The Philadelphia County Medical Society Installs their 159th President Natalia Ortiz-Torrent, MD, DFAPA, FACLP, FPCP
First Hispanic Woman President of the historic medical association
Philadelphia, PA – 6/23/20 …Natalia Ortiz, MD, is the first Hispanic Woman President in the illustrious 171-year history of The Philadelphia County Medical Society. Born in Puerto Rico she began her medical career in the field of Chemistry gaining both research and experience at the University of Puerto Rico’s Cayey Campus. Dr. Ortiz received her MD from Ponce School of Medicine, Ponce, Puerto Rico and completed her residency training in Psychiatry at Temple University Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Dr. Ortiz is currently Professor of Clinical Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, and Medical Director of Psychosomatic Medicine Clinic and Chief of Consultation and Liaison Psychiatry, Temple University Hospital. Dr. Ortiz is Board Certified in Psychiatry & Neurology and Consultation and Liaison Psychiatry.
Dr. Ortiz was elected by her peers to serve as President of The Philadelphia County Medical Society from June 2020 – June 2021. Dr. Ortiz has also served on the Philadelphia County Medical Society Board of Directors and Executive Committee as past Secretary and President Elect. In addition, she has also served as Delegate to the Pennsylvania Medical Society House of Delegates. She is a member of numerous professional organizations including the Pennsylvania Medical Society; is a Fellow of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia; President of the Society Ibero Latin American Medical Professionals (SILAMP); Fellow of the Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine; Distinguished Fellow at the American Neuropsychiatry Association; Pennsylvania and Philadelphia Psychiatry Association, and the American Psychiatry Association.
“Never has there been such a time that the differences in healthcare outcomes between ethnic groups has been so noticeable than during this era of COVID-19; Because of COVID, we are seeing an increase in suicide rates; unsafe work conditions; psychological effects of physical isolation; economic troubles; civil unrest; and so many deaths,” said Natalia Ortiz, MD. Her goals are to begin a journey of hope from so many lessons learned and continue to work on public health issues, social determinants of health, including racism that adversely affect the underrepresented so they have better access to healthcare. Dr. Ortiz will also address work balance issues; healthier working environments and more involvement in policy making. Dr. Ortiz will continue the long-standing tradition of the Society in advocating for the patient and protecting the doctor patient relationship.
The Philadelphia County Medical Society was founded in 1849 and enjoys direct affiliation with the Pennsylvania Medical Society. Its membership includes Philadelphia physicians, medical students, practice managers and hospital medical staff administrators.
