Carlos Mantilla MD

Carlos Bernardo Mantilla, MD, PhD, is a Professor of Anesthesiology at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science in Rochester, Minnesota. He is an internationally recognized physician-scientist whose work bridges anesthesiology, neuroscience, respiratory physiology, and neuromuscular disease research. As a consultant in the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine and a leading investigator at Mayo Clinic, Dr. Mantilla is dedicated to advancing understanding of the neural control of breathing and respiratory muscle function.

Dr. Mantilla earned his Doctor of Medicine (MD) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees from the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Bogotá, Colombia. He subsequently completed advanced research training and established a distinguished academic career focused on translational neuroscience and respiratory physiology. His interdisciplinary expertise has positioned him as a leader in studying the mechanisms that regulate breathing and respiratory muscle performance.

His research focuses on the neurobiology of respiration, particularly the neural pathways controlling the diaphragm and upper airway muscles. Dr. Mantilla investigates how respiratory motor neurons function in health and disease, with special emphasis on conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), spinal cord injury, neuromuscular disorders, and respiratory failure. His laboratory employs advanced electrophysiological, molecular, and translational research approaches to develop strategies that preserve or restore respiratory function.