Fidencio Saldaña

Dr. Fidencio Saldaña serves as Dean for Students at Harvard Medical School (HMS), appointed in July 2016. He oversees the Office of Student Affairs, collaborates with academic societies to guide student development, supervises dormitory resident counselors and student councils, and chairs the Council of Academic Societies. Concurrently, he holds the position of Assistant Professor of Medicine at HMS and practices as a clinical cardiologist at Brigham and Women's Hospital specializing in cardiovascular imaging.

Dr. Saldaña earned his bachelor's degree from Stanford University, MD from Harvard Medical School, and MPH from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. He completed his internal medicine residency, chief residency, and cardiology fellowship at Brigham and Women's Hospital.

His professional focus bridges clinical cardiology with medical education leadership. He co-chairs the Practice of Medicine course for first-year students and directs the HMS Wellness and Mental Health Initiative, emphasizing student well-being through structured programs. His work in cardiovascular imaging informs his clinical practice while his educational leadership shapes curriculum development and student support systems.

Dr. Saldaña's commitment to diversity in medicine has earned significant recognition through multiple awards. His contributions include:

• Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award from Harvard Medical School
• Brigham and Women’s Health Care Center for Faculty Development and Diversity Pillar Award
• Excellence in Mentoring Award from the Latino Medical Student Association
• Careers in Medicine-Excellence in Medical Student Career Advising Individual Award
• Charles McCabe Faculty Prize for Excellence in Teaching

As an educator and administrator, he develops student policies, plans major academic events including Match Day and Class Day, and serves on national committees advancing student diversity affairs. His leadership extends to professional organizations as Fellow of the American College of Physicians, American College of Cardiology, and American Society of Echocardiography.