Rudy M. Ortiz, PhD, FAPS

Rudy M. Ortiz, PhD, FAPS

Rudy M. Ortiz, PhD, FAPS, is a professor of physiology and endocrinology in the Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology at the University of California, Merced. He was the inaugural chair of the department and a founding faculty member of the University, and served on the American Physiological Society (APS) Council from 2014 to 2017. Ortiz’s research examines the response and adaptation of substrate metabolism to various nutritional perturbations, including acute and prolonged food deprivation or caloric restriction and dietary interventions in various animal models including humans. He is also the current program director for National Institutes of Health and U.S. Department of Agriculture training programs at the University of California, Merced.

Statement

As a member of APS since 1992, I have had a sense of belonging to the Society for my entire career. I first attended an APS meeting as a new graduate student and my career and professional development has been linked to the Society ever since. While I have been asked to be nominated for president a few times in the past, the timing was not ideal until now. I have contributed to the Society in many ways and feel that now I can commit the time and effort needed to help lead the Society through the challenges that confront all organizations in a post-COVID era. My leadership experience in various capacities will serve me well as I contribute to the continued successes of the Society moving forward. For example, my contributions to diversity, equity and inclusion over the past 15 years will help APS continue to serve as leaders in this arena. Having been a product of APS programs in the past, I want to help ensure that APS maintains its role as leaders in scientific and professional development of its trainees. I also want to work with APS leadership to help maintain the Society’s global position as a leader in scientific discovery, especially through strategic extensions of its networks and member collaborations.