to ubiquitous aeroallergens as a correlate of severe allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma. Allergy, 77(6), 1797–1814. https://doi.org/10.1111/all.15124.
Chorath, K., Hoang, A., Rajasekaran, K., & Moreira, A. Association of Early vs Late Tracheostomy Placement With Pneumonia and Ventilator Days in Critically Ill Patients: A Meta-analysis. JAMA otolaryngology-- head & neck surgery, 147(5), 450–459. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaoto.2021.0025.
Mangold, C., Zoretic, S., Thallapureddy, K., Moreira, A., Chorath, K., & Moreira, A. Machine Learning Models for Predicting Neonatal Mortality: A Systematic Review. Neonatology, 118(4), 394–405. https://doi.org/10.1159/000516891.
