Lorina Amaris De Leon
Lorina Amaris De Leon is a highly experienced Certified Surgical Technologist and Certified Surgical First Assistant at Alaska Regional Hospital, where she currently serves as the Vascular Team Lead and Heart Team Lead. With over 20 years of experience in the operating room, Lorina has developed expertise in cardiac, thoracic, colorectal, bariatric, laparoscopic, plastics, robotic Xi and Si, and peripheral vascular surgeries. She is recognized for her patient-centered approach, leadership in high-pressure surgical environments, and commitment to excellence in every procedure she participates in. Lorina’s journey in surgical care began with a fascination for surgery inspired by watching the Discovery Health Channel as a child with her father. She pursued this passion through surgical technology school, becoming the first in her class to be hired just six months into the program. After a brief pause to focus on family while her husband served in the military, she returned to the OR in Alaska and quickly assumed leadership roles. Her dedication and skill led her to the vascular team lead position and eventually to joining the heart team, where she has been a first assist for nearly a decade and now leads as the Heart Team lead. Throughout her career, Lorina has been passionate about mentoring others and encouraging professional growth, particularly among women in surgery. She credits her success to perseverance, self-belief, and guidance from mentors like Jon Frey, RN, BSN, Joshua Lalor, APRN, CRNFA, Dr. Peter Marbarger, Dr. Zachary Steiner, and Dr. Kenton Stephens. Lorina’s philosophy emphasizes not just technical skill but also leadership through encouragement, striving to be “the best for the surgeon, for the patient, for our coworkers, and for everyone in the room.” Her dedication continues to make a meaningful impact on both her colleagues and the patients she serves.
• Certified Surgical Technologist
• Certified Surgical First Assistant
• Del Mar College - AS
• Meridian Institute for Surgical Assisting
• ASA
• AST
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to maintaining unwavering self-belief. Throughout my career, I’ve faced pushback, jealousy, and attempts by others to undermine my efforts. I’ve learned that resilience is key—always finding the strength to rise again, even in the face of challenges. Support from management, colleagues, and peers is invaluable, but when it isn’t available, it’s essential to lead by example and remain the better person. By consistently honing my skills, staying committed, and approaching each day with determination, I’ve been able to overcome obstacles and continue progressing, no matter how difficult the journey.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to always believe in yourself and rise above negativity. There will inevitably be moments when others try to undermine you or when jealousy arises, but it’s important to remain the better person. Continuously focus on improving your skills, maintaining a positive attitude, and persevering through challenges. By doing so, you not only advance professionally but also build resilience that serves you throughout your career.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to continually develop your skills and hold yourself to high standards. Strive not only to excel personally but also to uplift and positively influence those around you. Most importantly, maintain confidence in your abilities—believe in yourself, stay resilient, and let your dedication and attitude pave the way for your success.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is managing the high-stress environment of OR work while navigating interpersonal dynamics, including pushback or jealousy from colleagues. At the same time, there are tremendous opportunities for growth. Advanced clinical roles, such as first assist, leadership positions within specialty teams, and strategic networking can open new doors. Additionally, there’s potential to expand into administrative roles or explore broader career paths, allowing for professional development beyond the clinical setting.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me both professionally and personally are self-belief, perseverance, and leadership. I am committed to providing patient-centered care while also encouraging and uplifting those around me. These principles help me stay focused, resilient, and motivated to make a positive impact every day.