Accepting new patients

Alex Ortega Loayza, M.D., M.C.R.

Accepting new patients

  • Associate Professor of Dermatology, School of Medicine

Expertise

  • Dermatology

Special focus

  • Complex Medical Dermatology
  • General Dermatology
  • Psoriasis
  • Pyoderma Gangrenosum
  • Skin Cancers

Locations and contact

I see patients at

About me

Dr. Alex Ortega-Loayza is board-certified dermatologist specializing in both general and complex dermatology. He is also board-certified in internal medicine, and has completed his Master of Clinical Research. Dr. Ortega is particularly interested in the treatment of psoriasis, sarcoidosis, and pyoderma gangrenosum (PG).

Dr. Ortega's research focuses on advancing diagnosistic tools and treatment for the rare and often misdiagnosed condition of pyoderma gangrenosum. At OHSU, he has assembled a team of basic scientists, biostatisticians, and clinicians to form the pyoderma gangrenosum study team (PYGAS). He is also the co-leader of the Pyoderma Gangrenosum Group for the International Dermatology Outcome Measures and has been sponsored by the Medical Dermatology Society and American Academy of Dermatology to develop consensus guidelines to treat PG patients. Dr. Ortega enjoys working with medical students and residents in clinic as well as in scholarly activities and research projects. He has published several peer-reviewed papers, is a reviewer for several dermatology journals and has spoken at numerous medical conferences.

Dr. Ortega, a native of Lima, Peru, obtained his medical degree from Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, the oldest medical school in Latin America. After working as a general practicioner in the Navy of Peru, he completed further research training at University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill), and then completed his clinical training in internal medicine and dermatology at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). Following his medical training, Dr. Ortega joined the faculty of VCU for a couple of years before coming to OHSU in May 2016.

In his spare time, Dr. Ortega enjoys spending time with his wife and children; when he gets time for himself he likes running, soccer, watching sports and reading biographies. 

Education and training

  • Degrees

    • M.D., 2004, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos
    • M.C.R., 2020, Oregon Health & Science University

  • Residency

    • Dermatology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2013
    • Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, 2010

  • Fellowship

    • Research Fellowship, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, 2005-2008

  • Certifications

    • American Board of Dermatology, 2013
    • American Board of Internal Medicine, 2014

Memberships and associations:

  • American Academy of Dermatology, Society for Investigative Dermatology, Medical Dermatology Society, Rheumatologic Dermatology Society, American College of Physicians, Peruvian-American Medical Society, Alpha Omega Alpha
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Insurance

Before scheduling your appointment, we recommend you contact your insurance company to verify that the OHSU Health location or provider you plan to visit is included in your network. Your insurance company will also be able to inform you of any copayments, co–insurance, or deductibles that will be your responsibility. If you proceed in scheduling an appointment and your health insurance benefits do not participate with OHSU providers, your out of pocket liability may be higher. Visit the billing and insurance section of our site for more information.

Ratings and reviews

Overall: 4.8 out of 5 (327 Ratings, 120 Reviews)

The patient ratings score is an average of all responses to the question "How likely would you be to recommend this provider to your family and friends (on a scale of 0 to 10)" on our nationally-recognized NRC patient surveys.

  1. He is a great listener and openly respectful of my ideas and concerns. Answered all my questions and gave me great feedback.

  2. So far so good. It was a quick telehealth visit but Dr. Ortega seemed knowledgeable and answered my questions. Hopefully the rest of the treatment goes as smoothly.

  3. Efficient scheduling and Dr Layoza is the best

  4. Dr Ortega is always caring and attentive and he listens to everything I have to say. He is patient and kind.

  5. Brilliant doctor and researcher is solving an issue I've dealt with for over a year!

  6. Dr.Ortega has been essential in caring for me with a very complicated and rare disease. I find him to be kind and caring as well as being a consummate professional. I have been endeavoring to manage this very tricky disease for over 10 years and am showing improvement. I don't know what I would do without OHSU!

  7. He was happy to hear that I've had no signs of HS since increasing the remicade from every 6 weeks to every 4 weeks.

  8. Dr. Ortega has done an excellent job to help me with my dermatology problems. I find them to be knowledgeable and kind. He is a good listener and asks excellent questions. I appreciate all the help he's given me.

  9. Very effective and pleasant.

  10. My experience with Dr. Ortega was just, just fantastic. He was a very calm, warm, friendly, compassionate, and very, very knowledgeable person. I appreciated everything that he said. He was able to answer all my questions, and he knew, he was definitely the person for me to talk to and for me to visit. I feel blessed and feel very, very happy to have been able to meet with him. Thank you.

  11. Dr Ortega removed a cyst relatively close to my left eye. After 3-4 days, the wound appears to be healing. Dr Ortega has provided assistance with other skin-related issues. I appreciate his fine expertise. Additionally, Allen, the Medical Assistant, was very helpful.

  12. Very good provider and MA. Both listened closely to my questions/concerns and provided knowledgeable, thoughtful responses. Dr. Ortega explained and developed a care plan for going forward. I feel very fortunate to be under Dr. Ortega's care and so relieved to have a "quarterback" to call the next plays in treating my rare disease. Savannah did a great job following up on all the details, and provided excellent support for me to access additional services such as submitting a referral to social worker for suggestions to help with my travel stays in Portland. Excellent care!

