A Conversation With Alex Ortega-Loayza, MD
Dr Alex Ortega-Loayza is an associate professor and interim chair of dermatology at Oregon Health and Science University, where he also earned a master’s degree in clinical research. A native of Lima, Peru, Dr Ortega obtained his medical degree from Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, the oldest medical school in Latin America. He completed a research fellowship at the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill before pursuing his internal medicine and dermatology training at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU).
Dr Ortega specializes in treating inflammatory skin conditions and complex wounds, with a primary research focus on pyoderma gangrenosum (PG). Notably, he was awarded the first independent investigator grant (R01) for studying PG, opening a new research portfolio for the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. He leads national and international initiatives, such as the UPGRADE (Understanding Pyoderma Gangrenosum Review of Adverse Disease Effects) initiative, to advance research in this area.
Dr Ortega has received several prestigious awards, including the Pacific Dermatologic Association’s 2019 Victor Newcomer Research Award, the American Academy of Dermatology’s 2021 Cochrane Scholarship, and the Wound Healing Society’s 2024 Mid-Career Faculty Award. He has given over 60 national and international presentations and published more than 170 peer-reviewed articles, with over 80 focused on PG. Additionally, he serves as a section editor for Dermatology and as a member of the editorial board for the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology.
Q. What part of your work gives you the most pleasure?
A. I deeply enjoy working in an academic setting, particularly with complex patients who benefit from my expertise in dermatology, internal medicine, and wound care. Many of my patients have conditions like hidradenitis suppurativa or unusual ulcers, such as PG, where I can integrate a multidisciplinary approach to care. Being surrounded by learners at all levels—medical students, residents, and fellows—is one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. Guiding and mentoring them as they grow and develop in their skills, while supporting them on their chosen paths, brings immense fulfillment.
Additionally, stepping into the role of interim chair has provided an exciting opportunity to further develop my leadership skills, allowing me to connect with faculty and staff on a deeper level. Facilitating their personal and professional growth has been an inspiring and enriching experience.
Q. Which patient had the most effect on your work and why?
A. As chief resident, I treated a young woman with severe PG of the head and neck, initially misdiagnosed as necrotizing fasciitis. Her life was turned upside down as she dealt with disfigurement, divorce, and a career change. Witnessing how this devastating disease impacted her was a turning point in my understanding of its far-reaching effects.
I also cared for a patient with acute myeloid leukemia and PG, a man of remarkable faith and kindness. While hospitalized, his 3 loving daughters were constantly by his side, showing the depth of his character as a father. Even during his illness, he always asked about my son with autism. After his passing, his wife texted me, saying, “Not only were you Michael’s doctor, but he also considred you a friend.” These patients remind me why I strive to make a difference every day.
Q. Who was your hero/mentor and why?
A. Dr Luis Diaz, chair emeritus at UNC Chapel Hill, profoundly influenced my career by offering me my first opportunity to work in his lab and study autoimmune blistering diseases. His resilience and guidance during those early years helped me understand the significance of academic dermatology. I am equally grateful to Dr Julia Nunley, who believed in me and taught me how to manage complex patients, and Dr Sancy Leachman, who has been instrumental in mentoring me as I navigate academic leadership.
Q. What is the best piece of advice you have received and from whom?
A. Dr Kenneth Blaylock, an emeritus professor at VCU, once told me that pursuing a successful career in academic medicine requires becoming comfortable with discomfort. He encouraged me to embrace leadership, innovate, and take risks to achieve my goals. That advice has stayed with me, inspiring me to launch new projects and step into roles I initially found daunting. While venturing into the unknown can be unsettling, it is also exhilarating and filled with potential.
Q. Which medical figure in history would you want to have a drink with and why?
A. Winston Churchill would be my choice. Leading his nation through one of history’s most challenging times, he exhibited unparalleled vision, resilience, and decision-making skills. I would love to understand his thought process, his perspective on leadership during crises, and how he remained steadfast under immense pressure. His insights could offer invaluable lessons for navigating adversity today.
Q. What is your greatest regret?
A. In my teens, I had a deep passion for soccer and was selected for tryouts for Peru’s U17 national team. However, I lacked a mentor to guide me through the next steps of pursuing a professional sports career. At that time, I did not fully grasp the significance of this opportunity or how to capitalize on it.
Looking back, I realize that with the right support, I could have explored options like international scholarships to continue both my academic and athletic pursuits. While I eventually moved away from competitive soccer, I often reflect on this experience as a formative moment. Today, I find satisfaction in mentoring others, much like a coach guiding their team, and helping them develop their own paths to success
Q. What is the greatest challenge in the field of medicine or dermatology?
A. Incorporating technology into dermatology practice is a challenge that we must navigate carefully. Physicians must lead the way in implementing advancements like artificial intelligence, noninvasive imaging, and digital pathology. Innovations such as confocal microscopy and devices to monitor chronic conditions are transforming patient care. However, it is essential to balance the rapid adoption of technology with ensuring that these tools genuinely improve outcomes for the patients we serve.
