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Posted
Mon, May 6, 2024
@ 6:05 AM ADT
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Dr. Ortiz-Alvarez has wanted to be a doctor for as long as she could remember. Originally from Mexico, Dr. Ortiz-Alvarez studied medicine at the National Autonomous University of Mexico.
She moved to Canada in 1994 to pursue a fellowship where she met her husband, who was pursuing his PhD. Her husband, Dr. Ricardo Scrosati, was appointed a Canada Research Chair at Saint Francis Xavier University in Antigonish which is what initially brought them to Nova Scotia.
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Despite being from a large city, Dr. Ortiz-Alvarez quickly fell in love with the peaceful pace of life in Antigonish. She enjoys being surrounded by the beauty of the coast and being part of a tight-knit community. Dr. Ortiz-Alvarez has special advice for medical students and residents, “don’t count out small communities when you are thinking of establishing your practice.”
"In a small community, it's not about having everything available; it's about wisely utilizing our resources and having life's slower pace. Here, we're not just colleagues, we're like a big family, supporting and connecting with each other in ways that larger centers can't,” explained Dr. Ortiz-Alvarez.
Dr. Ortiz-Alvarez appreciates the work-life balance that is offered in the community, which has allowed her to enjoy time with her family and pursue a busy career which she calls “the best of both worlds.
When asked what her favorite part about being a doctor is, her answer is simple – patient interaction.
"I love children, and the better prepared they are physically and mentally is an investment for the future.”
Dr. Ortiz-Alvarez continues to make a difference in the lives of children and families in Antigonish, embodying the spirit of community and care that defines her beloved coastal town.