For atrial fibrillation (AFib) patients, it’s “a game-changer.” That’s how Patrick Welch, MD, describes the Medtronic PulseSelect™ Pulsed Field Ablation System, a non-thermal ablation technology that uses electrical pulses instead of heat or freezing. “The procedure time is down to under an hour, and patients are up and walking out of the hospital in just…
At 59, Jim Teague, BS, SBB (ASCP), was healthy, active and had no reason to expect a heart attack. As senior director of core laboratory and blood services at Our Lady of the Lake Health, Jim has spent more than a decade ensuring patients get fast, accurate test results — data that can mean the…
Tippy Ventress, MSN, RN, serves as director of nursing at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital. Throughout her 28 years with our ministry, she has witnessed the profound impact that compassionate care has on patients and families. “My varied roles in my career — as a preceptor, coordinator, charge nurse, supervisor, manager and director…
Jacquelyn Taylor’s role as an orthopedic/pain management LPN at Our Lady of the Angels involves providing compassionate care to patients undergoing orthopedic treatments and managing pain, ensuring they receive the best possible outcomes. Inspiration Rooted in Love Jacquelyn’s path into healthcare was deeply influenced by a personal experience with her mother. In 2003, Jacquelyn’s mother…
In her role of over 15 years as a coder at Our Lady of Lourdes and nearly 20 years with the health system, Tonya Roberts ensures that every diagnosis and treatment is properly coded and ready for seamless patient care across the health system. Making a Difference Tonya’s story began with a deep desire to…
When facing cancer, patients and their doctors focus on beating the disease. But what happens when the very treatments that save lives also put the heart at risk? That’s where Tara Jarreau, MD, Baton Rouge’s leading cardio-oncologist with Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Institute and Our Lady of the Lake Heart & Vascular Institute,…
As a director of environmental services at St. Francis Medical Center, Nina Wade-Johnson takes pride in providing a consistently high level of cleanliness and appearance to patients, guests and team members for the past eight years. A Call to Healthcare Leadership Nina felt called to pursue a career in healthcare. “I started my journey as…
As a Human Resources Business Partner at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System, Morgan James-Lightner partners with leaders across various departments to provide strategic human resources support. For nearly three years, she has offered collaboration and guidance for teams across our health system. A Passion for Healthcare Sparked by Service Morgan was initially…
As laboratory manager at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, Zamora Anderson, MT (ASCP), oversees the day-to-day operations of more than 80 team members who support the lab. The phlebotomy and central processing labs, responsible for testing patient samples and assisting in patient diagnoses, are both open 24 hours a day, seven…
Fantasia Mitchell has been part of the health system for six years. From her first position in the health system as a patient access representative to her current role in optimizing our health IT systems, she is dedicated and passionate about making a difference within the healthcare ministry. A Career of Growth and Learning Fantasia’s…
Health advice seems to evolve daily, but one topic is steadfast: our diet has huge impacts on our overall well-being, including our brain health. Jason Maljaars, MD, neurologist with St. Francis Health and medical director of the St. Francis Stroke Program, discusses the link between food and neurological conditions. The Influence of Diet on Cognitive…
Excellence drives everything Sarah Ahmad, MD, does as a cardiothoracic surgeon at St. Francis Health in Monroe. For Dr. Ahmad, providing world-class care isn’t just about mastering surgical techniques — it’s about creating an environment where patients feel supported, understood and confident in their care. “Excellence in patient care isn’t just about what we do…
Physician practice manager for St. Dominic Family Medicine – Dogwood Ryan McBride has always known he wanted to be part of taking care of those around him. “As a child, I was always caring for the animals who needed a home or care,” he says. “My parents weren’t sure if I would end up taking…
For 20 years, Teneisha Wynter, DPT, has shaped patient care at St. Dominic’s — growing from a passionate young professional to a leader in rehabilitation. In her role as acute care rehabilitation supervisor, Teneisha oversees the day-to-day operations of the department, ensuring patients receive high-quality rehabilitation services while also supporting her team and maintaining compliance…
When families face the uncertainty of chronic and terminal illnesses, Lisa Mitchell, MSW, DSW, stands beside them, offering guidance, support and a compassionate presence. As a palliative care social worker at St. Francis Medical Center, Lisa plays a vital role in helping patients and their loved ones navigate some of life’s most challenging moments. “I…
Some heroes wear capes. Others, like 13-year-old Aiden East, wear determination like armor and fight their way back from the unthinkable. Aiden’s story is one of resilience, faith and the unwavering love of family and friends — especially his younger brother, Connor, his best friend, Jackson, and his beloved dogs, Millie and Molly. A…
[et_pb_text content_tablet=”Imagine a scenario where you’ve just left the hospital after a procedure. You’re confused about the discharge instructions because the nurses didn’t check to make sure you understood everything. You weren’t able to see your usual primary care provider because there weren’t any appointments available soon enough. And you haven’t filled the necessary prescriptions…
Building good heart-healthy habits from a young age can set your kids up for a lifetime of wellness. From nutritious recipes to fun fitness activities, we’ve gathered simple and practical tips that your whole family can enjoy together. A Recipe for a Happy Heart Cooking at home is a great way to control what goes…