About

Rafael Ortega, MD, a native of the Dominican Republic, earned his medical degree from Universidad Nacional Pedro Henriquez Ureña in Santo Domingo. He completed his anesthesiology residency and a fellowship in cardiac anesthesia at Boston University. With over three decades of experience, Dr. Ortega has served on various committees with prestigious organizations such as the American Society of Anesthesiologists, the Massachusetts Society of Anesthesiologists, and the Wood Library Museum. His numerous publications, spanning papers, books, book chapters, and multimedia programs, delve into a wide range of topics, including airway management, operating room hazards, and the history of anesthesiology. As the director of the Media Lab in his department, he has spearheaded the production of a collection high- impact articles and videos featured in the New England Journal of Medicine. His educational multilingual videos have been distributed by the World Health Organization and the World Federation of Societies of Anesthesiology. Dr. Ortega's scientific exhibits at national meetings have garnered him a variety of awards and recognitions. Prior to 2018, he served as Associate Dean for Diversity and Inclusion at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine for eight years. His efforts, bolstered by the publication of his book “Written in Granite,” led to the restoration of the Ether Monument in Boston's Public Garden. Currently, he holds the position of executive editor for the section Video in Clinical Anesthesia in the journal Anesthesia and Analgesia and serves as co-editor of Barash's Clinical Anesthesia, a renowned anesthesiology textbook. A passionate musician, Dr. Ortega is the founder of the Boston University Medical Campus Band.
  • Specialties

    Cardiac and thoracic anesthesia, education in anesthesiology, health equity, diversity, equity & inclusion

  • Contact

    617.638.6950
  • Primary Location

    1 Boston Medical Center Pl
    Boston, MA 02118
  • Administrative Title

    Professor and Chief of Anesthesiology, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine. Assistant Dean, Diversity and Inclusion, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine.

  • Residency

    Anesthesiology, Boston University Medical Center, 1982-1985
  • Education

    Universidad Nacional Pedro Henriquez Urena, Dominican Republic, 1980
  • Board Certifications

    Anesthesiology, American Board of Anesthesiology

Affiliations

Affiliations