Iván Meléndez-Rivera, MD, FAAFP
Biography
Dr. Iván Meléndez Rivera is a leader in HIV care in Puerto Rico and Hispanic/Latino communities in the United States. Since earning his medical degree from the Ponce School of Medicine in 1994, he has dedicated his career to addressing the HIV epidemic through innovative and inclusive healthcare. In 2001, he founded Centro Ararat, a nonprofit multidisciplinary healthcare center providing quality, stigma-free sexual health services to diverse and marginalized populations, including the LGBTTQI community.
As the Chief Medical and Operating Officer, Dr. Meléndez Rivera oversees a biopsychosocial care model that integrates medical, psychological, and social services. Centro Ararat operates four clinics across Puerto Rico and houses the island’s largest Sexual Health Clinic, with over a thousand active PrEP patients. It also includes specialized services for transgender individuals and two pharmacies dedicated to meeting the needs of its patients.
Education
- MD, Ponce School of Medicine, Puerto Rico (1994)
- Residency in Family Practice, Dr. Pila Hospital (1997)
- BS in Industrial Microbiology, University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez (1989)
Professional Experience
- Founder & Chief Medical Officer, Centro Ararat (2001 – Present)
- Principal Investigator, Ararat Research Center (2002 – Present)
- Pharmacy Director, Centro Ararat (2011 – Present)
- Clinical Consultant, HRSA Ryan White Programs, Washington, DC (2008–2015)
Key Achievements
- Selected Latino Voice in HIV Leadership: Recognized by the White House in 2024 for his leadership and advocacy at the ¡Adelante! Summit on HIV in Latino Communities.
- Pioneering LGBTQ+ Care: Opened Puerto Rico’s first primary care clinic exclusively serving transgender individuals.
- Global Advocate: Provided expertise for the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in Africa, improving national HIV policies.
- Policy Influence: Represented Puerto Rico at the 65th Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS.
Publications & Research
Dr. Meléndez Rivera has contributed to numerous peer-reviewed journals and conferences, focusing on topics such as HIV-associated metabolic diseases, transmission patterns, and effective prevention strategies for Latino populations.
- Books: HIV/AIDS Primary Care Guide
- Articles: HIV Specialist, Virology, Antiviral Therapy
- Research Leadership: Phase 3 clinical trials on long-acting PrEP interventions and aging with HIV.
Speaking Engagements
Dr. Meléndez Rivera is a sought-after speaker, presenting at global conferences and summits, including:
- United States Conference on HIV/AIDS (USCHA)
- National Ryan White Conference
- International HIV/AIDS Congress in Cancún, Rome, and South Korea
Awards and Recognitions
- Lifetime HIV Achievement Award, Puerto Rico HIV Treaters Association (2010)
- Family Physician of the Year, Puerto Rico Academy of Family Medicine (2011)
- Man of the Year, Lymphoma and Leukemia Society (2015)
- Esperanza Award by Latino Commission on AIDS (2023)
Vision & Mission
Dr. Meléndez Rivera envisions a healthcare system where stigma is eradicated, quality care is accessible to all, and innovative solutions address the evolving needs of marginalized communities.