Rural Health is Relationship-Centered
Strengthening rural health through relationships, residency training and patient-centered transfers. Dave Estorge and Dr. Emilio Russo share how connection changes…
Shaping the Future of Blood Cancer Care at Our Lady of the Lake
Blood cancers are among the most complex conditions to diagnose and treat. Leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma each behave differently, and many have dozens of subtypes. For patients, that complexity can feel overwhelming. At FMOL Health | Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Institute, the blood cancer team has built a program designed to simplify…
Growing the Next Generation of Physicians at FMOL Health
Across FMOL Health, graduate medical education (GME) is more than a training pathway. It is a long-term investment in strengthening care for the communities we serve. Through three GME programs at FMOL Health | Our Lady of the Lake, FMOL Health | St. Francis and FMOL Health | Our Lady of the Angels Hospital, residents…
A Silver Milestone: Our Lady of the Lake’s ECMO Program Receives Prestigious Recognition
Only 18 months after launching, Our Lady of the Lake’s ECMO program has touched lives across the community, delivering lifesaving support and advanced care when families have needed it most. It also has already achieved a remarkable milestone: the Silver Path to Excellence Award from the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO). This recognition represents the…
Transforming Emergency Care: Our Lady of the Lake Launches Emergency Department Renovation
Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center is taking a generational step forward in emergency care with a more…
A Smarter Scalpel: Elevating Surgical Care with AI-Powered Robotics
Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System is ushering in a new era of surgery with the addition of nine da Vinci 5 robotic systems, the most advanced generation of surgical robots available today. Equipped with artificial intelligence, responsive touch and real-time collaboration tools, these machines represent a powerful leap forward in precision medicine and…
Geaux Get Healthy Brings Healthy Habits and Lasting Change to Baton Rouge Community
When Addie Hester, a retired educator and proud Baton Rouge grandmother, first stumbled upon the Geaux Get Healthy Clinical Program…
A Pandemic Remembered: Stories from the Front Line
The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped healthcare in ways that continue to echo today—but within the walls of Our Lady of the Lake, it also revealed something more enduring: resilience. Catherine O’Neal, MD, chief academic officer for Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System, reflects on a powerful new project, Under Pressure: A Louisiana Hospital’s COVID-19 Experience,…
Raising the Standard for Moms and Babies Across Louisiana
Three FMOLHS hospitals have earned Birth Ready designations from LaPQC, recognizing their commitment to exceptional care for moms and babies…
Coming Full Circle: The Launeys’ Life of Faith, Service and Love
For Sandra and Sonny Launey, volunteering at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center is more than a weekly commitment…
A Sacred Vision of Compassion: St. Clare and St. Francis Inspire Healing at Our Lady of the Angels
When visitors step into Our Lady of the Angels Hospital, they’re now greeted by more than just a welcoming space and smiling faces. They’re met with a powerful visual reminder of faith, healing and the enduring strength of compassion. On March 10, 2025, Archbishop Gregory Aymond blessed “The Canticle of Praise,” a breathtaking new painting…
An Ascension Legacy: Our Lady of the Lake St. Elizabeth
Honoring our legacy and committed to your health, Our Lady of the Lake Ascension is now Our Lady of the Lake St. Elizabeth, reflecting our longstanding commitment to the Ascension Parish community and our Franciscan heritage. This name change honors not only our deep connection and commitment to the Ascension Parish community but also the…
What the Tau Means to Our Health System
A simple, yet powerful emblem, the Tau honors our past and embraces our future, reflecting our mission and values. A…
Celebrating One Year of the Hogs for the Cause Family Support Home
Celebrating one year of the Hogs for the Cause Family Support Home, a haven for families and patients needing care…
Empty Nest, Full Hearts: Finding Meaning Through Giving
Witnessing the construction of Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital ignited a desire to contribute to something meaningful within their community. As their children flew the nest, Richard and Lori Pellerin discovered a new sense of purpose and connection through their involvement with the Our Lady of the Lake Foundation, leading to a gift…
New Year, New Meals: Easy Meal Prep Tips for Hectic Weeks
The new year is a perfect time to reset routines, especially when it comes to feeding your family. Between school,…
From Clinics to Hospital: Our Unified Approach to Pediatric Care
At Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health, pediatric care isn’t confined to a single building — it’s a coordinated network that extends across clinics and the communities we are privileged to serve. Since 2019, when we opened our Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital, the connection between our hospital and network of pediatric…
Using Music Therapy to Transform Patient Care
