Dancing Through Recovery: Weylin’s ECMO Journey
Weylin Robichaux survived a life-threatening heart condition with ECMO and went on to walk his daughter down the aisle and…
Geaux Hero: Wade’s New Ride
Wade’s journey with Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health spans life-changing surgeries, compassionate care and the joy of riding…
A Step at a Time: Jason Moore’s Inspiring Recovery Story
From collapse to recovery, Our Lady of the Lake security guard Jason Moore takes life back one step at a…
Expert Heart Care Delivered with Compassion
Dale Smith shares how TAVR at FMOL Health | St. Francis restored his breathing, confidence and trust with expert care…
Surviving a Halloween Accident in Care of Lourdes Burn Center
After a Halloween costume fire, Josepha Boudreaux overcame life‑threatening burns with family support and expert care at Our Lady of…
Geaux Hero Not Slowing Down for Cancer
Geaux Hero Keitra Beach faces breast cancer with courage, continuing her nonprofit work and nursing goals while inspiring others at…
LSU Gymnast Finds Balance Again After Concussion
After months of lingering concussion symptoms, LSU gymnast Kathryn Weilbacher finds her way back through vestibular therapy and expert care.
Stepping into Who We Are as FMOL Health
FMOL Health CEO E.J. Kuiper shares how “This Is How We Healthcare” reflects our mission, identity and future in the…
A Geaux Hero Who Keeps Giving Back
Jerry Couvillon’s story with FMOL Health | Our Lady of the Lake started before he ever went home from the hospital, and it’s still unfolding today. “I was born at the Lake in 1959 when it was by the lake downtown,” he says. “I had life-saving surgery when I was 12 hours old, and they’ve…
Geaux Hero: A Speedbump on Michael’s Road of Life
When Michael King was told he had stage 4 esophageal adenocarcinoma, his response wasn’t fear or disbelief. “I actually said, ‘Let’s knock this out.’ I didn’t feel sorry for myself or anything like that.” That mindset, shaped by decades of service as a Vietnam veteran and Baton Rouge police officer, has carried Michael through nearly…
Finding Hope After Stage 4: Kelly’s Lung Cancer Journey
When Kelly Kelly thinks back to early 2024, she remembers feeling unusually tired and disconnected. She kept pushing through her days, working at a surgical practice, helping care for her aging mom and settling into life with her new husband. But something felt off. Her family noticed changes too. She struggled to finish her sentences.…
Moments That Matter: Healthcare in Action
At St. Francis Medical Center, a housekeeper and a nurse show how courage, compassion and presence turn ordinary moments into…
Ja’Kayden’s Journey from Wheelchair to the Marching Band
After four years in a wheelchair, 14-year-old Ja’Kayden is walking again. And not just walking. He’s marching across the field…
Geaux Hero: Robert’s Second Chance
On March 31, 2025, Pointe Coupee Parish Sheriff’s Deputy Robert Williams was directing traffic at a large oil tank fire in Livonia. As fire trucks left the scene, a distracted driver failed to stop, striking Robert and a fire official’s pickup truck. He was knocked unconscious and suffered life-threatening injuries. “I went airborne, hit the…
Pancreatic Cancer Patient Overcomes Obstacles to Get Back on the Tennis Court
Tennis is life to Shelby Dufrene. She played tennis in college at University of Louisiana – Lafayette and has taught…
Geaux Hero: Team Scarlett Cheers Through It All
When Scarlett Phillips, a sophomore at LSU’s University Laboratory School, first felt a pain in her knee last fall, she thought it was from cheerleading practice. “I just kept thinking I was being dramatic,” she says. “I wanted to push through for my team.” Her coach of eight years, Millie Brown, saw something different. “She…
A New Lease on Life: Larry’s Journey Through Esophageal Cancer Surgery
At 80 years old, Larry Boudreaux thought he had his health figured out. So when he began feeling unusually tired, the Thibodaux native assumed it was related to his diabetes. But within weeks, he started having trouble swallowing, the first sign that something more serious might be going on. “I went to an ENT because…
Celebrating Nurse Practitioners: Leaders in Compassionate, Expert Care
In honor of Nurse Practitioners Week, we celebrate the dedication, leadership and the differences these team members make every day in helping us provide exceptional care. Nurse practitioners play a vital role in delivering compassionate, high-quality care to our patients and communities. Their advanced clinical expertise, combined with a patient-centered approach, allows them to diagnose,…
Geaux Hero: A Young Mom Battles Breast Cancer with Strength and Support
At just 27 years old, Katelyn Carmouche’s world shifted in a moment she never saw coming. Two weeks before her daughter Ellianna’s second birthday, Katelyn was diagnosed July 15 with Stage 3 triple negative breast cancer. The Carmouche family had been living in Korea, where Katelyn’s husband, Nathaniel, was stationed with the military. “We loved…
A Life-Saving First: Mississippi’s First TAMBE Patient at St. Dominic Hospital
When 76-year-old farmer Dan Branton thinks about his care at St. Dominic Hospital, one word rises above the rest: grateful.…
Connie Angelle
When Connie Angelle first came to Our Lady of Lourdes, she wasn’t sure what her path would be. A friend had recruited her to take a nursing aide class, and she decided to give it a try. Forty-five years later, she’s still here, having found her place in the ministry of healing. “I was just…
Deborah Ellis, RN
For nearly half a century, Deborah Ellis, RN, has been a steady, compassionate presence at St. Dominic’s. This year, we honor her 45 years of service in endoscopy and beyond. A Journey from Canada to Mississippi Debbie’s career with St. Dominic’s began in an unexpected way — thanks to Sister Josephine, who traveled all the…
Barbara Love, CRT
When Barbara Love began her career with St. Francis Health in 1980, she had no idea it would become a…
5,000 and Counting: Dr. Daryl Marx Reflects on Robotic Surgery Milestone
On an early morning in September, Daryl Marx, MD, prepared to walk into the operating room at Our Lady of…
Gordon Thomas
For Gordon L. Thomas, patient advocacy specialist at Our Lady of the Angels Hospital, the past 10 years have been filled with meaningful encounters and moments that affirm why he chose this ministry. “I’ll admit, I first took the job because it was close to home,” Gordon says with a smile. “But I stay because…
Melissa Wise, RN, BSN
Melissa Wise, Nursing Director of the Intensive Care and Medicine Units at Our Lady of the Angels, is celebrating a decade of dedicated service. Guided by Mission and Family Melissa chose to join Our Lady of the Angels because of the Mission. “It feels like family,” she says, a sentiment that has kept her committed…
Sherita Guss
Sherita Guss has dedicated 40 years to FMOL Health, serving faithfully in supply chain services and embodying a commitment to helping others. Guided by Faith and Service Sherita chose to join FMOL Health because of its faith-based mission and her desire to serve others. “I choose to stay because I love my job, and I…
Robert Coney
Robert Coney has devoted 40 years to FMOL Health, applying his expertise and adaptability to keep the health system’s technology running smoothly. A Career of Adaptability Robert joined FMOL Health after his former employer went out of business. “I heard from a former colleague that FMOL Health wanted to hire COBOL (common business-oriented language) programmers,…
Marilyn Clark
Marilyn Clark has dedicated more than 35 years to Our Lady of the Lake, living the mission and core values of the organization every day, serving now as a patient access representative for Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group neurology clinic. Inspired by History, Committed to Service Marilyn was drawn to Our Lady of…
Delores Newman
Delores Newman celebrates 40 years with Our Lady of the Lake, dedicating her career to supporting patients, families and colleagues through the revenue service cashier team. A Calling to Help “I chose to work with the ministry because I wanted to help people,” Delores recalls. She stayed because the schedule worked well for her as…
Cora Griffin
Cora Griffin has devoted 45 remarkable years to Our Lady of the Lake, serving patients, mentoring colleagues and embodying our faith-driven healthcare ministry. Answering a Call to Care Cora says her journey began with a calling. “I felt called to help others,” she says. “I wanted to work for an organization built on faith and…
Geaux Hero: Swinging Back Strong After a Rare Sinus Fungus
When 9-year-old Brayden Guillot’s eye began to swell and shift over the summer, his mom, Rejetta, knew something was wrong.…
A Lifeline After the NICU in Baton Rouge: The Neurodevelopmental Clinic
When a baby graduates from the NICU, the journey isn’t over. Life has just begun. That’s why the Neurodevelopmental Clinic, a collaboration between Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health and Woman’s Hospital, exists: to give NICU graduates the specialized care and support they need to thrive. For nearly 20 years, this clinic has been…
‘Like My Chest Exploded’: Cassie’s Story of Surviving an Aortic Dissection
It was supposed to be an ordinary summer day in Vacherie. Cassie Falgoust, 55, was outside doing yard work while her husband mowed nearby. She started weed eating when she was hit with a sudden pain. “I felt this enormous pop in my chest,” Cassie recalls. “It was like there was a giant hole in…
Guided by Faith. Driven to Serve.
