Melissa Huddleston, MD
Phone: (757) 668-7400
Practice:
Education
Medical School: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Residency: University of Florida
Bio
Melissa Huddleston, MD joined CHKD's General Academic Pediatrics team in August 2026. Originally from Powder Springs, Georgia, Dr. Huddleston spent much of her life across the Southeast before earning a Bachelor of Science in Informatics and a Master of Public Health in Community Health Education from Baylor University. After completing her medical degree at Texas Tech University Paul L. Foster School of Medicine in El Paso, Texas, she returned to the East Coast to complete her pediatric residency at the University of Florida in Gainesville.
Dr. Huddleston knew from an early age that she wanted to become a pediatrician. Her background in public health continues to shape her approach to patient care, helping her understand the many factors outside of the clinic that can affect a child's health and well-being. She is passionate about educating and empowering patients and families, and she enjoys partnering with them to achieve their health goals. Dr. Huddleston is also interested in community-based initiatives that promote healthy behaviors and support positive health outcomes for children and families.
Dr. Huddleston was drawn to CHKD because of its strong academic environment and the welcoming culture she experienced when first interviewing with the residency program as a medical student. She and her family recently relocated to Hampton Roads and have enjoyed exploring the region together.
Outside of work, Dr. Huddleston enjoys reading, especially science fiction and fantasy, and writing poetry and short stories. She spends much of her free time with her husband and young child, visiting local parks, gardens, museums, and live music performances throughout the community.
Additional Information
Clinical Interests
Lifestyle and preventive medicine
Advocacy in medicine
Medical education
Quality improvement
Awards and Honors
Pediatric Clerkship - Excellence in Medical Student Education
Publications
Huddleston, M., Vice, S., Alberts, M., Shamil, S., and Zaghloul N., 2025. A term neonate with severe persistent metabolic acidosis and cardiac dysfunction, poster presentation, FCAAP Future of Pediatric Practice.
George, K., Huddleston, M., and Pfarr, C., 2022. Medical Humanities, Empathy, and Reading Habits of First Year Medical Students, virtual poster presentation, IAMSE (International Association of Medical Science Educators).
Floresca, R., Harvey, C., Huddleston, M., and Montgomery, M., 2022. Healthy Play Field Day -Precision vs Accuracy in Reaching the Target Audience, poster presentation, PLFSOM 12th Annual Service Learning Symposium
Huddleston, M., Kye, Y., Carnicle, J., Garcia, J. C., 2020. Large pyogenic granuloma arising in a port wine stain, virtual poster presentation, TDS (Texas Dermatological Association) 2020 Annual Fall Meeting.
Francis, A. G., Huddleston, M., Carnicle, J., Jeter, J., 2020. Erythema induratum after Strep. pharyngitis in a patient on Isotretinoin, virtual poster presentation, TDS (Texas Dermatological Association) 2020 Annual Fall Meeting.
Siddiq, B., Hungate, J., Dharan, A., Zaid, A.i, Vohra, V., Huddleston, M., and Moreno, F., 2020. Not a Walk in the Park: Insights of the 2020 Sunland Park Health and Wellness Student Success Fair, poster presentation, PLFSOM 10th Annual Service Learning Symposium
Professional Memberships
American Academy of Pediatrics
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