Stress, physical limitations, emotional struggles — these are challenges that patients face every day. But what if the solution wasn’t a pill or a procedure but a melody? That’s the idea driving Mandy Creekmore, a music therapist whose work at LSU and Our Lady of the Lake is redefining how we approach healing. The Power…
How Our Lady of the Lake Health and LSU Research Is Unlocking Immune Resilience
Stress often gets a bad reputation, and for good reasons. Chronic stress can take a toll on physical and mental…
Honoring Heritage: Stories from Native American Team Members
This Native American Heritage Month, we’re proud to feature stories from three dedicated team members. Each shares their unique perspectives on the importance of heritage, the influence of family and traditions, and the ongoing challenges Native Americans face today.Kaitlan Louviere, the Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana Kaitlan Louviere is a member of the Chitimacha Tribe of…
50 Years of Healing Hearts: Celebrating Lasting Impact on Mississippi
For five decades, the people of central Mississippi have entrusted their hearts to St. Dominic Hospital and the Mississippi Heart and Vascular Institute (MHVI). This milestone is not only a celebration of 50 years of groundbreaking care but also a testament to the powerful partnership with Jackson Heart Clinic’s renowned cardiologists and surgeons. Together, they…
Finding Strength Together: How Camp Bluebird Uplifts Cancer Survivors
For cancer survivors like Betty Johnson, Camp Bluebird is more than just a retreat — it is a lifeline, a source of healing and a place of lasting connections. Twice each year, campers gather to share stories, celebrate victories and find hope together in an environment filled with love and support. With support from the…
Healthcare Is a Right, Not a Privilege
Is healthcare a privilege or a right? At Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System, we firmly believe that everyone deserves access to high-quality care, regardless of their background or financial situation. As a member of the Catholic Health Association (CHA), we stand alongside other faith-based healthcare organizations to advocate for healthcare as a basic…
High Five for Five: Celebrating 5 Years of Amazing at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital
Learn what you can do, as a parent, to ensure your child has a happy and safe birthday while we…
Natural Focus: 7 Healthy Ways to Boost Your Concentration While Studying
Everyone’s looking for shortcuts and quick fixes, including when it comes to staying focused and energized for those long study sessions. While it might be tempting to reach for stimulants or drugs to boost your concentration, there are plenty of natural, healthy ways to keep your mind sharp and your body energized. Here are seven…
Our Lady of Lourdes Health celebrates 75 years of physical and spiritual healing in Acadiana
Since 1949, people across the Lafayette region have relied on Our Lady of Lourdes Health to meet their physical needs in a way that also nourishes their spiritual health. As the region celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, that mission continues across a broader footprint than ever as their leadership team and team members continue…
Roommate Under the Weather? 7 Tips to Stay Healthy in Close Quarters
College life comes with a lot of perks, but living in close quarters with a roommate can also mean sharing more than just snacks and study sessions — especially when sickness strikes. If your roommate catches a bug, it’s crucial to take extra steps to protect yourself. Here are some practical tips to help you…
Workforce Health Solutions: A Comprehensive Approach
Healthcare costs are soaring, often becoming the second highest expense for organizations after salaries. For employers focused on their teams’ health and well-being, the challenge is greater than ever. You need partners who bring value, help you trim excess cost and work with you to achieve your goals. Enter Workforce Health Solutions from Franciscan Missionaries…
Keep Your Dorm Clean: 8 Tips for a Fresh and Tidy College Life
Welcome to dorm life — a place where freedom, fun and, let’s face it, a bit of messiness collide. Whether you’re a first-time college student excited about your new space or a parent nervously sending your kid off to their home away from home, keeping that dorm room clean is key to staying healthy and…
A Lifetime of Giving: Darlene’s Volunteer Work at St. Bernadette’s
For Darlene Lovas, RN, BSN, volunteering at the St. Bernadette Community Clinic is a calling and an extension of her professional nursing career. The clinic, an outreach ministry supported by Our Lady of Lourdes Foundation, serves underinsured people and those experiencing homelessness by providing non-emergency medical and dental care services. Darlene’s dedication and commitment to…
How Health Leaders Network Empowers Providers to Succeed
Getting back to the basics of healthcare is all about focusing on the doctor-patient relationship — that precious time providers have to spend with their patients discussing what truly matters most to them. “As providers, we’re all concerned with how to make the time you have with your patients the most meaningful,” says Theron McCormick,…
Recognized for Leading the Work in Our Community
Two of our ministries were recognized for their efforts creating a culture of belonging and investing in the next generation of healthcare professionals. St. Dominic Hospital Recognized for DEI Efforts Mississippi Healthcare Executives, the state chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives, honored St. Dominic Hospital with its Diversity Equity & Inclusion Organizational Award…
Connecting Communities for Healthier, Inclusive Futures