For Lyle Prejean, BSN, RN, director of emergency services for Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center, nursing has always…
Geaux Hero: Choosing Joy During Pediatric Cancer Journey
When you meet 12-year-old Kinley Spencer of Youngsville, the first thing you notice isn’t her diagnosis. It’s her personality. “She…
Advancing Innovation and Clinical Excellence: HF’s Story of Vibrio, Sepsis and Survival
Sometimes, how we healthcare is by changing the game and redefining what’s possible. For more than 36 years, Herman “HF” Middleton and his wife, Regina, have shared life side by side. They married in 1989, the same year Regina began her career as a nurse at Our Lady of the Lake. Over the decades,…
Landon’s Fight with Flu: Don’t Wait to Get Vaccinated
What began as a mild fever and cough quickly spiraled into a life-or-death emergency for 3-year-old Landon. Within just 36 hours of being diagnosed with the flu, he was on life support. When Prairieville mom Crystal Sawyer took her son to the doctor on December 13, 2024, she expected what many parents do during flu…
All Things, Great Love: Jason Survives Heart Attack on ‘a Pulse and a Prayer’
Sometimes, how we healthcare is the strength of a community that never stops caring. On an ordinary Saturday evening, Jason Moore walked into work at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, just like he had countless times before. As a security guard assigned to the night shift, Jason took pride in keeping the…
Geaux Hero: From Playground Accident to Pediatric Stroke Survivor
When you think of a stroke, you probably picture an adult in their 60s or 70s. But for 11-year-old Cole…
We Are Part of Something Greater: Zion’s Incredible NICU Journey
Sometimes, how we healthcare is hospitals working together so one tiny fighter can make it home. When Magan Darby and Damion Celestine welcomed their son Zion at just 25 weeks, he weighed only 1 pound, 5 ounces, small enough to fit in the palm of their hands. “That part was scary,” Magan recalls. “I…
From Indiana to Louisiana for the Right Doctor at the Right Time
When 16-year-old Maria Kovach from Indiana started having unexplained problems with swelling and discomfort in her mouth, her family never imagined it would lead them halfway across the country. “It ended up being salivary stones — two of them, one on each side,” her dad, Bill Kovach, explains. “One had already been removed, but we…
Everyone, Everywhere, Anytime: Karen’s Passion to Champion a Culture of Belonging
Sometimes, how we healthcare is leading with empathy so everyone knows they have a place here. Infection prevention isn’t just about policies and protocols — it’s about people. Karen Estela, MPH, RN, CIC, FAPIC, Healthy Equity program manager for our health system, who was previously an infection prevention nurse at Our Lady of the…
Patient’s Battle with COVID Highlights Louisiana’s Top Respiratory Care Center
In August 2021, Dillon Major was doing everything he could to stay out of the hospital. He had gone four…
A Simple Test, a Life Saved: How IntelliSep Is Changing Emergency Care
Kristen Degelman thought she just had the flu. She and her daughter had gone on vacation, and when they came…
A Pathway to Healing: How Interventional Radiology Transforms Patient Care
At St. Dominic Health, innovation meets compassion in a specialty that’s quietly changing lives every day: interventional radiology. “It’s more than advanced technology,” says Scott McPherson, MD, interventional radiologist and co-medical director of St. Dominic Comprehensive Stroke Center. “It’s a pathway to better outcomes.” What is Interventional Radiology? “Interventional Radiology has evolved into a specialty…
Precision and Peace of Mind: How Robotic Surgery Helped One Man Beat Throat Cancer
John was sitting in his deer stand in Mississippi when he first noticed a small lump beneath his jawline. At…
The Meaning of Cancer Survivorship at St. Dominic
Cancer survivorship doesn’t begin when the last treatment ends. It begins the moment a person hears the words, “You have…
A Legacy of Love: Mother and Daughters Care for Acadiana Families
At Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s & Children’s Hospital, the staff often feels like family – but for three dedicated nurses, that bond is truly in their blood. Ann Broussard, Labor and Delivery Nursing Director, has been with the hospital since 1981. Now, she shares her calling with her daughters: Stephanie King, a Pregnancy Navigator,…
Service and Leadership: Fix Your Eyes Forward
Gil Humbert, MSN, RN, knows what it’s like to lead with heart. A former combat medic who now serves as the clinical director of nursing at Our Lady of Lourdes Health, Gil brings his whole self — faith, humility and a deep sense of service — to his work every day.A Path Forged Through Service…
Finding Strength Through Faith: 3 Team Members’ Health Journey
Two years ago, Christine Braddy, an Information Services Support team member at Franciscan, faced a life-changing reality. On Sept.11, 2023, she stepped on the scale and saw a number she could hardly believe. “A little less than two years ago I weighed more than I ever have, and I was ready for a change,” Christine…
Playing Strong: Preventive Rehab Helps Owen Stay in the Game
At 13, Owen lives and breathes sports. From basketball courts to baseball diamonds, he plays nearly year-round, point guard and shooting guard for St. Jude the Apostle and JOELITE, catcher for the Louisiana Leopard Dawgs, and even finds time to fish and cook on weekends. “He’s just a natural athlete,” says his mom, Andrea. “He’d…
A NICU Journey of Hope: Weston’s Story
On a recent spring afternoon, Sarah Finney sits outside of her Crossett, Arkansas, home as she discusses her youngest son,…
Beyond The Sidelines: Sports Medicine Keeps Athletes Moving
When it comes to sports medicine in Baton Rouge, J. Michael Robinson, MD, stands on the front lines — not just on the sidelines. As head team physician for multiple LSU sports, including baseball, track, swim and tennis, he’s no stranger to high-stakes athlete care. But his work at Our Lady of the Lake Health…
Local Pride, System Strength: ECMO Program Gives Young Mom a Second Chance at Life
Sometimes, how we healthcare is the strength of many hospitals acting as one ministry of healing. On a recent afternoon, sisters Ashia Abraham and Kayla Labbe giggle as they feed Ashia’s 10-month-old daughter in her highchair. The baby is enjoying macaroni and cheese, although just as much of it ends up on her face as…
Geaux Hero: Brock’s Strength Through Kidney Disorder
Brock Wesberry has faced more in his seven years than many people do in a lifetime. But you’d never know…
A Stroke at 18: How Quick Action Saved Katie’s Life
At 18 years old, Katie Arrington was like any other freshman at Mississippi State University — excited for the future,…
Breaux Bridge Mom Survives Stroke at Age 31
Megan Claire McCarty always took pride in living a healthy lifestyle. She worked out three to five times per week for more than a decade. She ate clean and avoided alcohol and smoking. After the birth of her daughter, now 5, she was right back into her fitness routine and lost the additional weight within…
Louisiana Girl’s Life Transformed with Innovative Epilepsy Treatments
Just before Harmoni Jones turned four years old, her preschool teacher alerted Harmoni’s mother, Deantonecia Jones, that the little girl had experienced a seizure in class. As surprising as the news was, it was just the beginning of a years-long struggle to diagnose Harmoni and find a solution. Harmoni continued to have as many as…
A Heartfelt Farewell and a Grateful Heart
For Karen, the first week of April was a journey filled with deep sorrow and unexpected comfort. As her beloved…
When Every Step Matters: A Journey of Healing
One morning, everything changed. A young mother in Ascension Parish woke up feeling numb on one side. Within moments, she…
Exceptional Care for Our Tiniest Patients and Their Families
When you’re a first-time parent, everything feels big — the love, the fear, the responsibility, the joy. It’s a time filled with wonder, questions and a lot of “Are we doing this right?” That’s why compassionate care can make all the difference. For new parents Anna Kinnison and her husband, that difference came in the…
Geaux Hero: Oncologist Greg Bizette’s Story of Stroke Survival
As a cancer doctor, Greg Bizette, MD, has spent his career helping patients face their toughest days. But just days after turning 60, he found himself on the other side of the hospital hallway, this time, as the patient. A week and a half before Dr. Bizette celebrated his birthday on March 5, he had…
From the Dugout to the ICU: Coach Lou St. Amant’s Comeback Story
At 86, Coach Lou St. Amant still throws out the first pitch, still shows up for daily Mass and still inspires everyone who knows him. But just a few months ago, he suffered a stroke following a cardiac procedure which could have benched him for good. Thanks to quick action, expert care at St. Francis…
Geaux Hero: Zachary’s Journey to a Confident Smile
Zachary Dugruise has been part of the Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health family since he was a baby, after being diagnosed with a cleft lip and palate. What began as a referral for specialized care turned into a long-term relationship with a multidisciplinary team that’s supported Zachary through more than a decade of…
From Fragile Beginnings to Thriving Futures: Catching Up with Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital’s First Patients
Five years later, we catch up with three of Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital’s first patients — stories…
Saving Lives with Innovation – Esophageal Cancer Care
When facing an esophageal cancer diagnosis, patients deserve more than hope — they deserve state-of-the-art care, innovative treatments and a dedicated team ready to tackle even the most complex cases. Nicholas LeBlanc, MD, a thoracic surgeon with Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Institute dedicated to this complex field, shares how his team combines expertise…
Gonzales woman overcomes rectal cancer with fighting spirit, family support and finding care close to home
In some ways, Alison Teal wasn’t shocked when she learned she had Stage 3 rectal cancer in the summer of 2022. Both of Teal’s parents, as well as two brothers, had gone through their own bouts with various forms of the disease. Teal always had a nagging feeling she may eventually develop breast cancer, which…
Nourishing Your Body Through Cancer Treatment
When battling cancer, the importance of proper nutrition can’t be overstated. As cancer treatments take a toll on the body, adequate nutrition can help patients maintain strength, manage side effects and support overall well-being. Allison Junca, RDN, CSO, LDN, clinical dietitian who specializes in oncology nutrition at Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Institute, shares…
Geaux Hero: Kendall’s Journey from Cancer Diagnosis to Advocacy
For Kendall Stephens, Spanish Town isn’t just a parade — it’s family. The pink flamingo-filled streets, the quirky, beloved Mardi Gras parade and the tight-knit community that rallies around one another became her lifeline when she needed it most. When Kendall was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, her community didn’t just cheer her on. They showed…
From Rayne to the World: A Sister’s Life Led by Faith
Some paths in life start with a single, unexpected moment — for Sister Barbara Arceneaux, FMOL, that moment happened in…
Faith’s Journey: From NICU to Thriving
The Berken home in Lake Arthur is filled with love and activity. Although the oldest of the six Berken children have moved out, the entire family is together often for celebrations, meals and activities. In the midst of it all is the youngest, Faith, who will turn 10 years old this October. “She is so…
A Heart for Healing
“God called me to become a sister, and He also called me to serve in the healthcare ministry,” Sr. Uyen…
A Life of Faith, Compassion and Service
Growing up in a deeply Catholic family in Ireland, Sister Helen Cahill, FMOL, was surrounded by the spirit of mission from an early age. “I went to a Catholic school, and many missionaries would come by over the years,” she shares. “I saw the wonderful work that they were doing, and I felt attracted to…
From the Gridiron to Healthcare Leadership
Curry Allen, director for Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group, never expected to build a career in healthcare. In fact, after college and a stint playing professional football, he saw hospitals as cold, sterile places full of germs. But a part-time job as a patient transporter changed everything. “Interacting with patients and realizing that…
Healing Hands, Faithful Heart
Sister Martha Abshire, FMOL, has spent decades serving others. Not from a place of duty, but from a heart filled…
Geaux Hero: Exceptional Care Saved Liam’s Life
When Liam Joshua started daycare in January, his family never imagined they’d soon face a nightmare. Within weeks, the 18-month-old was battling a severe illness that escalated rapidly, landing him in the ICU at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital. What began as a case of RSV quickly turned into pneumonia, pushing Liam to…
Every Second Counts: Saving Lives with Rapid Response and Expert Care for Stroke Patients
Time is of the essence when someone is experiencing a stroke. That’s why the emergency room team at Our Lady of the Lake – the region’s only Comprehensive Stroke Center of Excellence – is prepared to immediately begin assessing and treating possible stroke patients, even before they arrive at the hospital. “If someone is coming…
A Voice for Awareness: Bryce’s Journey with Colorectal Cancer
Bryce Ramsey knows the importance of listening to her body. A nurse with 16 years of experience, she was no…
From NICU Preemie to Thriving 4-Year-Old
