Alicia Ortiz MD
Dr. Alicia Ortiz practices urgent care medicine at Ochsner Health in New Orleans.
Education and Training
Medical School
Louisiana State University-LSU School of Medicine
Field of Study: Medicine
Year Completed: 2016
Residency
LSU Family Medicine Residency – Lafayette GME
Field of Study: Family medicine
Year Completed: 2019
Certifications
American Board of Family Medicine – Family Medicine
Primary Location
Ochsner Medical Center – New Orleans
1514 Jefferson Highway
New Orleans, LA 70121
Additional Locations
Ochsner Urgent Care & Occupational Health – West Bank
1849 Barataria Blvd, Suite B
Marrero, LA 70072
Country of Origin: Honduras
What inspired you to study medicine?
I remember being very young, second grade, and knowing by then I would be a doctor. It was strongly encouraged by my father and his family. But I also remember that when I first found out I got accepted into medical school, the first person I wanted to tell was my pediatrician, Dr. Mendoza. Unknowingly, he had also been a role model for me. Sadly he died a few days after I found out. I was never able to tell him his “viejita” was going to be a doctor, too.
What are you most passionate about in your profession?
It feels good when you take care of patients in their native tongue. My mother and I had to go to many doctors and many specialties because of her medical conditions, and I remember being able to breathe a little better knowing that the doctor could speak directly to my mom and also understood our cultural origins and nuances.
Is there a condition you would like to talk about?
Diabetes is 100% preventable if you know more about nutrition and how the body utilizes food for energy. Latin food, unfortunately, is in direct opposition to this, and this is what leads to such a high number of Latin people with diabetes. Not to mention that we don’t walk enough. We use cars for everything. I would rather you eat a steak and salad than a baleada.
What advice do you give to young immigrants or minority groups in the US who dream of studying health careers?
Nothing is impossible! I am a first generation born to an immigrant mother with humble beginnings Latina. I knew that I had to grab onto every opportunity that was available, like my life depended on it. If I made it, you can do it, too!
What is something about you outside of work, people should know you for?
I love my dogs.