To ensure we always meet the needs of the communities we serve, each hospital in our health system conducts a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA). Assessing community health needs and developing appropriate plans to address them is essential to improving and sustaining the health of our communities. These CHNAs allow us to understand each individual…
Bridging the Gaps in Our Rural Communities
Our health system has added Health Equity as a strategic growth imperative. This foundational pillar is central as we work to ensure all our patients are treated the same and all in the communities we are privileged to serve have access to care.Health equity means that everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be…
Clear Vision Ahead: Ophthalmology Residency Program’s Impact on Patients’ Lives
In the intricate world of ophthalmology, precision meets compassion, and delicate surgeries pave the path to clearer vision. Ophthalmology is the medical specialty focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and care of eye-related conditions and diseases. Harshvardhan Chawla, MD, chief resident of LSU Health’s ophthalmology residency program, shares about his journey with the program and its…
Embracing the Call to Serve: Our First 10 Years in Washington Parish
In 2014, the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System embarked on a journey to extend its mission to Washington Parish. What followed has been a decade of growth and unwavering commitment to serving a rural community with high-quality healthcare at Our Lady of the Angels Health.Answering the Call After being asked to help manage…
Implementing the Healthcare Anchor Network’s Best Practices to Transform Lives
As a health system, we are translating the vision of the Healthcare Anchor Network (HAN) into impactful initiatives in the communities we are privileged to serve.Tina Schaffer, M.Ed., SHRM-SCP, vice president, chief talent strategy and diversity officer, sheds light on our efforts to implement HAN’s best practices, driving meaningful change in communities and lives. “We…
Shaping Health, Empowering Communities: Our Health System’s Work with the Healthcare Anchor Network
In the pursuit of equitable health outcomes for all communities in America, the Healthcare Anchor Network (HAN) has emerged as a powerful force for change. As a network member, Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System joins more than 70 leading healthcare systems nationwide in this collaborative effort dedicated to addressing the root causes of health…
Here’s Why Value-based Care Will Improve Your Health
[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…
Leading the Charge in Disability Employment Awareness Through Transformative Partnerships
Our health system continues our dedication to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion by partnering with leading organizations on Disability Employment Awareness…
A Matter of the Heart: Connecting Community Outreach and Clinical Research
As Our Lady of the Lake’s medical director of research, Dr. Hollis “Bud” O’Neal’s responsibilities include developing and improving access to experimental therapies while also providing opportunities for medical students and residents to learn how to effectively conduct research. The Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Corporation (LWCC) Foundation launched its Louisiana Well Again grant program, which funds…
Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Institute Performs Appleby Surgery for Gastric Cancer
This rare surgery provides new hope for patients with aggressive cancers. Mo Al Efishat, MD, FSSO, surgical oncologist at Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Institute, has performed the rare Appleby surgery to treat patients with gastric cancer. Dr. Al Efishat was able to remove all of the patient’s cancer with negative margins and the…
Sister Trinita: A Lifetime of Love and Healing in Jackson
Article adapted from “Sister Trinita’s Legacy – A Heart for God” originally published by Marilyn Tinnin, Mississippi Christian Living. It…
The Father of Graduate Medical Education at Our Lady of the Lake
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…
Our Lady of the Lake’s Growth Through a Sister’s Eyes
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…
A Professional Home at Our Lady of the Lake
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…
Investing in Louisiana’s Health: Our Lady of the Lake’s Historic Collaboration with LSU
Our Lady of the Lake Health’s groundbreaking partnership with LSU is one of the largest investments for the state’s health in Louisiana’s history. Catherine O’Neal, MD, chief medical officer of Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center and associate professor of clinical medicine specializing in infectious diseases at LSU Health Sciences Center, joins us…
New Mural Brings Comfort to Patients at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital
“Our Lady of Fatima,” a new mural inside Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital, welcomes patients and their families who use Bella’s Room, a specially designed space for children receiving palliative care. The mural and Bella’s Room were blessed by Father Paul Yi of St. George Catholic Church in conjunction with the Franciscan Missionaries…
Addressing Social Determinants of Health: A Mission-Driven Approach to Community Care
Patients’ healthcare isn’t confined to a doctor’s office. Most of a person’s health and well-being is determined by factors other than illness or medical conditions. These social determinants of health (SDOH) are the focus of the latest episode of our podcast, The Doctor Will Hear You Now. Our guests are both from Our Lady of…