The first time Kelsey held her son, Tahj, he was impossibly small — born three months early, weighing just over…
Sandra Auzenne
Sandra Auzenne is a dedicated registered technologist and registered mammographer at Our Lady of Lourdes Breast Center. Sandra has spent 37 years in the healthcare field, performing screening and diagnostic mammograms, as well as bone density exams to the patients she serves. Finding Inspiration in Radiology Sandra’s passion for healthcare was sparked during a career…
Overcoming Heart Failure with Life-Changing Surgery
From an unexpected heart failure diagnosis to life-saving surgery, Richard Moss’ journey is marked by his deep faith, a strong family support system and the expert care he received at St. Francis Health. An Unexpected Diagnosis After contracting COVID-19 for the second time in early 2024, Richard started experiencing severe breathing difficulties. “I couldn’t breathe…
Trailblazer and Faithful Servant
For more than 40 years, Sister Dorothea Sondgeroth, O.P., associate executive director for St. Dominic’s Foundation, has been a cornerstone of St. Dominic’s. Beginning her journey as a dietitian and later teaching in the school of nursing while serving as director of dietetics, her commitment to this ministry has been nothing short of extraordinary. Sr.…
A Legacy of Firsts
For decades, St. Dominic’s has been a pioneer in healthcare for Mississippi and beyond — a legacy that Jeremy Tinnerello, RN, MSN, MHA, CEN, market president for St. Dominic Health, is honored to carry forward.“When I think back to when the Dominican Sisters came from Springfield and brought their mission to Jackson in the 1940s,…
A Legacy of Service to Central Mississippi
For Sister Karina Dickey, O.P., PhD, senior director of mission integration and formation, St. Dominic’s isn’t just a hospital — it’s a ministry built on faith, compassion and a deep commitment to serving the community. As mission leader for 16 years, Sister Karina has been a guiding force in ensuring that every patient, team member…
Nurturing the Next Generation of Nurses
For Theilet S. Washington, BSN, RN, the path to St. Dominic Health started with a firsthand look at the teamwork that defines the hospital. As a critical care transport nurse in the Mississippi Delta, she frequently brought patients to St. Dominic’s for advanced cardiac care. Each visit deepened her admiration for the collaborative environment. “Everybody…
More Than a Job
Ryan McBride has been part of St. Dominic’s for 18 years, managing the St. Dominic Family Medicine Dogwood Clinic and…
Faith, Leadership and Service
When Ashley Smith, MBA, BSRT(R)(CT), joined St. Dominic’s in 2001, he wasn’t sure if his future lay in nursing or radiology. What he did know is that he wanted to be in healthcare. “I walked into radiology and told them I was looking for a job,” Ashley recalls. “The assistant director at the time pretty…
A Calling to Serve
When Emanuel Godfrey, RT, first walked through the doors of St. Dominic Hospital in 2002, he was looking for a job. What he found was his calling. “When I got here and during my interview, a Sister came on the intercom and said a prayer,” Emanuel recalls. “And I knew in my spirit that this…
Your Health, Our Calling: LeeAnn’s Work of Faith, Compassion and Community
Sometimes, how we healthcare is rooted in faith and revealed through the compassion we show every day. At St. Dominic Health, the mission goes far beyond providing excellent medical care — it’s about serving with faith, compassion, and a deep commitment to the community. LeeAnn Prisk, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, director of professional practice and…
Advancing Cancer Care for the Gulf South: A Life-Saving Milestone
A routine checkup led to Ed Carruthers’ multiple myeloma diagnosis. His journey to recovery and a milestone 50th wedding anniversary…
Geaux Hero: Sheryl Miller’s Unstoppable Spirit
Sheryl Miller thought it was just stomach pain. As a registered dental hygienist for nearly 37 years, she was used…
Geaux Hero: How Listening to His Body Saved Jim’s Life
At 59, Jim Teague, BS, SBB (ASCP), was healthy, active and had no reason to expect a heart attack. As…
Tippy Ventress
Tippy Ventress, MSN, RN, serves as director of nursing at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital. Throughout her 28…
Jacquelyn Taylor
Jacquelyn Taylor’s role as an orthopedic/pain management LPN at Our Lady of the Angels involves providing compassionate care to patients…
Tonya Roberts
In her role of over 15 years as a coder at Our Lady of Lourdes and nearly 20 years with…
Nina Wade-Johnson
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…
Morgan James-Lightner
As a Human Resources Business Partner at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System, Morgan James-Lightner partners with leaders across…
Zamora Anderson
As laboratory manager at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, Zamora Anderson, MT (ASCP), oversees the day-to-day operations…
Fantasia Mitchell
Fantasia Mitchell has been part of the health system for six years. From her first position in the health system…
Redefining Excellence in Cardiothoracic Surgery
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…
Ryan McBride
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…
Teneisha Wynter
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…
Lisa Mitchell
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…
Geaux Hero: Aiden’s Incredible Comeback
Some heroes wear capes. Others, like 13-year-old Aiden East, wear determination like armor and fight their way back from the…
Helping a Young Athlete Get Back in the Game
When you’re the youngest of three competitive brothers, sports are more than a pastime — they’re a way of life. For 10-year-old Hudson Davis, sports like football and basketball are his passion, and he’s always eager to compete. But a football injury just two days before his first tackle game sidelined him unexpectedly and set…
Geaux Hero: Amber’s Unstoppable Determination
Amber Russell’s laughter and bubbly spirit light up every room she enters, but what truly defines her is her incredible resilience. Amber, 15, manages life with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD, which occurs in 1 in 7,500 people), a rare genetic condition that affects her respiratory system. Despite daily challenges, she faces each day with determination…
from MA to LPN: how Avignon fast-tracked her nursing career
Avignon Dumas, LPN, has been part of the team at Our Lady of the Lake Health for more than 15…
purpose meets passion for physician practice manager
When Hannah Wofford, MS, joined St. Francis Health in 2022, she wasn’t just looking for a job. She was searching…
Ryan’s journey from caregiver to healthcare leader
Ryan McBride’s commitment to serving others is deeply rooted in his early life experiences and his professional journey. As the physician practice manager at St. Dominic Family Medicine – Dogwood, Ryan has always been driven by a profound desire to care for those around him. “As a child, I was always caring for the animals…
a ray of light for care coordination
After spending years in various nursing roles, from bedside care to home health, Autumn “Sunshyne” Morris, RN, BSN, was ready for a change. In June 2022, Sunshyne joined the team at Our Lady of the Angels as an RN case manager. Her passion for nursing, combined with a deep sense of community, has helped her…
a decade of dedication: from entry-level to key player
Over the past 10 years, Celeste Shelvin has grown from an entry-level position to being a key player on Our…
prioritizing quality and community care
For over 30 years, Jill Breazeale, RN, has been a driving force for excellent patient care in her community. From her early days as a nurse to her current role as quality manager at Our Lady of the Angels Health, Jill’s dedication to improving healthcare is unwavering. Through decades of change, Jill has remained focused…
a journey to patient-centered care
Courtney, LPN, knows firsthand how a supportive environment can transform patient care. From day one at Our Lady of Lourdes Health, Courtney has felt like a valued member of a team that prioritizes not only the well-being of patients but also the nurses who care for them. Her experience has been one of inspiration and…
Geaux Hero: Geralynn’s Fight Against Cervical Cancer
In 2021, severe stomach pains sent Geralynn Brown to the hospital, where she received life-altering news: stage 4 cervical cancer. …
Baton Rouge Man’s Stroke Recovery Highlights Life-saving Local Expertise
After years spent working with senior citizens and seeing some of his own relatives deal with the aftermath of a stroke, Mark Calvit had a strong suspicion about what was happening to him on Oct. 20, 2023. “All of a sudden, I felt like I was caught up in a tidal wave,” Calvit says. “My…
From Patient Attendant to VP: 27 Years of Leading with Compassion
Jason Rogers, MSN, RN, never set out to lead; in fact, he almost turned down his first leadership role in nursing — yet today, he’s shaping the future of healthcare at Our Lady of the Lake Health. With 27 years of service with Our Lady of the Lake, Jason is now vice president, nursing, and…
Routine Checkup Leads to Life-Saving Liver Cancer Surgery
When David Talmage received his liver cancer diagnosis late last year, he felt like things were grim. “I did a lot of research about liver cancer and based on what I saw, it seemed like the prognosis was not too good,” he said. “I felt like it was a pretty bleak diagnosis. You think about…
Geaux Hero: Blaise’s Resilience Through Trauma Recovery
Father’s Day weekends at False River were always about making memories for Blaise and his dad, Rory. But last summer, a day of tubing and laughter turned to tragedy when a pontoon boat struck Blaise, then 14, leaving him with severe injuries to his feet. What followed was a journey of exceptional care, resilience and…
Facing Breast Cancer with Humor, Hope & Personalized Care
This year has been unlike any other for Sasha Fogle. Fogle, 43, had always taken her routine mammograms seriously, particularly since her mother had breast cancer. When she went for her annual screening this past February, doctors noticed something unusual. A repeat mammogram and a biopsy in March confirmed Fogle’s own breast cancer diagnosis. In…
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…
Geaux Hero: Maverick’s Exceptionally Specialized Pediatric Care
When Amelia and Casey Green welcomed their son Maverick to the world in January 2022, they were ready to bring home a healthy baby boy. But his arrival marked the beginning of a complex health journey they never anticipated. During Amelia’s pregnancy, doctors had noticed an issue with Maverick’s kidney draining slowly, but it wasn’t…
Families Treating Families: Mother-Daughter Duo Caring for Baton Rouge’s Children
For Michelle Flechas, MD, and her daughter, Meaghan Smith, MD, medicine is more than a profession – it’s a family tradition. Practicing medicine together at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health Pediatrics at Perkins, this mother-daughter duo is building relationships that span generations. Dr. Smith joined the practice in September 2024, and she is…
How a CT Scan Saved Henry Chase from Lung Cancer
Henry Chase was used to joining his wife, Judith, who has emphysema, for checkups with her pulmonologist, James L. Vermaelen, MD. As they were leaving one of those checkups in October 2023, Henry asked Dr. Vermaelen a question that had been weighing on his mind. “I told him I get an annual physical, and things…
Edward Cole
St. Dominic’s Cancer Center courier Edward Cole is known affectionately as “Mr. Mighty Fine” among his family, friends and colleagues because his answer to the question “How are you?” is always, “Mighty fine.” His journey with St. Dominic’s began when he was a college student at Jackson State University. Edward admits he was only attending…
Ramona Parker, LPN
Licensed practical nurse Ramona Parker’s journey with Our Lady of Lourdes Health began when she was still in high school. Enrolled in a career center class, she worked at Our Lady of Lourdes part time, and it didn’t take long for her to know she had found her calling. “In my senior year of high…
Stella Lasalle
For 45 years, Stella Lasalle has been a cherished part of Our Lady of Lourdes. Across her career she has witnessed the evolution of the hospital and the lives of those she has touched. Starting her journey at just 17 years old, Stella’s story is one of dedication, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to her…
Charlene Martin
Charlene Martin’s connection to Our Lady of Lourdes Health started long before she became an employee. As a child, Charlene was often hospitalized, and the exceptional care she received left a lasting impact. “I remember telling my mom that someday I would like to work at Our Lady of Lourdes,” she reflects. This early experience…
Local mom triumphs over breast cancer after comprehensive treatments at St. Francis locations in Northeast Louisiana
Joanna Allen first felt something amiss with her body in July 2022 while applying lotion to a rash. There was a mass, which Joanna says felt like “a small, squishy grape,” on the side of her right breast. Within a few weeks, Joanna was undergoing a comprehensive breast exam, mammogram and ultrasound at the Kitty…
Broussard mom grateful for “angels” at Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s & Children’s Hospital who helped 23-week baby grow into thriving toddler
Andrena Cluse had a feeling her baby would be born early. It was an intuition she couldn’t explain, but one that prompted her to prepare her baby’s room and purchase supplies like a diaper bag and first teddy bear well in advance of her due date. Those instincts proved to be correct when Cluse went…
Gail Talton
