SGMC Health Welcomes Neonatologist Josef Cortez, MD
Dr. Cortez specializes in the care of premature and critically ill newborns in the hospital, with a clinical focus on complex neonatal conditions such as extreme prematurity, cardiorespiratory failure, neonatal infections, congenital disorders, neurologic complications, and chronic lung disease. He works closely with multidisciplinary care teams to support high-risk pregnancies and improve outcomes for vulnerable infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
“In neonatology, caring for patients also means caring for families,” said Dr. Cortez. “I strive to build trust through honest communication, compassion, and by being present during some of the most difficult and emotional moments parents may experience. Families should feel heard, informed, and included as partners in their baby’s care.”
Dr. Cortez is committed to delivering thoughtful, evidence-based care with a focus not only on survival, but also on long-term developmental outcomes. He emphasizes teamwork, transparency, and intentional care plans that actively involve parents and caregivers.
He earned his medical degree from the University of the Philippines College of Medicine. He completed his residency in Pediatrics at Children’s Hospital of Michigan and Hutzel Women’s Hospital at Wayne State University, Detroit Medical Center, where he also completed his fellowship in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine.
Dr. Cortez has worked in both academic and clinical roles throughout his career. He was an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, before transitioning to the University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville as an Associate Professor of Pediatrics. There, he also served as Medical Director of the NICU at UF Health Jacksonville. In his role as a key physician lead in the statewide Florida Perinatal Quality Collaborative, he was granted an adjunct appointment as Associate Professor with the College of Public Health at the University of South Florida. He is a diplomate of the American Academy of Pediatrics and a member of the Section on Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine and the Society for Pediatric Research.
His passion for neonatology is both professional and personal. During his fellowship training, Dr. Cortez and his family experienced a NICU journey firsthand when his son was born prematurely at just 890 grams.
“Seeing former NICU patients return years later, thriving with their families, is incredibly fulfilling,” he said. “Knowing those children go on to meet milestones and live meaningful lives is a constant reminder of why this work matters.”
Dr. Cortez joins SGMC Health during a significant period of growth, as the health system expands its main campus to include a new, state-of-the-art Women & Infants Tower, expected to be completed in late 2026. The expansion will enhance access to specialized care for mothers and babies and support plans to elevate the level of neonatal care with expanded NICU facilities.
“I chose SGMC Health because of its commitment to strengthening women’s and infants’ services and its vision for the future,” said Dr. Cortez. “I was especially impressed by the collaborative culture and the opportunity to contribute to the continued growth of high-quality neonatal care for families across the region.”
Outside of his clinical work, Dr. Cortez enjoys traveling with his family, exploring new cultures and cuisines, reading, and staying engaged in academic medicine. He and his wife, Stella, have been married for more than 20 years and have a son, Julian.
To learn more, visit sgmc.org.