St. Francis Health: How It Started … How It’s Going
WHERE WE CAME FROM In 1911, six Franciscan Sisters left their homes in Calais, France, and selflessly set sail crossing the ocean at the request of Bishop Van de Ven of Alexandria, Louisiana, to open a hospital there. The Sisters called by God for this mission included: Sister Angelique Van Bockstale, Sister Brigida Comerford, Sister…
Compassion in Action: Volunteer Brings Joy, Comfort and Hope
Bringing hope to patients is a hallmark of all our volunteers whom we celebrate during National Volunteer Week and every week. Jesus “Gino” Perez, known affectionately as Mr. Gino, volunteers three times per week at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center in Lafayette, bringing more than just hope. He’s been volunteering for more than…
A Commitment to Children’s Health
Continuing their long-term partnership with Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health, BASF pledged $150,000 in programmatic support through directed giving and event sponsorship. As part of its goal to meet social responsibility through community support, BASF’s multiyear commitment continues the company’s investment in pediatric healthcare across greater Baton Rouge. “On behalf of our 1,200…
How We Improve Patient Experience with the Help of Our Top Minds
Every day behind the scenes, members of the team at Our Lady of the Lake Health work to improve patient safety and the quality of care each patient receives in small and big ways. It takes a lot of work surveying how things are done in the hospital setting, from the technology and tools used…
Why Sepsis Is the No. 1 Cause of Death in Hospitals and How We’re Helping Stop It
Every year in the U.S., sepsis leads to more deaths than opioid overdoses, prostate cancer and breast cancer combined. It’s the leading cause of death in U.S. hospitals, and Louisiana health systems are struggling with the highest rates of sepsis-related deaths in the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But not…
Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital Is Now a Level II Pediatric Trauma Center … So, What Does That Mean?
In November 2022, Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital’s Trauma Center was upgraded to a Level II pediatric trauma center by the American College of Surgeons, making it the first and only pediatric trauma center in the Capital Region to receive this prestigious distinction. The recognition from the ACS highlights the robust, multi-disciplinary care…
Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s & Children’s Hospital Offers Families a Home Away from Home
Families of children receiving medical treatment at Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s & Children’s Hospital will now be able to have all the comforts of home while remaining just steps from their child’s bedside inside the brand-new Ronald McDonald Family Room. The Family Room offers onsite respite, lodging, food, and compassionate family-centered care to keep…
Our Lady of the Lake Is Now a Level I Trauma Center … So, What Does That Mean?
In August 2022, Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center’s Trauma Center was upgraded from a Level II adult trauma center to Level I by the American College of Surgeons, making it the first and only trauma center in the Capital Region and one of only three in Louisiana to receive the prestigious distinction.…
Our Lady of Lourdes Health Donor Spotlight – James Devin Moncus
Jim Moncus (1939-2021) was known to be an innovator, a trailblazer and a loyal philanthropist. He was passionate about giving back to the community he called home for over 50 years. According to Jim, if you have been blessed with success, sharing with others is a necessity. The healthcare ministry at Our Lady of Lourdes…
Our Lady of Lourdes Invests in Acadiana’s Children
Louisiana summers are relentless, but Acadiana families have a brand-new respite, Our Lady of Lourdes Interactive Water Adventure at Moncus…
For Our Lady of Lourdes, Leapfrog ‘A’ Grade is All About Safety for Lafayette Patients
Patients want to feel safe, secure and taken care of when they enter a hospital setting. For Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center patients, a nationally recognized “A” grade in safety means peace of mind during some of your hardest health moments. It also means that Lafayette residents can be confident they have the…
International Roots of Our Health System
Our health system was founded by immigrant missionaries who traveled from France, to Louisiana. In 1911, these six brave women,…
Residents in Action – Graduate Medical Education
Across our health system, resident physicians are an important part of the care we provide. What is a Resident? A “resident” has graduated from medical school but is finishing their training in a graduate medical education (GME) program such as those at Our Lady of the Lake, Our Lady of the Angels Hospital, St. Francis…
Women at the Helm of Healthcare: A Tradition of Providing Healing and Hope for Our Communities
Our Sisters were unquestionably pioneers—women, founding a healthcare system in the deep South—proving beyond doubt that women can be exceptional leaders.Our health system’s story began more than 110 years ago when the traveled from Europe and established Louisiana as their new home. They immediately began caring for the sick and needy and, two years later,…
Our Lady of the Lake: How It All Started
How Our Lady of the Lake was built in Baton Rouge in 1923.
