Hi Isabel, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’m a 36 year old Cuban American single mother currently running Cardiology of Miami, a Cardiology practice based out of Miami FL. This business is owned by my brother, Cardiologist Dr. Aurelio A. Ortiz, and run by myself as the Practice Manager. We are a small family-owned and run business. Originally, my inkling was to work in the beauty industry, which I did for many years.
Early on, I studied cosmetology at Paul Mitchel The School. As soon I graduated with my license, I was asked by the owners of the school to become an Educator for the company. I was hesitant at first, but ultimately I accepted the position. Soon after I found myself traveling and learning from others in different states such as California, Texas, Utah, and Washington DC. By the age of 24 I had made a name for myself in the industry, but in my heart I knew I longed for something more. One night I went out with my brother and he began talking to me about his growing cardiology practice, and he asked me if I was interested in running his business. I immediately said NO!!!!!!!!! I mean, what the hell do I know about running a cardiology practice? Once my momentary tantrum subsided, he assured me that I’m perfectly capable of handling this endeavor. And just like that I went from teaching the physics of hair color to becoming a professional in the medical field. My first days were long and scary. I was responsible for everything from patient check-ins to EKG tests, and it was a pressure unlike anything I’ve ever felt.
Needless to say, I cried in the car everyday after I left work, but over time I learned. I helped grow the practice from 75 patients to now over 3,000 patients. I thank my brother Tony for seeing the potential in me to grow this little engine that could, Cardiology of Miami. I’m currently planning on returning to school to fulfill my degree in Health Administration. Life takes you on many twists and turns, some hard and others unexpected, but it’s all about how you rise to the challenge and believe in yourself. That’s my story and I thank you for taking the time to listen. Blessings!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has not been smooth, as I struggled diving into an industry I had zero knowledge on. I learned by “cocotasos” as the Cubans would say, but all the lessons, good and bad, make me proud of the person I’ve become. I am now doing more in my life than I ever thought possible.
We’d love to hear more about your practice.
My practice is a Miami based Cardiology practice. I run the practice, which has a small united staff of myself and three other girls, who I consider the backbone of the practice. Our brand goal is to create and foster a family-like environment, taking the time to make our patients feel comfortable, listened to, and respected – not just another dollar sign. Doctor Ortiz and the staff prioritize taking the time to listen and not rush the patients through the process, as we know how scary it can be when a doctor appears uninterested. Our goal in this practice is to make every single patient feel cared for and protected.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I’d say what I love most about our city is the amazing weather. The sun, ocean and the heat! You can spend the day working at the office, and then to the beach and watch the sunset while reflecting on the beauty of our magnificent skyline. What I dislike the most is… you guessed it… the traffic. Our city is overpopulated, and instead of being aggressive and rude, we need to work together and make it easier on one another. Patience is key. I say this for myself as well.
Contact Info:
- Address: Cardiology of Miami 5040 NW 7th St Suite 750 Miami FL 33126
- Email: ortizcardiology@gmail.com
- Instagram: Cardiologyofmiami
