Lafayette native Gwendolyn Marie Dunbar, affectionately known as Ms. Gwen, experienced transformative care from St. Bernadette Community Clinic, an outreach ministry supported by Our Lady of Lourdes Foundation that serves people experiencing homelessness and under insured by providing non-emergency medical and dental care services. Born and raised above 12th Street, Ms. Gwen had always been…
Respiratory issues due to COVID-19 and RSV are a top concern for parents and pediatric doctors. For two-and-a-half-year-old Carter Parker, the side effects of those illnesses put his life in danger, making it incredibly difficult for him to breathe. In January 2022, the Sulphur native had an emergency intubation to open up his airways and…
Vicario FletcherVicario Fletcher was having trouble breathing. At night, she would get winded just walking from her bed to the bathroom. She thought maybe it was her heart medication that was making her short of breath. An appointment with her cardiologist in August 2020 confirmed that the medication wasn’t the problem, and Vicario, who lives…
In May 2023, Coach Kim Mulkey was riding high after an incredible NCAA championship for the LSU Women’s Basketball team. But a hidden heart condition could have derailed all of those celebrations.What should have been a routine scan of her neck following a previous surgery showed doctors something alarming — that she had plaque building…
As the seasons change and we look for cooler weather, it’s essential to arm ourselves against the flu and its unwelcome companions. The key to navigating this season with confidence lies in fortifying our immune system, ensuring optimal sinus care and knowing when to seek expert medical advice. Strengthen Your Immunity Your immune system is…
From nursing school through now serving as senior director of regulatory management, Phyllis Simmons, BSN, RN, has dedicated her career to Our Lady of the Lake Health. Having worked at Our Lady of the Lake for more than 50 years, Simmons has seen a lot of changes and can confirm the unwavering commitment to our…
Education is a way of life at Our Lady of the Lake Health, and we have a robust graduate medical education program to train the next generation of physicians. John Clifford, MD, was instrumental in establishing GME at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, along with Laurinda Calongne, Erin Wheeler, Alison Walker and…
Sister Helen Cahill, FMOL, has been part of our ministry for more than 50 years. As you can tell from her family name, she emigrated from County Cork, Ireland, to the U.S in 1962. Growing up there she was exposed to many missionaries, who inspired her, making a commitment to join the Franciscan Missionaries of…
In 1980, Alison Walker joined Our Lady of the Lake during a transformational time, just after the hospital had moved from its downtown location. Although she didn’t intend to stay longer than five years, Walker’s entire professional career was with the ministry, rising to senior leadership. As one of the first female administrators who wasn’t…
Serving a Close-knit Community Ralph Serpas began his journey with our ministry serving as the director of the pediatric intensive care unit at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center before transitioning to nurse director of Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital. When Our Lady of the Angels opened in 2014, Serpas moved…
No matter when you start holiday shopping, use our guide to thoughtful and developmentally appropriate presents to ensure this season is filled with love and laughter. Here are some pediatrician-approved tips for choosing gifts that are safe and developmentally appropriate while keeping the spirit in the season. 1. Start Early, Shop Smart Beat the Black…
As joyous as the holiday season can be, it also brings a variety of stressors and anxieties for many of us. If you are trying to watch what you eat, the family get-togethers, the Friendsgivings, the office parties and all those desserts could set you back on your goals. But there are ways to enjoy…
Exercise for teenagers is a great way to help your children become healthy adults. However, your kids may not need to exercise as long as you think to get the full benefit. New research claims it doesn’t take long for teens to get the physical activity they need. They just have to be willing to…
Until the law changes, our clocks will keep changing twice a year from Daylight Saving Time to Standard Time and back again. Those changes can temporarily disrupt children’s — and parents’ — sleep schedules. Melissa Eddy-Shelby, MD, pediatrician at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health Pediatrics at Zachary, shares some tips to help adjust…
Once Christine Soileau, MHA, LRPSGT, began working at Our Lady of Lourdes she immediately knew this is where she would retire. Soileau began her journey with our ministry shortly after graduating from LSU Medical School’s allied health program for neurodiagnostics. “A fellow neurologist thought I would be a good fit to join the Lourdes team,”…
Katie Queen, MD, has served our ministry for five years. Dr. Queen was referred to work for Our Lady of the Angels by Raghubir Mangat, MD, chief of pediatrics. She stays working with the ministry because she loves being a part of an organization that has service and compassion at its core. “FMOLHS has also…
Brad Rodrigue, MD, has served in our ministry for 15 years. “I chose to work at Our Lady of the Lake because of my love for Louisiana, LSU and Baton Rouge, as well as proximity to family and the opportunity to work in a Catholic organization,” Dr. Rodrigue says. “I choose to stay because I…
Kenisha Williamson originally chose to work at St. Dominic’s thanks to her grandmother who worked here for 35 years. “I choose to stay because of the work-life balance, sense of purpose, trust in leadership and emotional investment,” says Williamson. Growth within St. Dominic’s Williamson believes St. Dominic’s is a special place to work because leadership…