After graduating with degrees in microbiology and medical technology and working in those fields for a few years, Gabriel Ortiz, MPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA, decided that he was interested in pursuing the PA profession. He graduated from the University of Texas Medical Branch PA Program in Galveston, TX in 1989 and began his 30+ year clinical career in allergy and immunology with a focus on pediatrics. He received the MPAS degree focused on pediatric pulmonary medicine from the University of Nebraska in 1999 and was awarded the DFAAPA distinction from AAPA in 2008.
Ortiz started his PA career in nephology for 2 years then spent a short time in orthopedics before beginning his allergy, asthma & immunology career in 1991 in El Paso, TX. In 2017, Ortiz embarked upon a new phase of his professional life as a Clinical Educator/Clinical Science Liaison for Thermo Fisher Scientific. In this capacity, he has been able to share his enthusiasm and expertise in allergic disorders with countless health professionals. He received the 2018 Thermo Fisher Scientific Circle of Excellence US leadership Team award. He has a particular interest in the needs of the Latino Hispanic heritage population. In March he was promoted to Executive Clinical Educator in the Scientific and Medical Affairs Group of the Immuno Diagnostics Division.
Ortiz has served as the AAPA liaison to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. He co-chaired their Advanced Practice Course in 2010-2011, served as chair (2011-2012) and as a committee member (2012-2013). Ortiz served as the AAPA Liaison to the National Asthma Education Prevention Program of National Institute of Health (NIH) from 2000-2005. In March 2015 the AAPA appointed him to the NIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) – Diagnosis and Management of Food Allergy-Coordinating Committee to address prevention of peanut allergy.
Ortiz has served on dozens of advisory committees/work groups for various pharmaceutical companies and patient advocacy organizations, local and national, related to allergic disorders. He is extensively published in both PA and physician journals on a variety of allergy-related topics. His presentations to PA and other audiences on these topics that he is so passionate about number in the hundreds. Many in the PA profession consider Ortiz the “go to person” for issues related to allergy and immunology. In 1999, he co-founded the AAPA specialty organization American Association of PAs in Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. He has served in nearly every officer position for that organization and currently serves as the organization’s treasurer.
Ortiz is also a member of AAPA, the Texas Academy of PAs, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology and the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.
Ortiz has enjoyed 34 years of marriage to his wife Gwyneth whom he met at the University of Texas Medical Branch. He enjoys spending time with his 2 children and their spouses and his 2 grandchildren. In his spare time, he enjoys swimming, skiing, and fishing.
Acknowledgments: This biography was prepared by Greg Thomas with the assistance of Mr. Ortiz. It was submitted to the Society in August 2023. Photographs are courtesy of Mr. Ortiz.
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