John Ortinau, MD FACEP
EMS Medical Director, NWC EMSS
(847) 618-4480
e-mail: jortinau@nch.org
Dr. Ortinau has been interested in EMS since his days as a medical student, when he was also a practicing EMT and subsequently a Paramedic. After graduating from med school (Loyola) in 1976, there wasn’t enough time to continue as a paramedic, but participating in EMS as an educator and advocate has always been important to him.
“Dr. O” became EMS Medical Director for the Northwest Community EMS System in 1997. He believes that the number one priority for the EMS System is excellent patient care. This is best achieved by a high level of personal commitment and professionalism by all members of the System.
Education is our number two priority, and it is THE tool that allows us to achieve and maintain excellent patient care. Providing ongoing continuing education to our system members, as well as training new EMTs and Paramedics to the highest standards helps us fulfill our mission of being ready and able to provide excellent care to our communities.
Dr. O lives in suburban Barrington. He is board certified in Emergency Medicine and practices in the E.D. at one of our system hospitals. He has been active in the American College of Emergency Physicians and is a past president of the Illinois College of Emergency Physicians. He sits on the EMS Committee of I.C.E.P., and serves as an expert witness in medical legal issues involving EMS and Emergency Medicine.
Dr. O enjoys the outdoors, camping, sailing, motorcycling and music of all kinds – from opera to Rock and Roll. He has four daughters and has been married over thirty years to his wife Marilyn who is a pediatric and perinatal nurse and musician.