Puerto Rican born Natalia Ortiz, MD, DFAPA, FACLP, FCPP, Professor of Clinical Psychiatry and Behavioral Science at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University and Medical Director of Consultation and Liaison Psychiatry at Temple University Hospital, has been recognized with the Pennsylvania Medical Society (PAMED)’s 2022 Distinguished Service Award.
Her predecessor was John H. Doherty, Jr., MD, an orthopedic surgeon from Lackawanna County who practices at Geisinger Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine in Scranton, who was the 2021 recipient of the award.
“I’m honored that the Pennsylvania Medical Society has chosen me as a recipient of this award,” said Dr. Ortiz. “I cannot thank them enough for this recognition, which would not be possible without all those who have supported me and mentored me throughout the years. I’m also grateful to my patients and to the community who have entrusted me with their care.”
A mentor for Latino students
Dr. Ortiz’s commitment to the medical field extends beyond Temple’s campus. She has served as President of the Society of Ibero-Latino American Medical Professionals (SILAMP), a group dedicated to mentoring Latin American students, conducting neighborhood outreach, and building a community of Latin American health care providers through continuing education and networking opportunities.
“It is an honor to have Dr. Ortiz as a member of our faculty at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine,” said Amy J. Goldberg, MD, FACS, Interim Dean of the Katz School of Medicine. “Dr. Ortiz is a tireless advocate for the patients we serve in North Philadelphia, working to address health disparities in the community while delivering important care to patients and, more importantly, serving as a model clinician for medical students and residents.”
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From June 2020-June 2021, Dr. Ortiz held the role of President of the Philadelphia County Medical Society. She was the first Hispanic woman elected to the position in the Society’s 171-year history.
She also served as a Commissioner on Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf’s Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs, where she participated in public hearings and provided expert testimony on solutions to the opioid crisis.
Natalia Ortiz earned her medical degree from the Ponce School of Medicine in Puerto Rico and completed her residency training in psychiatry at Temple University Hospital.
About Pennsylvania Medical Society
The Pennsylvania Medical Society is a physician-led, member-driven organization representing all physicians and medical students throughout the state. It was founded on April 11, 1848, at the First Methodist Episcopal Church. Its purpose was to foster the advancement of medical knowledge, relieve suffering, and promote the health of the community. Samuel Humes, MD, of Lancaster, was PAMED’s first president.
“We advocate for physicians and their patients, educate physicians through continuing medical education, and provide expert resources and guidance to help physicians and their organizations navigate challenges in today’s ever-evolving health care system,” says on its website.
The Distinguished Service Award is PAMED’s highest honor and is given to members for lifetime achievements in medicine. It was first awarded in 1956 to Jonas E. Salk, MD, for his role in developing the anti-polio vaccine.
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