Gail Talton is celebrating an incredible 45 years with our health system. Starting as a mail clerk, her journey has evolved over the years. Now a supply coordinator 2, Gail’s commitment to serving our mission shines through every step of the way. Finding Her Path Gail joined our ministry after two years of college with…
Gayle McDonald
Gayle McDonald marked an incredible milestone last May, celebrating 45 years as an operating room service line specialist at St. Francis Health. Her journey began here as a surgical tech, and she has remained dedicated to her role, consistently contributing to our mission. Finding a Home in the Operating Room Gayle chose to start her…
Janice Augustine, RN
For nearly five decades, dedicated nurse Janice Augustine, RN, has witnessed incredible changes and growth at what is now Our Lady of the Angels, from the expansion of the emergency department to the transformation of patient care. As a nurse in the infection prevention department, she continues to share her wealth of experience and knowledge,…
Malcolm DeWayne Adams
For four decades, Malcolm DeWayne Adams has been more than just a maintenance worker at what is now Our Lady of the Angels Hospital. He’s been a trusted problem-solver, a listening ear and a source of laughter for everyone he meets. With a dedication that shines just as brightly as his personality, Malcolm reflects on…
John Fraiche, MD
Over his 45 years with Our Lady of the Lake, John Fraiche, MD, has held numerous influential roles, contributing significantly to both the organization and our community. A Career of Service and Leadership Dr. Fraiche’s journey began as a family practice physician who chose to live and work in a growing region between Baton Rouge…
Jacqueline Lee
Jacqueline Lee celebrates her remarkable 45-year journey with our health system, where she has grown both personally and professionally. Over the decades, Jacqueline has embraced various roles within our ministry, but her dedication extends far beyond her job titles and professional duties. Known for her compassionate nature, Jacqueline is a steadfast listener and supportive presence…
Mike Roberts
Mike Roberts is celebrating an impressive 45 years of service at Our Lady of the Lake Health. Since starting his career in the maintenance department, Mike has remained a dedicated and valued member of our team, known for his work ethic and loyalty. Outside of work, Mike is an avid football fan, passionately cheering for…
Building a Legacy: A Master Pediatrician’s Journey
With a medical career spanning continents and decades, Raghubir Mangat, MD, has dedicated her career to pediatric medicine, culminating in…
Geaux Hero: How Dior’s Compassionate Care Changes Lives
For Ariane “Dior” Tero, CNA, compassion isn’t just part of the job — it’s the heart of everything she does. Whether she’s offering a comforting word, playing a patient’s favorite song or praying with them through tough moments, Dior goes beyond routine care to make sure every person she touches feels seen, heard and loved.…
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month 2024
The richness of Hispanic heritage and its impact on our communities is something we celebrate as a health system every…
new mission, same passion: Ashlyn’s leap from teaching to tech
When Ashlyn joined our health system in November 2021, she didn’t just start a new job. She embarked on an inspiring journey that reshaped her career and enriched her life. shifting gears in her career Initially stepping in as a principal trainer for Epic Cupid, a cardiology-focused module within our electronic medical record system, Ashlyn…
from front desk to leadership: a journey of growth and impact
For more than 18 years, Pearl has been a beacon of dedication at St. Francis Health, leaving a lasting impact wherever she goes. Now a physician practice office supervisor with St. Francis Medical Group, Pearl started her career here at the front desk in the emergency department. She quickly became known for her attentive listening…
Geaux Hero: Tucker’s Journey with Mitochondrial Disease
When Kandis and John welcomed their son Tucker into the world, everything seemed perfect. The pregnancy was normal, and Tucker…
How a Clinical Trial is Helping a Sickle Cell Patient Manage Her Disease
Brandi Woods leads a busy life. Two careers keep her constantly on the move and often traveling. But as someone with sickle cell disease, that kind of non-stop lifestyle can take a toll. Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder that affects the shape of Brandi’s red blood cells, making them stiff and sticky. This…
Baton Rouge mother grateful for every moment after quick treatment helped her recover from a stroke at age 29
It was a routine day in June 2019 when Jessica Pannell dropped off her daughter at daycare. But, within minutes,…
Feeding with Love: Third Time’s a Charm for Mom Longing to Breastfeed
When it comes to learning to breastfeed, having a strong team makes a difference. The third time was the charm…
Balancing Breastfeeding and College Classes
Emily found out she was pregnant at 19, in the middle of her sophomore year at the University of Louisiana Monroe. She knew her life was about to change in ways she couldn’t fully predict. What she didn’t expect, however, was how beautifully her journey into motherhood would unfold — starting with the birth of…
inspired to care: a new nurse’s story of support and growth
When Dallas, LPN, talks about her experience at Our Lady of the Angels Hospital, her eyes light up with gratitude…
from dish room to director: Patsy’s inspiring career journey
More than 30 years ago, Patsy Tennon found herself at a crossroads, searching for a job to support her family. With her previous experience as a restaurant manager, Patsy came to St. Dominic Hospital, taking an available role in the dish room. It became the first step on an incredible journey of growth to her…
Louisiana Tennis Coach Recovering from Pancreatic Cancer
Shelby Graciana had spent her whole life as a successful athlete. From the time she was a teen, Graciana was a star on the tennis court, at one point ranking as the top tennis player in Louisiana. More recently, Graciana has worked as a tennis coach in South Louisiana, passing on her talent and love…
Motherhood Against the Odds: An Inspiring Journey
When a tragic accident left Katie Hughes paralyzed, her dreams of motherhood seemed impossible. But with unwavering faith and incredible support, Katie’s journey became an inspiring testament to the power of resilience and love. Embracing God’s Plan In 2011, a devastating car wreck left Katie paralyzed from the waist down. Her journey to recovery began…
Going Above and Beyond: Exceptional Physical Therapist Gives Courage and Confidence
When Jaclyn and Todd Peters brought their 9-year-old daughter Cecilia to Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health for physical…
Diabetic Wound Care Patient Credits Lourdes Team for Healing and Compassionate Care
Stepping inside a hyperbaric oxygen chamber might be intimidating for a lot of people. Eric Navarre was one of them.…
Abbeville plumber back to work after stroke thanks to his wife’s quick thinking and fast care at Our Lady of Lourdes
Connie Gremillion was in her Abbeville home the morning of January 22, 2023, when she heard a sudden crash from the kitchen. Startled, she ran to the room to find her husband Brian on the floor trying to pick up pieces of a coffee cup he dropped. “I asked him what had happened, and I…
Embracing Motherhood and Community
When Katelyn Tageant first crossed paths with her future husband, Clay, she couldn’t imagine where life would lead them. Their love story blossomed from fierce competitors to college sweethearts, eventually becoming parents and lifelong partners. Returning to their roots in Franklinton after college, Katelyn and Clay began to build their lives. Clay followed in his…
Stroke Recovery in the Middle Years
At 49, Shannon’s life took an unexpected turn when a stroke struck without warning. “When I woke up, I was not able to move. I tried to move, but when I got up, I fell,” Shannon says. “My niece had noticed there’s something wrong, so she called 911. They came and took me to the…
Lafayette Man Credits ‘Angel’ Physician at Our Lady of the Lake with Helping Him Overcome Rare Cancer
Brandon Finley had always struggled with sinus problems. The recurring infections and congestion were annoying but never prevented him from going about his life. However, they kept showing up into adulthood, even appearing in CT scans after Finley sustained concussions as a college and professional soccer player. Still, Finley was able to live his life…
Geaux Hero: A Triumph of Teamwork and Resilience
Picture this: A young boy just going about his days like any other kid growing up in Hammond, playing baseball, riding his four-wheeler and enjoying a healthy Minecraft obsession, when suddenly he’s hit with leg pain and limping. For 7-year-old Dominic, this was the beginning of a journey that would test his bravery and resilience…
Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month 2024
In honor of Asian & Pacific Islander Heritage Month 2024, we are recognizing and celebrating the contributions and achievements of several team members from across our health system. These team members come from diverse backgrounds and serve in various roles, and they are united in their passion to serve the communities we are privileged to…
Inspired by Compassion: A Living Kidney Donation
Remarkable stories of resilience and healing happen every day at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital, but an extraordinary gift of love from an exceptional team member has changed one patient’s life forever. Earlier this year Lauren, 17, received a kidney from Lori Vaughn, RN, supervisor of sedation services at our children’s hospital.Lori’s Act…
The Power of Prompt Action: A Stroke, Fast Treatment and Recovery at St. Francis Medical Center
Although Ms. Willie Mae Davis downplays her experience of having a stroke last November at her home in Bosco, her story is a testament to the importance of fast treatment and care for stroke. “When it happened, it just happened all at once,” Ms. Davis, 78, remembers. “I was coming in the house, made it…
Daughter’s Quick Thinking Leads to Father’s Stroke Recovery
Picture a typical Sunday morning in December. A dad is making breakfast for his daughters before his youngest’s final “Mississippi Ballet Nutcracker” performance. For Ryan McBride, 46, this normal morning routine ended with a medical emergency. Thanks to his daughters’ swift action Ryan was able to get immediate treatment and is recovering from a stroke.…
‘The Best Possible Care’: Nicholas LeBlanc, MD, Talks Complex Esophageal and Thoracic Surgeries
A former collegiate and semi-professional soccer player, Nicholas (Nick) LeBlanc, MD, always had an appreciation for the impressive capabilities of the human body. “Early on, I knew I wanted to devote myself to learning about it and using that knowledge to help people,” he says. Dr. LeBlanc earned his bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology from…
Geaux Hero: Our Lady of the Lake Heart Doctor Treats LSU Softball Player for Rare Condition
Sierra Daniel started her career on the LSU Softball team with a trip to the hospital to treat a rare…
people inspired: from student nurse to bedside RN
For more than two years, Natalie Sims, RN, has been an essential part of the inpatient surgical services team at…
Geaux Hero: Critical Care Doctor Reflects on Challenges of Pandemic and Treating the Sickest Patients
Many of us often wonder how we might react in an emergency: Would we panic or freeze up, unable to…
Paving the Way for Inclusivity and Access: Honoring the Past and Shaping the Future
Since joining our ministry as director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in November 2022, Asha Johnson has been instrumental in shaping the narrative of inclusivity and access within our health system. Her dedication extends beyond her professional commitment and is deeply personal. Johnson’s commitment to workforce development and DEI is a fusion of her professional…
Voices of Inclusivity at Our Lady of the Lake Health
At Our Lady of the Lake Health, efforts to promote efficient and inclusive care continue to be elevated through our nurse-led Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council. The council began in 1990 as a board committee and was reestablished in 2016.Creating a culture of belonging is not just a choice; it’s a priority for us and…
Honoring and Celebrating Our Team Members Who Serve: Veterans CommUNITY Group
As part of our health system’s commitment to an inclusive and engaged workplace, our voluntary, team member-led CommUNITY groups foster diversity and unity. The first to be established is our Veterans CommUNITY group, dedicated to providing a supportive environment for team members who have served or are serving in the military. Christopher Trevino, MD, vice…
Empowering Futures Through Mentorship
Participating in the Reginald F. Lewis Scholars program is one of many ways our health system is committed to empowering the next generation of healthcare leaders. The Scholars program is designed to enhance the collegiate experience of Black male students across the University of Louisiana System, provide valuable opportunities for personal and professional growth, and…
Coming Full Circle: Chief Resident to Chief Medical Officer
As the first resident to start and graduate from the LSU Rural Family Medicine Program at Our Lady of the Angels Hospital, Brian Galofaro, MD, was also the program’s first chief resident and is now the hospital’s chief medical officer. The residency program began in 2007 at what was then Bogalusa Medical Center, and in…
Celebrating Women’s History Month 2024
March marks the celebration of Women’s History Month, a time to honor the remarkable achievements and contributions of women throughout history. This year’s national theme, “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion,” resonates deeply within our organization. Women play an invaluable role in shaping our success and make up the majority of our workforce.…
