CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. – Thompson Health announces that effective March 6, 2006, Carlos R. Ortiz, MD, FCCP, has joined the health system as Senior Vice President of Medical Services for Thompson Health and Medical Director for F. F. Thompson Hospital. Dr. Ortiz is an Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, a member of the American College of Chest Physicians and this year will become the chairman of the Cultural Diversity Network. For the past five years, Dr. Ortiz has worked clinically at the Highland Hospital Pulmonary and Critical Care Unit, the Mary M. Parkes Asthma Center, where he served as the Co-Medical Director from 2000-2004, and the Sleep Disorders Center of the Finger Lakes at Thompson Health. During his tenure at The Genesee Hospital, Dr. Ortiz served as Chairman of the Department of Medicine, Medical Director of the Intensive Care Unit and President of their Medical Staff. Dr. Ortiz is a graduate of the University of Puerto Rico and University of Puerto Rico Medical School. Currently, he serves on the Finger Lakes Health Systems Agency Board of Directors, Rochester Health Foundation and is well published. As Senior Vice President of Medical Services, Dr. Ortiz will lead medical initiatives, as well as implement programs that continue Thompson Health’s tradition of delivering the highest quality medical care. “I am looking forward to the challenges that my new position will bring,” said Dr. Ortiz. “Thompson Health has a long tradition of delivering high quality patient care. This will be important in bringing new medical services to Ontario County.” “We at Thompson Health are very excited to have Dr. Ortiz join our leadership team,” said Linda Janczak, President/CEO of Thompson Health. “He is a skilled, well-respected physician with a strong commitment to patient care. His leadership skills coupled with his experience as a clinician provide him great insight as he works with the medical staff and administration on new programs and services.” “We selected Dr. Ortiz because we are very impressed with his strong commitment to patient care, and know he will be a valuable asset to Thompson Health and our medical staff,” Janczak added. “He shares the values that are the foundation of everything we do at Thompson Health – providing the best care for patients will always be our top priority.”