Astrid Ortega, FNP, CDE

Bio

As the oldest practicing Family Nurse Practitioner in Northern California, I bring 38 years of experience into my practice .I was born in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico but left there when I was 5 years old. My father, a physician moved his family to Providence ,Rhode Island in 1950. I have 2 brothers and 2 sisters, all still live back East.In 2006 I will have graduated 40 years ago from Nursing School. I am passionate about my work as a Diabetes Educator. Since I am Bilingual (Spanish) I have worked most of my professional career with the Spanish Speaking Latino Population. My goal is to continue my role as Educator and NP for many years to come.

My Medical Specialty

More details about my specialty:

I chose the Diabetes Care Manager specialty because there is a very high number of Latinos with Diabetes. There is an increasing need for this specialty at Kaiser Santa Rosa. I have relatives with Diabetes and I wanted to learn more about this chronic disease.

My specialty interests and affiliations within my field:

I am a Certified Diabetes Educator since May 2004. Member of the American Diabetes Assc.
Foot Care is my special interest . I have trained with Foot Specialists in Eureka and Ukiah and can do minor surgical procedures of the feet.

Current projects or research:

Teaching La Diabetes y su Salud every other month here at Kaiser.
Working with Homeless Shelters concerning foot problems in homeless population.

Great health resources that I refer to:

American Diabetes Assc.

An interesting story from my training:

As a Veteran of the Army Nurses Corps ,a First Lieutenant . I attended Officers Training in San Antonio ,Texas. My first year in the Army 1967 I was sent to Viet Nam as a fresh new RN.I learned trauma nursing very quickly and dramatically.

Interests

Currently reading:
Affinity, Newsweek, Entertainment weekly.

My favorite book or author:
Sarah Waters

Great movie:
March of the Penguins

Family & Friends

People in my life:

Gordie is my partner we have been together over 22 years. My Rhode Island Family consist of 12 nephews and nieces, and I now have 3 grand nephews all very cute ages 5,4, and 2.

My children and people I care about:

I am child-free but enjoy the company of children in 5 hour increments. I care about the welfare of children and contribute to educational programs for children.

An interesting story about my family or friends:

My family the Ortega's were the first Mexicans in R.I., according to the Providence Journal in 1950. My partner Gordie was Miss Betty Crocker of Spokane Washington in 1966.

My home contains a Sengal parrot "Kiwi" who is 13 years old , he can say "Hola Kiwi", two yellow Labs, 3years old, Bailey and Sophie. Two pygmy goats "Xena" and "Gabrielle". Also a pond with 6 ducks and many frogs and toads.

Travel

An adventure I've had:

Rafting down the Colorado River for 12 days in 1980. The experience of traveling in South Viet Nam during the war, in 1967-1968, and flying in Army Helicopters counts as one of my most exciting adventures.

Favorite place in the world:

My favorite place in Mexico is Merida, Yucatan the place of my birth. I have many fond memories of visiting Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins there.My forefathers were Maya Indians. Being able to climb the Mayan Pyramids is an unforgettable experience.

One of my recent trips:

I recently visited my 95yo and 85yo Aunts (tias) in Mexico City. They relayed many funny stories about my mother and her rollerskating antics as a young woman. I was able to visit at a fiesta over 28 of my first cousins.