Opelousas Pastor on the Road to Recovery After Our Lady of Lourdes Heart Hospital Team Uses Advances to Treat Heart Damage
When most people think about the symptoms of a heart attack, they often picture sudden problems like chest pain and trouble breathing. However, in many cases, a gradual progression of symptoms like fatigue and a feeling of indigestion are signs that there may be a serious cardiac problem. “It’s actually quite unusual that you hear…
Champion Of Compassion And Philanthropy
In every definition of the word, Khanh T. Ho, MD, faithfully represents altruism. Her concern for the well-being of others is shown through the care of her patients as well as the ways in which she supports her community. Board Certified in rheumatology, Dr. Ho has a passion for science and problem-solving. She earned her…
Geaux Hero: Resilient Young Patient Recovers from Dog Bite Thanks to Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital
Seeing Katie Lundy perform flips in her backyard or taking tumbling classes, you might not realize she almost lost her right arm after a severe dog bite last year. The 11-year-old was rushed to Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital’s Level II Pediatric Trauma Center in February 2023 after a dog bit her arm…
Geaux Hero: Director of Our Lady of the Lake’s Structural Heart Program Treats the Toughest Heart Disease Cases
When Jorge Castellanos, MD, started working at Our Lady of the Lake Health in 2019, its heart services looked different than they do now. While the team of cardiologists was performing certain minimally invasive procedures that provide an alternative for heart disease patients who are at high risk of surgical complications, the options available to…
Heart Procedure Helps St. Francis Patient Get Back on Her Feet
Waterfront homes in Louisiana are usually high off the ground because of flooding, and Venessa Chapman’s home on the Ouachita…
Celebrating Black History Month 2024
In honor of Black History Month 2024, we are recognizing and celebrating the contributions and achievements of several team members within our health system. These team members come from diverse backgrounds and serve in various roles, and they are united in their passion to serve the communities we are privileged to serve. This year’s Black…
Rosalind’s Gratitude for Exceptional Pediatric Care
What began as persistent fever and swelling on the side of 2-year-old Mila’s neck led to a hospital stay over the holidays, including two admissions and one surgery at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital. Once a familiar face in the hospital as a former nurse, Rosalind Kenny, BSN, RN, Mila’s mom, found herself…
Our Lady of the Angels – The Knights
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to work with your spouse? Across our health system we have many married couples who work in our ministry. For Valentine’s Day this year, we spoke with Todd and Taylor Knight who both work at Our Lady of the Angels Hospital and have been married for six months.Todd…
Geaux Hero: Medical Assistant and Breast Cancer Survivor is an Advocate for Women on the Same Journey
Nicole White was only 23 years old when she got the life-changing news of a breast cancer diagnosis. It was 2007, and as a young single mother of two at the time, Nicole was working at an OBGYN clinic in Texas. Even though women’s health was a big part of her daily routine, she wasn’t…
people inspired: Leona’s dedication to social work
Although newer to our ministry, Leona, MSW, is planting herself in her role as a social worker in the case management department with St. Francis Health. “I really wanted to get social work experience in a hospital setting because of the opportunity to work with different populations,” Leona says. “Here you get a feel for…
Geaux Hero: How a Cardiologist at Our Lady of the Lake Treated LSU Coach Kim Mulkey for Heart Blockage
Federico De Puy, MD, was headed out of the office one day in spring 2023 when one of his colleagues…
people inspired: from kitchen to bedside
Working his way from the kitchen to a position as a certified nursing assistant, Mark McWhorter, CNA, has found inspiration and purpose throughout his 15 years at St. Dominic Hospital. And he has felt supported and prioritized every step of the way.A Meaningful Career Journey “I started my first job here in the hospital in…
people inspired: a decades-long nursing career
When moving from New Orleans to the Acadiana area 19 years ago, Jeaneth, RN, knew she wanted to work at…
people inspired: from med tech to lab leader
Tina, MT, ASCP, has dedicated more than 10 years to Our Lady of the Lake Health. Throughout her journey from…
people inspired: April’s path from clerk to supervisor
From outpatient clinic clerk to seasoned nurse and clinical care supervisor, April Toney, LPN, has worked for Our Lady of the Angels Health for nearly a decade. April joined our team in 2014 as a clerk in an outpatient clinic, arriving around the time “when the Angels came.” That was the year our health system…
Geaux Hero: 4-year-old Leukemia Patient Gets Expert Care at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital
In January 2023, Destiny O’Bryan was starting to worry about her daughter. At 3 years old, Ahnalyse Choplin wasn’t much…
Challenges and Triumphs: Keeping the Gabriel Family Close During a NICU Stay
Bringing a child into the world is filled with joy, excitement and anticipation. For Kristen and Michael Gabriel, their journey…
Geaux Hero: After a Work-Related Accident and 37 Surgeries, Ryan Boudreaux is on the Road to Recovery Thanks to Our Lady of the Lake
Going through surgery requires a lot from a patient, including a determination to heal and recover in order to get back to a normal quality of life. Ryan Boudreaux has gone through that process a total of 37 times since an accident in March brought him to Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center.…
Our Lady of the Angels Resident’s Journey of Determination
Growing up as the second of four children in the bustling city of Lagos, Nigeria, Timilehin Oluseye, MD, embarked on a remarkable journey that shaped the person he is today. “My deep-seated desire to make a difference in people’s lives and my unwavering commitment to saving lives led me on a path to becoming a…
Carson’s Journey with Child Life Services
In the heart of every child beats a rhythm of dreams, laughter and boundless curiosity. For 8-year-old Carson Fremin and…
Brightening Futures One Smile at a Time: Ms. Gwen’s Experience with St. Bernadette Community Clinic
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…
Geaux Hero: Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital Helps Two-Year-Old Breathe Easy with Reconstructed Airway
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…
Innovative COPD Procedure Helps Our Lady of the Lake Patient Breathe Easier
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…
A Living Legacy at Our Lady of the Lake
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…
Ralph Serpas Celebrates 15 Years of Service with Our Lady of the Angels
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…
Christine Soileau, MHA, LRPSGT
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
Katie Queen, MD, has served our ministry for five years. Dr. Queen was referred to work for Our Lady of…
Brad Rodrigue, MD
Brad Rodrigue, MD, has served in our ministry for 15 years. “I chose to work at Our Lady of the…
Kenisha Williamson
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…
Jennifer Navarre, NP
Jennifer Navarre began her healthcare career with Our Lady of Lourdes 40 years ago. “I chose to work for Our…
April Worley
Physician office supervisor April Worley believes that the St. Francis Medical Group is a special place to work because everyone functions like family. “We all want the hospital to prosper and grow,” says Worley. “When patients come in at their weakest, they can count on us to actually care and help.” Helping Others by Listening…
Henrietta Colbert
After 50 years of service at Our Lady of the Lake, Henrietta Colbert’s favorite part of her job is still the compassionate people and camaraderie. Colbert is a secretary at Our Lady of the Lake in the Radiology Department. She began her journey at the ministry in 1973 at the hospital’s original location in downtown…
Geaux Hero: David Van De Car, DO, Brings the Same Care to Heart Patients as He Did for Army Soldiers
It’s said that the military gives you training that stays with you the rest of your life. For David Van…
Janie Lepine, BSN, RN, CNOR
For Janie Lepine, BSN, RN, CNOR, her 45-year career at Our Lady of the Lake extends a family legacy dating back to her mother. As a young nurse, Lepine chose Our Lady of the Lake to start her career because she was inspired to follow in her mother’s footsteps. Her mother, Marjorie Perdue, was a…
Kathy Belt
Kathy Belt started her career at St. Francis Medical Center 45 years ago because she enjoyed helping people. Today, her passion for others remains constant as she plans to continue in her role as long as she is physically and spiritually able. Career Growth Kathy Belt works as a supply coordinator for the LogisticsONE team…
Three-Time Breast Cancer Survivor Shares Her Remarkable Story
In 1994, Trudy Marlbrough faced a battle that shaped her: a diagnosis of breast cancer. Although she experienced 25 years of remission, her cancer has returned twice in recent years. Trudy has received care throughout her journey from Our Lady of Lourdes J.D. Moncus Cancer Center. The Initial Battle At age 24, Trudy had just…
Ellen King, RN
For Ellen King, RN, St. Dominic Hospital has been a second home. She feels blessed to have worked there for 40 years. A lot has changed at St. Dominic’s since 1983, the year King started working as a young nurse. While she can’t quite remember her first day, the feeling of friendliness, encouragement and helpfulness…
Lynn Weaver
Lynn Weaver’s job in medical records looks much different than it did in 1978, but she is invigorated by the opportunity to continuously learn and be challenged by her job 45 years later. Weaver works as a clinical documentation improvement specialist at St. Francis Medical Center, where she has worked since 1978. Weaver began her…
A Little Firecracker’s Triumph: Elliana’s Journey
Being able to access exceptional healthcare close to home is important for Elliana, a 5-year-old Kindergartener in Lafayette who’s been through a lot in her young life. At her 20-week anatomy scan, Jessica Cavalier learned that Elliana had spina bifida, a complex condition that happens when a baby’s spine and spinal cord don’t develop properly…
people inspired: how Terra breathes life into Bogalusa
Serving as a respiratory therapist at Our Lady of the Angels Hospital for more than nine years, Terra Taylor, RRT,…
people inspired: how Chase surpasses expectations
Chase Ryals, CNMT, has been a nuclear medicine tech at St. Francis Health for about two years, and in that…
people inspired: how Renee’s priorities changed
For Renee Bujol, PT, SCCE, Cert. Mdt, Cert. DN, her career as a physical therapist has been entirely at Our…
Kala Fernandez-McCartney
Physician practice manager Kala Fernandez-McCartney shares her Spanish roots and the influence it has had on her life. Fernandez-McCartney has been a part of our health system for nine years and serves as a physician practice manager in Livingston. She manages a large family medicine clinic with nine providers. Combining the Spanish and American Cultures…
Anna Garcia Bernal, MD
Anna Garcia Bernal, MD, is a first year LSU rural family medicine resident physician at Our Lady of the Angels Hospital in Bogalusa. Dr. Bernal and her family are originally from Guadalajara Jalisco, Mexico, and have resided in the U.S. for 40 years. Dr. Bernal shares what National Hispanic Heritage Month means to her, “Traditionally,…
Leaning on Faith, Kidney Cancer Patient Finds Healing at Our Lady of Lourdes Health
For Terry Broussard, “throwing a promise at a problem” was his way of staring cancer in the face and showing his determination to fight on. His promise was that he would overcome stage 4 renal cell cancer — a type of cancer that starts in the kidney — and that through his faith he’d be…
Gabriela Ruiz, MD
Gabriela Ruiz, MD, is a physician resident with Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital. Dr. Ruiz joined the ministry…
Seeking a Lifeline to Fight an Ultra-Rare Kidney Disease
In a race against time, 17-year-old Lauren is teetering on the verge of needing dialysis. She is in need of…
Lorenza Tomas Alonzo, RN
Lorenzo Tomas Alonzo, RN, works at Our Lady of the Lake Assumption as an ER nurse. Alonzo has been with our health system since January 2016. Alonzo was born in Guatemala, and her family moved to the United States when she was 7. A fun fact about Alonzo is that her family has Mayan…
Laura Daigle, RN
Laura Daigle, RN, is a nurse in Labor and Delivery at Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s and Children’s Hospital. Daigle joined our ministry before she graduated from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2016 by participating in the Accelerated Clinical Experience program that allows nursing students to shadow nurses before they graduate. Upon graduating…
Arturo Blanco, MD
Arturo Blanco, MD, is a board-certified family physician who has been a part of our ministry for more than 13 years. Dr. Blanco serves at the family medicine clinic in Clinton. Dr. Blanco says, “As a small child I had the desire to be a physician. It has always been what I wanted to do…
Geaux Hero: Michelle Nelson is the Center of the Family at Surgeons Group of Baton Rouge
People might know Michelle Nelson, NP, as the lead nurse practitioner with the Surgeons Group of Baton Rouge at Our…
Anna Maria Medrano, RN
Anna Maria Medrano, RN, is a night shift nurse in the medical surgery unit at Our Lady of the Angels…