  13. Great experience, very attentive and helpful

  14. Dr. Ortega is always a very wonderful doctor. He's very attentive and he cares to all my needs. I really appreciate the fact that he goes above and beyond and answers messages very promptly and is very skilled at what they do. They're very knowledgeable as well as him, and that's what I really appreciate about Dr. Ortega.

  15. I love Dr. Ortega! He always listens to my concerns and works with me on a treatment plan. He is always kind and professional.

  16. He came to see Dr. Ortega at a point in my life where I was feeling hopeless with the autoimmune issues that I was having and he gave me all of that hope back and we've worked he's worked really hard to find something that would work for me and I really appreciate that and I really appreciate him. Thank you so much. Bye.

  17. Dr. Ortega was lovely. He addressed my concerns and has excellent bedside manner. I would highly recommend him.

  18. Dr. Ortega is an excellent physician who is thorough ,knowledgeable and empathetic. He was prompt in starting the appointment.It is a pleasure to be his patient .

  19. Very good my experience, very pleasant

  20. Execllent job Dr Alex Ortega and nurse !

  21. Asked appropriate questions. Answered my questions

  22. Extremely kind, set up a working plan, clear, decisive. I feel so grateful Dr Ortega saw me on short notice.

  23. This doctor is terrific. I am so fortunate to have him for dermatology.

  24. Dr Ortega is a wonderful doctor, very caring, good bedside manners, compassionate and helpful . He does everything he can do to help you get the best of your treatment.

  25. Dr.ortaga is the best he listens to you and works hard to figure out the best treatment for you. He spends time with his patients not just in and out like a lot of them. I'm glad and lucky to have him

  26. Excellent doctor and his assistant as well. Very thorough as always.

  27. The best.

  28. Dr. Ortega helped me tremendously and is very kind and personable.

  29. Doctor Ortega is wonderful!!! From my first appointment 2 years ago up to now has always taken time with me to make sure my questions are answered and has a truly kind bedside manner!

  30. Knowledgeable and compassionate care as always

  31. Very positive and user-friendly

  32. He was very familiar and informative about my condition and spent a lot of time answering my questions. At times he was difficult to understand, but was happy to clarify. I left feeling i was in good hands.

  33. Dr. Ortega is wonderful! He listens, he asks question. He always in a good mood. His staff seems happy. The staff to check in were friendly.

  34. Dr. Ortega came highly recommended by three other doctors in his field. He listened carefully as I answered his questions and was decisive in determining next steps. I am grateful to be in his care!

  35. His knowledge and professionalism, both medical and cultural understanding, is formidable. It makes you as a patient feel that you can take control of your health level and that makes you feel important as a human being.

  36. It was great.

  37. Dr. Ortega Loayza is a most conscientious and thoughtful doctor. He asks good questions and is an excellent listener. He makes you comfortable and at ease in his discussion and actions.

  38. Had a complete skin examination. Very satisfied with results.

  39. They really make me feel comfortable and I love that they are not judgmental about anything I tell them. They are very understanding and respect my wishes when I tell them that I do or do not want something specific.

  40. Dr Ortega is competent and very helpful. And appreciated. I'm looking forward to having the cyst under my eye removed.Dr Ortega also looks at the "whole" patient. And listens actively. He continues to be very helpful. And I appreciate his patience as this is important.

  41. Dr. Ortega has been integral to the treatment of my significant health issues. I appreciate his and his team's efforts on my behalf.

  42. Dr. Ortega is absolutely top-notch. He diagnosed a tough, rare problem, and every time I see him he focuses on curing the problem. Extremely knowledgeable and thoroughly dedicated to restoring an errant foot to full health.First-rate in every way.

  43. Getting great care.

  44. Dr Ortega is a pleasure to work with. I appreciate the history I have with him, his ability to talk through options and most of all- he's genuine human being.

  45. finally my wounds are getting better!

  46. Fully engaged and focused on my treatment and questions regarding my health concerns.

  47. excellent

  48. Dr. Alex Ortega has treated me for sking problems for several years. On every occasion i have been very pleased with both the manner or treatment and the outcomes. He is a gem I would recommend to anyone.

  49. Doctor Ortega is kind and professional. He is easy to talk to and explains what's happening without the medical jargon. He is an example for all doctors to aim for. I have enjoyed excellent care and it has helped restore my faith in real medical professionals.

  50. Dr Ortega always speaks directly to the problem and provides options to treatments that we may not have considered.

  51. He is great and answers all my questions.

  52. Professional, Listened to me, Good explainer

  53. They were very good at helping me with my problem and I'm looking forward to another appointment with Dr. Ortega next year or sooner if I need him. Thank you.

  54. Dr. Ortega and his staff are empathetic, compassionate, and they got to the root of the problem, changed the medications, and I'm on the path to recovery. He is superb, as is OHSU.

  55. Answered questions. Helped me understand. Had to wait more than an hour past scheduled time

  56. All was good follow up on my psoriasis was thorough and professional

  57. Yes, everything went as planned. My appointment was right on time. I enjoyed the doctor very much. He explained everything where I could understand and I'm really happy with the service I got. Thank you.

  58. Very thorough exam and excellent question and conversation. very good experience and advice.

  59. Outstanding doctor!

  60. Very friendly, patient and made me feel like I mattered

  61. Excellent and professional.

  62. He was very kind and extremely knowledgeable. I have every confidence that with my unusual condition, he is the best doctor for me.

  63. Excellent overall experience.

  64. Dr Ortega and his staff have genuinely been life changing in my treatment journey. Finding them was the turning point in my care and has set the highest standard of care, kindness, dedication, and efficacy.