Last Updated: Mar 28, 2022
Natalia Ortiz, M.D., FAPA, FAPM, a board-certified psychiatrist in Philadelphia, was named the recipient of the Pennsylvania Medical Society’s (PAMED) 2022 Distinguished Service Award.
Dr. Ortiz is a professor of clinical psychiatry and behavioral science at Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, where she is also the medical director, consultation and liaison psychiatry. She received her medical degree from Ponce School of Medicine in Puerto Rico and completed her residency at Temple University Hospital.
Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Ortiz is passionate and active in her community, serving as the current president of the Society of Ibero Latino America Health Professionals, an organization that is focused on closing the gap of under-representation by mentoring minority medical students.
Lawrence R. John, M.D., PAMED past presidents and member of the award committee said, “Dr. Ortiz believes in community volunteerism and is tireless advocate for diversity and inclusion in health care.”
She also serves as a commissioner of the Governor Tom Wolf’s Advisory Committee of Latino Affairs, participating in public hearings and proving expert testimony on solutions to the opioid crisis.
In 2020, she became the first Hispanic female president of the Philadelphia County Medical Society.
PAMED’s Distinguished Service Award is considered the highest honor a member can receive from PAMED. Its first recipient in 1956 was Jonas E. Salk, M.D., who was recognized for his achievements in developing the anti-polio vaccine.
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