Gabriel Orellana, RN
Gabriel Orellana, RN, works as an intensive care unit (ICU) nurse at Our Lady of Lourdes Heart Hospital. He works in the progressive care unit where his patient assignments can vary from stable telemetry patients to immediate post-op open heart surgery patients. Orellana has been part of our ministry since April 2022. Orellana knew from…
DayDi Fernandez
DayDi Fernandez has been with FMOLHS for eight years. Her role as an Epic Application Systems Analyst on the inpatient orders team means that she supports all aspects of inpatient orders in the electronic medical record system, EPIC. Fernandez’s passion for biology and chemistry guided her to a career in the healthcare field. “I…
Linda Vanessa Yaul, MSN
Linda Vanessa Yaul, MSN, an ICU nurse at St. Dominic Hospital, has been with St. Dominic’s for eight and half years. She serves as a preceptor and charge nurse, training new nurses and ensuring her unit runs smoothly. After earning her associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) from Hinds Community College, Yaul earned her master of…
Maria Cruz, CNA
Maria Cruz, CNA, works as a certified nurse assistant in the telemetry unit at St. Francis Medical Center. Cruz has been a part of the ministry for almost a year. Celebrating Family Traditions Cruz’s favorite family tradition is celebrating Día de Los Muertos. Cruz explains how Día de Los Muertos is the day Mexican families…
Jessica Macias RN, CMSRN
Jessica Macias, RN, CMSRN, works at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center as a Patient Care Services Float Nurse. Macias has been a part of our health system since early 2013. After nursing school, she began her career working on a med-surg unit. “After 4 years on med-surg, I decided to transition to…
Geaux Hero: Sadie Soileau Gets Expert Care From Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital Pediatric Trauma Team
It was supposed to be a celebratory day. Sadie Soileau, just 9 years old, was riding home from her sister’s…
NICU Nurse Now Works Where She Was Once a Patient
In the dimly lit halls of the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s & Children’s Hospital, the soft hum of machines mingles with the hushed whispers of parents and the efficient sounds of the NICU team. Hope Keller, BSN, RN, serves Acadiana’s tiniest patients at our hospital, a role she’s…
Local mother grateful for Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s & Children’s Hospital PICU after baby son receives life-saving care
Last June, Kelsey LeBlanc noticed something seemed amiss with her seven-week-old son, Nash. He had a slight fever and kept coughing. At a local emergency room, Nash was diagnosed with RSV and released shortly thereafter. But, Nash’s condition worsened over the next several hours. A second ER visit revealed the newborn had both RSV and…
Lafayette Musician Saved by the Quick Action of Our Lady of Lourdes Stroke Care Team
As a drummer, Lafayette native Steve Dugas traveled across the South with acts like Sonny Landreth, Bobby Kimball, Julius Farmer and Willie Tee. Now 72, Dugas’ touring days are behind him, but he keeps a drum kit at home and plays for his own enjoyment. When he wasn’t behind the drum kit, Dugas often worked…
Fathers and Their Families Across Our Health System
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to work with your dad? Across our health system, we have many daughters and sons who do just that. For Father’s Day we’ve gathered some of their stories. Tommy Greene and Aimee G. HowardTommy Greene, interim Senior Director of Pharmacy for Our Lady of the Lake Health, and…
Mom of 3 Young Girls Shares Her Miraculous Stroke Recovery
Last year, a young mom from Meridian, Mississippi, experienced an uncommon type of stroke, a subarachnoid hemorrhage, and was airlifted to St. Dominic Hospital for treatment at its Comprehensive Stroke Center. Lauren Pogue, now 36, not only survived, but she has experienced phenomenal recovery. She and her husband, Jeremy, shared their experience in this episode…
Nga Nguyen-Pham, RN
Nga Nguyen-Pham, RN, same-day surgery supervisor at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, shares her Vietnamese heritage and what Asian American Pacific Islander Month means to her. Nguyen-Pham has been a part of Our Lady of the Lake Health since October 2012. As the supervisor of the same-day surgery department, she oversees that…
Father Antony Pappu Chakkalakkal
Fr. Antony Pappu Chakkalakkal, priest chaplain, shares about his Indian heritage and what Asian American Pacific Islander Month means to him. Fr. Chakkalakkal began as a priest sacramental chaplain at St. Dominic Hospital in July 2019 and became full-time priest chaplain in October 2022. He visits patients of all faiths. He also celebrates Catholic religious…
Lisa Khanh Le, MD
Lisa Khanh Le, MD, general pediatrician, shares about her Vietnamese heritage and what Asian American Pacific Islander Month means to her. Dr. Le has been a part of the Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health clinic in Prairieville for 11 years. Dr. Le is the first in her family to graduate college and become…
Kristy Do
Kristy Do, financial analyst at Our Lady of the Angels Health, shares her Chinese and Vietnamese heritage and what Asian American Pacific Islander Month means to her. Do has been a part of our ministry for 11 years. She shares what inspired her to pursue a career in healthcare. “Growing up in an Asian family…
Catherine Lewis, FNP-C
Catherine Lewis, FNP-C, hospital medicine nurse practitioner, shares her Filipino heritage and what Asian American Pacific Islander Month means to her. A Career in Healthcare As a hospital medicine nurse practitioner, Lewis directly collaborates with providers to serve the patients at Behavioral Health Services. Lewis first joined St. Dominic’s as a student extern in 2012.…
Neha Manning, RN
Neha Manning, registered nurse at St. Francis Medical Center, shares her Indian heritage and what Asian American Pacific Islander Month means to her. Manning has been a part of our ministry for 15 years. She shares what inspired her to pursue a career in healthcare. “When I was a little girl, I knew that I…
Sr. Catherine Luu
Sister Catherine Luu, pastoral care coordinator at Our Lady of Lourdes Health, shares her multicultural Asian heritage and what Asian American Pacific Islander Month means to her. Sr. Catherine has been a part of our ministry since 2015 when she joined the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Sisters, the sponsors of our health system.…
Rural Family Medicine Program Inspires Physician to Continue Serving Patients in Bogalusa
In a rural community, the local family physician is usually expected to know a little bit about everything. They are the first line of defense to treat a variety of minor ailments and even more serious health needs for people with little access to advanced care in larger cities. Madeleine Leefe Maras, MD, knows this…
How Our Lady of Angels’ Rural Residency Program Benefits Patients as Much as Doctors-in-Training
When a patient at Our Lady of the Angels Health sees Kaitlyn Ladner, MD, they are getting a medical professional with a fresh set of eyes on healthcare. And they have the benefit of a little more time with someone actively involved in their care to share their story and be heard. That, as Dr.…
Mothers and Their Families Across Our Health System
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to work with your mother? Across our health system, we have many daughters…
Heart of a Tiger: The Legacy of John Clarke Perry
The world of college football is known for intense rivalries and passionate fan bases. The power of organ donation and love have overcome the rivalry for two families who root for opposing Tiger teams. The Journey to a Shared Heart In 2015, Louisiana State University fans Jonathan and Holley Perry gave birth to twins —…
Minutes Matter: One Patient’s Story of Speedy Stroke Care and Recovery
Waking up to a stroke was a total surprise and life altering moment for Jeff Elliott, but immediate care from the team at St. Francis Medical Center got him on the road to recovery. Elliott, now 66, was healthy and active, working long days at his maintenance job at St. Joseph Continuing Care and additional…
Treating The Person, Not The Illness
We believe that to achieve complete healthcare, it’s important to provide the best services possible to address health concerns, but…
How Our Social Workers Extend Our Care
Sometimes, the best support we can provide our patients isn’t something tangible like a vaccine or medicine, but rather allowing…
Sarah Aftab Ahmad, MD, FACS
Every day, our doctors go above and beyond to help our communities heal. On March 30, we celebrate Doctors’ Day, expressing our appreciation to those who care for us and guide us to maintain a healthy lifestyle all year round. This year we asked Sarah Aftab Ahmad, MD, FACS, cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon with St.…
Paige Guillory, MD, FAAP
Every day, our doctors go above and beyond to help our communities heal. On March 30, we celebrate Doctors’ Day, expressing our appreciation to those who care for us and guide us to maintain a healthy lifestyle all year. Paige Guillory, MD, FAAP, pediatrician with Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health, has been part…
Richard D. Smith, Jr., MD
Every day, our doctors go above and beyond to help our communities heal. On March 30, we celebrate Doctors’ Day, expressing our appreciation to those who care for us and guide us to maintain a healthy lifestyle all year round. Richard D. Smith, Jr., MD, internal medicine physician with St. Francis Health, joined our health…
Enrique Andrade Rondon, MD
Every day, our doctors go above and beyond to help our communities heal. On March 30, we celebrate Doctors’ Day, expressing our appreciation to those who care for us and guide us to maintain a healthy lifestyle all year. Enrique Andrade Rondon, MD, internal medicine physician with Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group, has…
Tiffany Scarff, MD
Every day, our doctors go above and beyond to help our communities heal. On March 30, we celebrate Doctors’ Day, expressing our appreciation to those who care for us and guide us to maintain a healthy lifestyle all year. Tiffany Scarff, MD, neurologist with St. Dominic Hospital, has been with our ministry since 2016 and…
Anuj Marya, MD, FAAFP
Every day, our doctors go above and beyond to help our communities heal. On March 30, we celebrate Doctors’ Day, expressing our appreciation to those who care for us and guide us to maintain a healthy lifestyle all year. Anuj Marya, MD, FAAFP, family medicine and geriatric medicine physician with St. Dominic Hospital, has been…
Karroll Payne, MD
Every day, our doctors go above and beyond to help our communities heal. On March 30, we celebrate Doctors’ Day, expressing our appreciation to those who care for us and guide us to maintain a healthy lifestyle all year. Karroll Payne, MD, OB/GYN with Our Lady of the Angels Health, joined our ministry this year…
Alyce Adams, MD
Every day, our doctors go above and beyond to help our communities heal. On March 30, we celebrate Doctors’ Day, expressing our appreciation to those who care for us and guide us to maintain a healthy lifestyle all year. Alyce Adams, MD, internal medicine physician with St. Francis Medical Group, has been part of our…
Nicholas George, MD
Every day, our doctors go above and beyond to help our communities heal. On March 30, we celebrate Doctors’ Day, expressing our appreciation to those who care for us and guide us to maintain a healthy lifestyle all year. Nicholas George, MD, pediatric and internal medicine physician with Our Lady of Lourdes Health, has been…
May S. Thomassee, MD, FACOG
Every day, our doctors go above and beyond to help our communities heal. On March 30, we celebrate Doctors’ Day, expressing our appreciation to those who care for us and guide us to maintain a healthy lifestyle all year. May S. Thomassee, MD, FACOG, minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon with Our Lady of Lourdes Health, has…
Elias Moussaly, MD
Every day, our doctors go above and beyond to help our communities heal. On March 30, we celebrate Doctors’ Day, expressing our appreciation to those who care for us and guide us to maintain a healthy lifestyle all year. Elias Moussaly, MD, hematology/oncology physician with Our Lady of Lourdes Health and the JD Moncus Cancer…
Cori Sumrall, DO
Every day, our doctors go above and beyond to help our communities heal. On March 30, we celebrate Doctors’ Day, expressing our appreciation to those who care for us and guide us to maintain a healthy lifestyle all year. Cori Sumrall, DO, family medicine physician with Our Lady of the Angels Health, has been with…
Asif Talukder, MD
Every day, our doctors go above and beyond to help our communities heal. On March 30, we celebrate Doctors’ Day, expressing our appreciation to those who care for us and guide us to maintain a healthy lifestyle all year. Asif Talukder, MD, colon and rectal surgeon with Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group, joined…
Grant Clinkingbeard, MD
Every day, our doctors go above and beyond to help our communities heal. On March 30, we celebrate Doctors’ Day, expressing our appreciation to those who care for us and guide us to maintain a healthy lifestyle all year. Grant Clinkingbeard, MD, pediatrician with Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health, joined our ministry this…
Lauren McManus, MD
Every day, our doctors go above and beyond to help our communities heal. On March 30, we celebrate Doctors’ Day, expressing our appreciation to those who care for us and guide us to maintain a healthy lifestyle all year. Lauren McManus, MD, internal medicine physician with Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group in Covington,…
Tanisha Smith, NP
