Dr. Cortez has 40 years experience in medical practice, research, education and administration and 15 years of managed care experience. As a physician staff member, he held the positions of Associate Head of Infectious Diseases, epidemiologist for a 500 bed tertiary care teaching hospital and several medical director roles including Medical Director for Patient relations, Medical Director for Quality Assurance and President of the Medical Staff, at the Ochsner Clinic and Foundation(now Ochsner Health Systems) in New Orleans, La. He was also on the faculty of LSU and Tulane Medical Schools and garnered teaching awards at both Tulane and Ochsner. He was similarly recognized during his service in the United States Air Force.

Following practice he served as medical director for the Ochsner Health Plan and subsequently was Vice president for Clinical Innovation and ultimately Chief Medical Officer for Senior Products for Humana’s 7 state South Region.

Dr. Cortez was born in Kansas City, Mo., attended the University of Wisconsin Madison and the University of Missouri Columbia earning his AB degree. He received his Medical Degree from the University of Missouri Columbia School of Medicine. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases. He has contributed to the medical literature with over 40 articles and book chapters and has lectured on 4 continents on infectious diseases and appropriate use of antimicrobials as well as belonging to many medical societies.