About Dr. Reder

Dr. Melvin Reder is a board certified trauma and cardiothoracic surgeon whose life has been shaped by both resilience and purpose. My story begins at the crossroads of two worlds. My father was from Houston, Texas, and my mother from South Africa. Their love gave me my roots, but life tested those roots early. I am the fourth child of my parents, yet today I stand as one of only two surviving children. My two older brothers, men of courage and sacrifice, gave their lives serving our country in different capacities. My sister, my only living sibling, is happily married and continues to be one of my greatest sources of strength.

I lost my father at a young age, a profound event that left an indelible mark on my life. In the wake of that loss, my mother took me to her homeland in South Africa, where we found solace in the strength of family and the warmth of community. Growing up there gave me resilience, humility, and a global perspective on life.

Those formative years instilled in me resilience, humility, empathy, a global perspective on life, and a deep respect for the power of care and connection. These values ultimately guided me toward a career in medicine. Later, I returned to the United States to pursue my education, graduating from Florida State University and answering a calling that had lived within me for years: to become a physician. Today, I am privileged to serve as a trauma and cardiothoracic surgeon, standing at the intersection of skill and compassion, where life and healing meet.

My professional life is demanding, but it is deeply fulfilling. Still, beyond the operating room, I am a man who has known both love and loss. I am a widower and a proud father of twin children, who remind me daily why life is precious and why love must never be taken for granted.

I share my story not only to tell you what I do, but to show you who I am. A surgeon, yes, but also a son, a brother, a father, and a man whose life has been shaped by both heartbreak and hope. My journey has taught me that while we cannot control every chapter of our story, we can choose to live each page with purpose, compassion, and love.