Winner of the 2022 Louisiana State Nurses Association’s Nightingale Award and named Louisianan of the year by Louisiana Life magazine, Tanisha Smith, NP, began her nursing career in 2003. Smith started as a nurse tech in our health system, and the next year began working as a registered nurse in the oncology department at Our…
Oliver Jones
Black History is 365 days a year for Oliver Jones, financial analyst for our health system’s information services department. “It reveals the sacrifice, hardship and achievements our ancestors conquered for a better society,” he says. Jones has worked for our ministry for nearly four years, and this is his first job in healthcare. He says…
Chad Oppenheimer
As environmental services manager at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center, Chad Oppenheimer runs the daily operations of the…
Michelle Blake, MD
Surviving an extremely rare brain tumor as an undergraduate inspired Michelle L. Blake, MD, to become a doctor. Now Dr. Blake serves as co-associate medical director of the hospitalist program at St. Francis Medical Center. She manages the day-to-day operations and daily physician schedule for the hospitalist program. She’s also recently become associate program director…
John Lyons, III, MD, FACS
John Lyons, III, MD, FACS, is a surgical oncologist at Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group Surgeons Group of…
Sharon Jones
Throughout her 33-year tenure at St. Francis Health, Sharon Jones has held several positions and loved them all. “I’m dedicated…
Candace Perry
“The time is always right to do what is right.” This quote by Martin Luther King Jr. inspires Candace Y. Perry, during Black History Month and every day. Taking Time to Listen In her role as an emergency room tech at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, Perry is intentional about the quality…
NeShana Bilbrew, RN
NeShana Bilbrew, RN, was a simulations engineer, developing algorithms for a missile systems company in Arizona when her mom was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer. Her mom had surgery to remove the tumor at Our Lady of the Lake Health. “I was so moved by the way her doctors, nurses and staff on the…
Catherine Woods
Working at Our Lady of Lourdes Health runs in the family for Catherine Woods. Woods, nutritional service manager at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center, has served in our ministry for 25 years in a number of roles. “I was always inspired to work at Lourdes by my mom, Drusilla Landry,” Woods says. Her…
Nicole Powell
As a clinic patient access representative at Our Lady of the Angels Family Medicine Clinic, Nicole Powell checks patients in and out, schedules appointments and assists doctors with their schedules. She’s been part of our ministry for a year and a half. Career Journey “My career has been most influenced by women, especially busy women…
Sheila Simpson, NHA, BSN
Although she didn’t dream of being a nurse during childhood, Sheila Simpson, NHA, BSN, now knows it is her calling. Simpson serves as senior director administrator for skilled nursing at St. Catherine’s Village, a retirement community and St. Dominic’s ministry. She has been a St. Catherine’s team member for 33 years. In her current role…
Love Across Our Health System
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to work with your spouse? Across our health system we have many married couples who work in our ministry. For Valentine’s Day we’ve gathered some of their stories and asked their advice for other couples who work together:Love at Our Lady of Lourdes: Trayton and Sadie BroussardTrayton and…
Sandra Brown, RN
Director of Telemetry at St. Francis Medical Center, Sandra Brown, RN, says that she chose this career and has never looked back. “A friend of mine encouraged me to pursue a career to increase my ability to take care of myself,” Brown says. “I went to school and became a CST (certified surgical technologist) then…
Marilyn Youngblood, RN
As a house supervisor at Our Lady of the Angels Health, Marilyn Youngblood, RN, ensures smooth operation of our nursing units by assigning adequate staffing, utilizing bed control and providing additional resources when needed. Youngblood has served the Bogalusa community as a nurse for more than 40 years. Healthcare Career Inspiration “I was reared by…
Patsy Tennon
For more than 30 years Patsy Tennon has served the St. Dominic’s ministry in a variety of roles. In her current role as director of environmental services and transport, Tennon manages the cleaning of 1.5 million square feet, distributes more than a million pounds of linen and makes more than 10,000 transports each year. Before…
Wartelle Castille, MD
An interest in pursuing medicine revealed itself for Wartelle Castille, MD, during his time in the U.S. Army, where he served as a combat medic. Dr. Castille joined the U.S. Army shortly after graduating high school. “The more exposure to medicine I received during my tours of duty to different regions of the world, the…
Adaora Uzodi, MD
“You will be a doctor” was the career advice Adaora Uzodi, MD, received from her father while growing up in Nigeria. “Many Nigerians will tell you that our parents pretty much told us we had to choose one of three careers: medicine, law or engineering,” Dr. Uzodi says. “My parents were no different. My father…
Tobacco Cessation Participant Now Volunteers Her Time to Help Others
Elishia Boutwell, like many longtime smokers, was struggling to quit. The now-retired Monroe teacher had been smoking for 46 years. A visit to her primary care provider at St. Francis Medical Center in 2020 changed everything — and led her down a path to helping others, as well. “He told me if I didn’t quit…
Meet Danielle Cobb, MD, FACS
After an appointment with Danielle Cobb, MD FACS, you’re likely to leave with a recipe for a nutritious protein shake or recommendations for which multivitamins to try — not just an understanding of your treatment plan. She’s interested in caring for the whole patient along with the hernias or other surgery needs she specializes in.…
Patient Credits Tobacco Cessation Program with Saving His Life
As a teenager, Robert Gauthier thought smoking cigarettes was the cool thing to do. A native and resident of Lafayette,…
Former NICU Baby Interested in the Medical Field
Years ago, the Juneau family welcomed triplets in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at St. Francis Medical Center. “The appointment was at 11 a.m. and we walked across the street to the hospital and by 1:09 pm, Daniel was born,” says Mark Juneau. “I mean it was that quick.” Angela Juneau says she got…
NICU Nurse Adopts Baby From the Unit
“We love it. I think this is what we’re meant to do, it’s a little hard to watch the kids come and then they get ready and they go. You get attached,” smiles Lloyd Ferris. It’s a family affair for the Ferris Family. Dawn Ferris has worked at the St. Francis Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for…
The Miracle of Jeffrey Rushworth
Jeffery Rushworth is nearing his first birthday, and that’s a milestone his parents weren’t sure they would see. “They were strapping her and wrapping her, doing all kind of stuff, and I was panicking and I was like what the heck is going on and they’re going we’re going to have a baby,” says Jim…
Jeannie Tomlinson
Jeannie Tomlinson currently serves as a patient access representative at the Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group clinic in Walker. She has been employed with our health system for more than a year. Tomlinson is a member of the Adai Caddo Tribe of Robeline, Louisiana, and one of her favorite family traditions is going…
The Finney Family
Many families rely on St. Francis Medical Center to make it through a tough time, including the Finney family. Curtis and Sarah Finney’s son, Weston, spent 102 days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at St. Francis Medical Center. What started as a normal day ended with a surprise birth months ahead of schedule.…
LaQuita Cooper, RN
LaQuita Cooper, RN, has worked at St. Francis Medical Center as a registered nurse on the telemetry unit for the past seven years. Cooper started at St. Francis as a nurse tech on the telemetry unit after graduating from nursing school and continues to work there. Celebrating Her Navajo Culture and Heritage Cooper is a…
Horace Benoit Jr.
Horace Benoit Jr. operating room case technician at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center, never thought he would work for 55 years but is happy to be celebrating another milestone anniversary. In the Beginning Benoit’s first day of work was at the original Our Lady of Lourdes campus located on Saint Landry Street, where…
Kimberlee Corley
When Kimberlee Corley, Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group Prairieville clinic manager, and her husband moved from Bossier City to south Louisiana, her plan was to stay for two years. That was 40 years ago, and she wouldn’t change a thing. Career Growth Corley started her career answering telephone calls and making patient appointments…
Pauline Breaux, RN, BSN
Growing up with six brothers and three sisters, Pauline Breaux, RN, BSN, is no stranger to supporting and caring for others. It is no surprise that she has found joy working in healthcare for the past four decades. No Regrets Forty years ago, when her neighbor suggested she work at Our Lady of Lourdes, Breaux…
Phyllis Simmons, BSN, RN
Phyllis Simmons, BSN, RN, began her journey with Our Lady of the Lake 50 years ago, but to her it feels like just yesterday. Simmons’ first day of work was at the Our Lady of the Lake downtown Baton Rouge campus, on the day after she graduated from nursing school. Her uniform included a cap…
Judy Goodwin, MLS, SBB (ASCP)
When people ask Judy Goodwin, MLS, SBB (ASCP), how long she has worked at St. Francis Medical Center, she has to remind herself it has been 45 years. To her, it doesn’t feel like that long, but she says time flies when you love what you do. Goodwin is supervisor for the blood bank at…
Mary Ann Smithhart RN, BSN
Mary Ann Smithhart, RN, BSN, currently serves as the director of nursing-geriatric services for St. Dominic’s Behavioral Health Services. She started her journey with St. Dominic’s in 1982, when the hospital was hiring 15 new graduates to help staff the upcoming critical care wing. Simple Beginnings Smithhart credits her parents with encouraging her to pursue…
A Listening Ear for When Life is Upended by a Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Being there with women as they receive a breast cancer diagnosis is sacred work that Evelyn Goodrow, RN, BSN, OCN, feels called to do. At Our Lady of Lourdes Breast Center, Goodrow’s job is primarily education, helping patients make sense of and navigate their cancer treatment, connecting them to care across the continuum. She serves…
Claudia Nelson
A childhood experience seeing her grandmother get hurt being pushed to the pavement led Claudia Nelson to want to pursue a career in healthcare. Nelson has been in the United States for more than 40 years and is originally from El Salvador in Central America. She is a Pipil Indian, who are descendants of Aztecs.…
Karla Espinoza
Karla Espinoza has turned her passion for working with children into a fulfilling career with Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health. Espinoza is a nurse assistant for Health Centers in Schools in the East Baton Rouge Parish Public School System. She assists students and parents with an emphasis on providing care for students living…
Overcoming Breast Cancer Day by Day
Brooke LeBlanc was only 30 years old when she received her breast cancer diagnosis, despite having no family history of…
Mayra Rocha, RN
Mayra Rocha, RN, is a first generation Cuban American, and she’s been working at Our Lady of the Angels Hospital since 2009 when it was known as LSU Bogalusa Medical Center. As a bilingual registered nurse in the hospital’s ER, Rocha is able to help many people. “Having the advantage of speaking Spanish has helped…
Johnathan Segovia
With strengths in diagnosing and fixing broken things, Johnathan Segovia serves as a maintenance mechanic 3 for St. Francis Medical Center’s downtown campus. “Working in maintenance allows me to use my gifts and talents to keep the hospital running,” he says. “I believe in working for a cause greater than myself.” A member of our…
Ashley Torres, RN
Caring for others has been a central part of life for Ashley Torres, RN. While she’s early in her nursing career, so far it has been as an Our Lady of the Lake team member. She started as a student nurse in 2015, worked briefly as a nurse tech and has been a full-time RN…
Camille Amadeo
Since starting as a college intern until today working as a senior communications specialist, Camille Amadeo has built her career as a team member within our health system. As part of the internal communications team, Amadeo’s role entails communicating to team members within all five markets across our health system: Our Lady of the Lake…
Gabriel Zevallos, MD
Taking a biology class in high school started a career path toward medicine. “I was amazed at how beautifully we creatures were made and how interesting the human body is,” says Gabriel Zevallos, MD, hospitalist at St. Dominic Hospital. Dr. Zevallos provides acute care for patients admitted to the hospital and joined the St. Dominic’s…
Rodrigo Lopez, CRNA
Serving his community as a bilingual certified registered nurse anesthetist is something Rodrigo Lopez, CRNA, loves about being part of the team at Our Lady of the Angels Hospital in Bogalusa. Lopez has been with our ministry since 2014 when the hospital became part of our health system, and he’s been a CRNA since 2007.…
Bennig G. Sevilla
Known as “Paris,” Bennig G. Sevilla has lived in the U.S. since she was 10 after spending her early childhood in La-Seiba, Honduras. Sevilla works in nutritional services at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center. She’s been with our system for five years. Family Traditions Sevilla says she doesn’t remember much of her Honduran…
