When Natacha Istre needed a new doctor, she wanted someone who would listen.
She had found a physician to help her manage her chronic migraines and high blood pressure, only to have him move out of state. Her search led her to Dr. Nicholas George with FMOL Health | Our Lady of Lourdes Physician Group in Scott.
“I knew right away that he was a Godsend,” said Istre, 51. “He doesn’t preach at you. I feel like I’m talking to my brother. He gives you the wise advice you need for your health. If I mention I’m thinking about seeing a specialist, he wants to discuss it beforehand. I’m so grateful to have found him.”
When Istre’s husband Monty, 55, needed a physician, she didn’t hesitate to send him to Dr. George. It wasn’t long before he was also treating her father, Paul “Paw” Spell. Soon after, Dr. George began treating Istre’s two young granddaughters, as well as her own daughter, Gabrielle, 34.
Today, Dr. George cares for four generations of the family, from 70-year-old Spell to 18-month-old Albiee.
“It reminds me of the way health care used to be,” Istre said. “When I was a child, my whole family went to the same doctor in Crowley – myself, my brothers, my mom and dad, my grandparents, my cousins. That’s how it is with Dr. George now.”
Dr. George is board-certified in both internal medicine and pediatrics, a combination that allows him to care for patients throughout their lives.
His mother was a nurse in Lake Charles, and as a child, he often spent time with her in the hospital. In college, he was initially drawn to ministry. But, his interest in both science and helping people led him to medical school at LSU Health Science Center in Shreveport.
“When I learned I could do both internal medicine and pediatrics, I fell into that. I was drawn to primary care,” he said. “I felt like I could help people the same way I did with ministry. It’s a similar concept: listen, diagnose, treat. I really enjoy taking care of families. It does have an old-school feel to it that I enjoy. It’s beautiful to watch a family grow and take care of one another.”
Natacha Istre said she has been most touched by how caring Dr. George is with her father, Paul. She lovingly described Paul as “hardheaded,” but noted that his anxiety has worsened considerably since her mother passed away. Paul has a limited ability to read and write, which can make it difficult to communicate with doctors about health needs. That hasn’t been the case with Dr. George.
“He’s the first doctor who ever sat down and really talked to me and let me know my problems. It was a totally different experience than I’ve had with other doctors,” Spell said. “He’s always there for me. When I need a specialist, he finds me a specialist. All you have to do is ask.”
Gabrielle Istre said Dr. George has helped her grandfather obtain a scooter so he can move around better, find lower cost prescriptions that are still effective and ensure that he is taking only the medications he truly needs.
“Anytime I see a patient struggling to understand things, I slow down so I can break the information down for them. It’s usually a matter of explaining things in a different way,” Dr. George said. “A good physician listens to patients. It’s important to hear what they are saying and give them an opportunity to ask questions.”
For Gabrielle, her family’s relationship with Dr. George has been particularly meaningful since she became a mom. Her oldest daughter, 3-year-old Adolie (“Addie”), has immune system problems that required hospital stays and specialist care. Her youngest, 18-month-old Albiee, was born at 25 weeks and still faces health challenges after a lengthy NICU stay. Dr. George is the pediatrician to both girls, and Gabrielle has become a patient after battling pregnancy complications and thyroid problems.
“I run on burnout most of the time. I have broken down crying to Dr. George more than once. He always tells me that we are going to figure things out. That helps with my mental stability,” Gabrielle said. “It’s so good to have a doctor who sits with you during those bad moments and reassures you that you’re doing the right things. He is definitely on the front lines of helping me navigate how to get my girls better.”
Having one physician treat the whole family also helps with life’s practical realities.
Natacha and Monty Istre are truck drivers who are often away for months at a time. Gabrielle can contact Dr. George if one of them needs a medication refill or a quick question answered. When Natacha is home, she can bring her granddaughters to appointments.
“I might go to Dr. George for myself or one of my girls, and he will sometimes give me a message for my parents or grandfather,” Gabrielle said. “If my mom brings them, Dr. George will give her questions to ask me. I can be a liaison if my grandfather needs to talk to someone at his office. It makes everything smoother. It’s very easy for the whole family to get the information he wants us to know.”
The trust, communication and care Dr. George has built with the family is why Natacha has recommended him to friends and other relatives. Spell said he is grateful that the family has found him.
“I haven’t thought about changing doctors once since I started seeing Dr. George,” Spell said. “I’ve been to doctors who made me feel rushed. I never did like a doctor like that. Dr. George is the complete opposite. I know I’m going to stay with him.”
For Dr. George, having the seal of approval from multiple generations is one of the most meaningful parts of his practice.
“It’s an honor when people trust you enough to want their family to see you. They’re willing to put their loved ones’ health in your hands,” he said. “That’s something I take seriously and I’ll never take for granted.”
