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Cristina Ortiz Villabona, MD

Cardiovascular Disease, Cardiology
Cristina Ortiz Villabona, MD
Areas of Focus
Cristina Ortiz Villabona, MD
Locations

Memorial Division of Cardiac Services

1150 North 35th Avenue
Suite 605
Hollywood, FL 33021

Phone: 954-265-7900

Fax: 954-276-0219

Get Directions

About Me

I am a cardiologist at Memorial Cardiac and Vascular Institute, where I care for patients with conditions such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, arrhythmias and hypertension.

My interest in medicine began early. Growing up, my family instilled in me the values of service and helping others, which shaped my desire to pursue a career where I could make a meaningful impact. Volunteer work in the community, combined with a natural fascination for science and biology, ultimately led me to a career in medicine. Over time, I found myself most engaged when studying the heart and caring for patients with cardiovascular disease, making cardiology a natural and rewarding path.

The most meaningful part of my work is getting to know patients and building relationships that make care truly personal. Understanding my patients’ lives beyond their diagnoses allows me to design treatment plans that not only address their medical needs but also fit into their day-to-day routines. I take particular enjoyment in seeing patients regain control of their health — whether it’s better managing heart disease, finding relief from symptoms or experiencing an overall improvement in quality of life. As a fluent English and Spanish speaker with family roots in Colombia, I also value the opportunity to connect with Spanish-speaking patients and to care for a diverse population across many backgrounds.

During appointments, I take time to listen closely, understand each patient’s concerns and explain treatment options clearly. I rely on evidence-based cardiac guidelines while tailoring each plan to the individual’s needs and circumstances. My goal is for patients to leave each visit with confidence, clarity, and a sense of partnership in their care.

Outside of medicine, I enjoy staying active through running and hiking with my dog. I also love traveling, dancing and tending to my plants.

Languages

  • English
  • Spanish

Areas of Focus

  • Arrhythmias
  • Coronary artery disease 
  • Heart failure
  • Hypertension
  • Non-invasive (general cardiology care)

Education

Fellowships

  • Vanderbilt Medical Center - Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship, 2025, Cardiovascular Disease

Residency

  • The Ohio University - Internal Medicine Residency, 2022, Internal Medicine

Medical Education

  • The Ohio State University College of Medicine, 2019

Certifications

  • American Board of Internal Medicine-Internal Medicine

Awards, Achievements, and More

Publications

Please view Dr. Cristina Maria Ortiz Villabona’s publications on PubMed.

Professional Organizations

  • American College of Cardiology

Presentations

Oral Presentations

  • Ortiz, C. Derbala, M. Sakima, S. Disparities In 1-Year Survival Of Left Ventricular Assist Device Recipients Based Off Education Level And Public Insurance Oral Presentation presented at: Heart Failure Society of America Annual Scientific Meeting 2021; Denver, CO. October 2021.
  • Ortiz, C. Czeisler, C. Gallego-Perez, D. Gygli, P. Catacutan, F. Stocker, B. Cowgill, A. Otero, J. Neuronal Reprogramming via Nanochannel Electroporation Oral Presentation presented at: Honors Research Thesis, Defended in fulfillment of the requirements for graduation with Honors Research Distinction in Biology; Columbus, OH, USA. Case Reports. April 2015
  • Ortiz, C. Houmsse, M. A case of atrial fibrillation requiring PCI; emphasizing the 2019 ACC antithrombotic guidelines. https://learn.acc.org/url/product/cpc206. June 2021.

Commentary

  • Ortiz, C. Sutton, N. Commentary on Intravascular Imaging-Guided or Angiography Guided Complex PCI. Cardiology Practice Update, March 2022.

Poster Presentations (not included above)

  • Ortiz, C. Rahat, R. Hu, B. Mason, J. Factora, F. Effects of early mobility and exercise on delirium and length of stay in the surgical intensive care unit. Poster presented at: American College of Physicians National Conference and OSU Wexner Medical Center Trainee Research Forum/Internal Medicine Clinician Scientist Trainee Research Forum; Columbus, OH, USA. April 2018.
  • Ortiz, C. Mantell, E. Nikzad, M. Olatunji, D. Patel, N. Wang, R. 5210 Healthy Habits: Combating childhood obesity in elementary school-aged children in Franklin County, Columbus, OH. Poster presented at: Community Health Education Day Poster Forum; Columbus, OH, USA. January 2017.
  • Ortiz, C. Czeisler, C. Gallego-Perez, D. Gygli, P. Cowgill, A. Otero, J. Nuclear Reprogramming with Hindbrain Patterning Genes by Nanochannel Electroporation. Poster presented at: Experimental Biology National Research Conference; Columbus, OH, USA. April 2015.
  • Ortiz, C. Czeisler, C. Gallego-Perez, D. Gygli, P. Cowgill, A. Otero, J. CCNA2 Deletion Decreases Induced Neurons through 3D Nanochannel Electroporation. Poster presented at: Ohio State Denman Undergraduate Research Forum and OSU Natural & Mathematical Sciences Undergraduate Research Forum; Columbus, OH, USA. March 2015.
  • Ortiz, C. Czeisler, C. Gallego-Perez, D. Gygli, P. Otero, J. Electrospun Fiber Mat Design Based on Brain Development: A New Model for Neural Progenitor Migration. Poster presented at: Experimental Biology National Research Conference; Columbus, OH, USA.  May 2014.
  • Ortiz, C. Czeisler, C. Gallego-Perez, D. Gygli, P. Otero, J. Directed Differentiation by Nanochannel Electroporation. Poster presented at: Ohio State Denman Undergraduate Research Forum and OSU Natural & Mathematical Sciences Undergraduate Research Forum; Columbus, OH, USA. May 2014.
  • Ortiz, C. Czeisler, C. Gallego-Perez, D. Gygli, P. Otero, J. In Vitro Models of Neural Progenitor Cell Radial Migration. Poster presented at: Ohio State Denman Undergraduate Research Forum; Columbus, OH, USA. March 2013.
 

Awards

  • Heart Failure Society of America (HFSA) 2021 Conference, selection for abstract oral presentation, 2021
  • American College of Physicians (ACP) Young Achiever Award, 2018
  • Best Poster in Medical Biochemistry, OSU Natural & Mathematical
  • Sciences Undergraduate Research Forum, 2015
  • Honorable Mention, Ohio State Denman Undergraduate Research Forum, 2013
 

Hospital Affiliations