We studied numerically the process of vortex initiation in the heterogeneous active medium which is described by a FitzHugh-Nagumo-type model. Vortex initiation results from interaction of two external stimuli with a stepwise inhomogeneity in refractoriness. The influence of distance between the place of stimulation and heterogeneity and geometrical sizes of the heterogeneity on the process of vortex initiation is examined. The drift and interaction of vortices is also studied.