Laura Ortiz

Detroit, MI USA
27 Years Experience

Professional Experience

A seasoned and well-published journalist, I specialize in health & fitness writing. For more than a decade, my work has been published in major and regional newspapers, magazines and on websites. My goal as a writer are to educate, entertain and evoke emotion.

Expertise

Copywriter 5 YearsReporter 15 YearsWriter 10 Years

Specialty

Lifestyle 15 YearsMedicine 10 YearsHealth 10 Years

Industries

Magazine - Trade magazines/publications (B2B) 10 YearsNewspaper - Local/Regional 10 YearsNonprofit 5 Years

Media Client List (# assignments last 2 yrs)

  • Credit Union Journal (10+)
  • Detroit Free Press (10+)
  • KMed LLC health communications agency (6-10)

Corporate Client List (# assignments last 2 yrs)

  • Gilda's Club Grand Rapids (1-2)
  • Siemens Medical Solutions (1-2)
  • American Institute for Preventive Medicine (6-10)

Awards

Various writing awards from SPJ and AP

Other Work History

The Desert Sun, reporter York Daily Record, reporter Whimsy LLC, owner of art consignment store Fantasy Springs Casino, public relations manager Gilda's Club Metro Detroit, Communications Director Downriver Profile, writer Cerebralpalsy.org, contributing writer

Technical Skills

Illustrator, PhotoShop, InDesign

Computer Skills

Word, Excel, Windows XP, MAC, HTML, Photoshop, Illustrator

Equipment

Digital camera, MAC laptop

References

Frank Diekmann, 561-714-2827 Michael Radner, 248-443-0319

General

CorCap Cardiac Support Device
(Detroit Free Press 5/1/2004)
Laying in a hospital bed at Henry Ford Health System, Dwight Congress heard a sound that had been absent for a long time - the rhythmic beat of his heart. At first, the Detroit resident said, it was overwhelmingly loud "like a big drum.'' He joked to himself, "Can I live with all this noise?"
Doctors Lack Training in Treating Overweight Patients
(Robert Woods Johnson Foundation/Knight Ridder-Tribune 6/3/2003)
A doctor walks into an exam room where a patient is waiting and says, "Still fat.'' The patient lets out a nervous chuckle, hoping a punch line is about to follow to ease the sting intensifying inside her small, but obese frame. But the doctor says nothing more and she is too humiliated to . . .
Hospital of the Future
(Siemens Medical Solutions 6/27/2005)
It started with a dinner conversation between clinical and administrative experts, then some notes scribbled on a paper napkin. By the time they were finished, they had the outline for a state-of-the-art heart hospital that would integrate top-quality care with the latest technology.
Valentine's Day Diet
(Detroit Free Press 2/5/2006)
Valentine's Day may be synonymous with decadent chocolate, but it doesn't have to be an excuse to slack off on diet and exercise. In fact, researchers say, there's a lot about this romantic holiday that inspires healthful habits year round.
Good Grief
(American Institute for Preventive Medicine 8/10/2012)
Good Grief was one of 101 articles I wrote in less than three weeks for a publication, 101 Ways to Wellness. Topics included heart issues, dieting tips, dental care, home safety and finding a good doctor.
Side by Side to Success: THCI and Siemens Foster Unique Partnership
(Siemens Medical Solutions 6/1/2008)
Spent several days interviewing key leaders of new heart hospital in Indiana to learn how they utilized the latest and greatest Siemens technology.