Frankie Wheeler
Although her childhood dream was to be an orthodontist, Franchesca “Frankie” Wheeler has found a career helping people as a…
Juan Guzman Noguera
Born and raised in Guatemala, Juan Guzman Noguera has been in the U.S. since he started college in 2014. He’s been part of our health ministry as a performance improvement engineer for nearly three years. Honoring His Hispanic Heritage Guzman Noguera celebrates his culture and heritage through cooking and sharing with other friends of all…
Stephanie Velez, RN
Since she was a student shadowing nurses on the cardiac unit in 2001, Stephanie Velez, RN, has been an important part of Our Lady of Lourdes family. Currently a bedside nurse for orthopedics and neurology, Velez also occasionally steps in as a charge nurse. During her 21 years, she has helped wherever needed including working…
Rafael Flores
As the director of mission integration for our Northshore market, Rafael Flores, MAPL, primarily serves at Our Lady of the Angels Hospital. “I have the joy of serving by helping ensure the mission of our health system is actuated across the Northshore region,” Flores says. His work includes leading the areas of formation, pastoral care,…
Aristoteles Pena-Miches, MD
As a pediatric neurologist with St. Francis Health, Aristoteles Pena-Miches, MD, has served the children of Northeast Louisiana for more than two decades. Providing specialized evaluation and treatment of neurological disorders, Dr. Pena-Miches educates and guides families about the diagnosis and treatment options available. “We strive to fulfill this responsibility with compassion and clear understanding…
Chris Funes, MD
Chris Funes, MD, wears many hats as a Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System team member. For 22 years, Dr. Funes has been a pediatrician at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health Pediatrics at Southeast. He serves as our health system’s medical director for ambulatory quality and is president of Health Leaders Network…
A Mother Finds Healing in Her Son’s Gift of Organ Donation
As an active mother and grandmother, Kim Neal never imagined her life’s story would include bringing awareness to organ donation and keeping her son David John Neal’s name alive. In January 2019, Kim’s life changed forever. David was rushed to Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center and placed in the ICU. Within days…
A Culture of Listening to Heal
Compassion for others is a cornerstone for the guest services teams across our health system. These team members excel at listening while serving as the first people guests and patients encounter. Kirt Thibodeaux has a memorable face. He has D.R.E.S.S. Syndrome that causes vitiligo, a condition in which his skin is discolored in patches, and…
A Stroke, a Heart Attack and Extraordinary Care
The days leading up to Richard’s heart attack and stroke at first seemed to him like any other week. “I was real big into exercising,” he says. “As age came on, I started doing speed walking. I got to where I’d go down two miles, then turn around and go back to my truck.” Walking his…
Bogalusa Nurses Bring Positive Spirit and Personal Care to Our Lady of the Angels Patients
When William Barse needed a major gastrointestinal surgery at Our Lady of the Angels last year, he was understandably apprehensive.…
Carmelaana Lim, RN
Carmelaana Lim, RN, immigrated to the U.S. from the Philippines when she was 13. She maintains her connection to her heritage raising her family in Baton Rouge and working at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital in the surgery unit. “I still speak my native language, Tagalog, to many family members and friends in…
Tri Nguyen, BS, RRT
Tri Nguyen, BS, RRT, was born in Vietnam and lived in New Orleans most of his life. Now working in the respiratory department at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, Tri regularly returns to the community where he grew up. “I interact with people and participate in events that remind me of where…
No Complaints: Keeping a Positive Attitude After 30+ Surgeries
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Caring for NICU Babies Is More Than a Job for This Nurse, It’s Personal
Jen Arceneaux, RNC-NIC, begins each day in the Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s & Children’s Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) with a smile. It’s how she greets the babies in her care. During her first assessment, she talks to them just like she would with her own newborn. The conversation continues as Arceneaux performs…
Monroe Patient Feels Great After 100 Pound Weight Loss
Maintaining a healthy weight is key to overall health, and it can be harder for women to shed unwanted pounds. Having a coach and support system at St. Francis Medical Group has been the key to Holly Sullivan’s successful weight loss journey. Holly has lost 100 pounds so far on the Ideal Protein diet,…
Baton Rouge Man Thankful for Smooth Recovery After Treatment at Louisiana Cardiology Associates
Denny Erwin has always led a busy life. In addition to serving as billing manager for Louisiana Cardiology Associates, a part of Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group in Baton Rouge, he also enjoys spending time with his family, working in his yard and exercising on a regular basis. These activities always came easily…
St. Francis Care Team Brings Peace of Mind to North Louisiana Patients and Families
It’s a stressful situation when Kathy Bryan has to bring her 85-year-old mother to St. Francis Medical Center as she deals with health issues including pain and difficulty breathing. However, the family is grateful that the St. Francis team embraces them with open arms and does their best to make everyone as comfortable as possible.…
Listening to Heal Starts at the Front Door
A defining characteristic of our health system is our Spirit of Healing, and as a team, guest services plays a…
Lourdes Team ‘Like Family’ for Head and Neck Cancer Patient
Daniel Seymour had visited doctor after doctor, dentist after dentist for a debilitating problem with his jaw. “I had trouble for about a year and a half,” he says. “It felt like my jaw was tightening up. Every doctor and dentist said it was TMJ. It got to the point that I could not open…
Healing Is Grounded in Listening for This Youngsville Family Medicine Physician
The process of healing begins with something so simple, so innate. Listening. Many of us are born with the ability, but time and experience, when interwoven with compassion, hone it into a skill that can help heal. No matter her the person’s age, background or situation, Dr. Sara Doguet, family medicine physician with Lourdes Physician…
St. Francis Team Goes the Extra Mile to Give Patients Comfort and Peace of Mind
Aimee Oldham, DNP, and her staff members were two minutes away from closing their medical clinic for the day when an elderly woman suddenly came through the door. Initially, they told her that they wouldn’t be able to treat her, but after seeing her distress, the team decided to stay late. The woman was experiencing…
Active Listening Brings Healing at Our Lady of the Lake
When a patient comes in for an appointment with Theron McCormick, MD, he makes sure to eliminate all distractions. He shifts his body to face the patient directly. If they are sitting, he sits as well to make the patient feel more comfortable and less intimidated. If he wants to take notes or refer to…
Bogalusa Physician Keeps Community Healthy with Engaged, Whole-person Approach
As a family medicine physician in a rural community, Cori Sumrall, DO, takes seriously the responsibility to care for the whole person. That means that during visits with patients, Dr. Sumrall makes sure they know they can feel comfortable opening up to her about physical problems as well as any mental or emotional issues they…
DEI Becomes Part of Our Day-to-Day: How We Attract, Retain and Develop Our Team Members
Our health system has operationalized our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion work and created a report to share the impact of this foundational work. This team member profile and others share the story of these efforts and how their own impact is reflected in our work. We are committed to investing and improving to ensure diverse…
Candid Conversations Demonstrate Commitment to Justice
Our health system has operationalized our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion work and created a report to share the impact of this foundational work. This team member profile and others share the story of these efforts and how their own impact is reflected in our work. We are committed to investing and improving to ensure diverse…
Weaving a Tapestry to Improve Patients’ Health
Our health system has operationalized our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion work and created a report to share the impact of this foundational work. This team member profile and others share the story of these efforts and how their own impact is reflected in our work. We are committed to investing and improving to ensure diverse…
Building Spaces of Learning, Acceptance and Growth
Our health system has operationalized our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion work and created a report to share the impact of this foundational work. This team member profile and others share the story of these efforts and how their own impact is reflected in our work. We are committed to investing and improving to ensure diverse…
Providing Pediatric Residents with DEI Knowledge
Our health system has operationalized our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion work and created a report to share the impact of this foundational work. This team member profile and others share the story of these efforts and how their own impact is reflected in our work. We are committed to investing and improving to ensure diverse…
A JEDI Lens for Graduate Medical Education
Our health system has operationalized our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion work and created a report to share the impact of this foundational work. This team member profile and others share the story of these efforts and how their own impact is reflected in our work. We are committed to investing and improving to ensure diverse…
Cutting-edge Esophageal Procedure Performed for First Time in Baton Rouge
If you hear people talking about Dr. LeBlanc’s POEMs at Our Lady of the Lake, he is not aspiring to write Shakespearean sonnets. Nicholas LeBlanc, MD, is a Board Certified thoracic surgeon making strides to ensure Louisianans have access to the most cutting-edge esophageal procedures and treatments. After his extensive studies in the field…
From Nonverbal to Non-stop Talking: Young Patient Thrives While Living with Autism
Diagnosed with autism as a toddler, 8-year-old Tyler is now thriving as he and his family manage the ups and downs of life with the condition. Diagnosis and Early Therapies The first provider to mention autism to Jessica, Tyler’s mom, was a physical therapist working with Tyler when he was about two and a half…
Brett Hutchinson, MD
What is your specialty? Pediatrics Why did you choose your specialty? I always enjoyed interacting with young children and especially liked science in school. Pediatrics seemed a good way to combine both of those. What do you like most about being a doctor? I love the interactions I have with the families of my patients.…
Arturo Blanco, MD
What is your specialty? Family Medicine Why did you choose your specialty? I enjoy working with and getting to know people. Thanks to working in family medicine, I am able to see a variety of people and their families. The connections I have made and being able to watch these families grow, reinforce my decision on…
Hamid Hussain, MD
What is your specialty? Gastroenterology and Hepatology Why did you choose your specialty? I became interested in surgery during my residency back home and became interested in performing procedures. Where did you go to school and do your training? Sindh Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan What do you like most about being a doctor? I like…
Emily Harrison, MD
What is your specialty? Pediatrics Why did you choose your specialty? I chose pediatrics because working with children is amazing! Children are vulnerable but so resilient and full of potential. Advocating for their care and health as a whole is rewarding. There are implicit diagnostic challenges within pediatrics that keep even the day-to-day care of…
Derek Baumbouree, MD
What is your specialty? Pediatrics Why did you choose your specialty? I initially entered medical school with hopes of becoming an orthopedic surgeon. However, during my third year medical school rotations, I realized that pediatrics was my calling. One night, when I was following the upper-level resident, a 9-month-old infant was admitted after presenting with…
Sara Grandy, MD
What is your specialty? Family Medicine Why did you choose your specialty? During my training, I enjoyed treating people of all ages. This made choosing to practice family medicine an easy decision. What do you like most about being a doctor? I enjoy building patient-physician relationships with my patients and hearing about both their success…
Wartelle Castille, MD
What is your specialty? Internal Medicine Why did you choose your specialty? I chose this specialty because I enjoy people, and internal medicine allows me the opportunity to really get to know patients better. What do you like most about being a doctor? I love problem solving and helping people. Medicine allows me to do…
David Tran, DPM
What is your specialty? Podiatric Surgery Why did you choose your specialty? I chose podiatry due to the multifaceted nature of the field. It combines aspects of multiple different specialties to treat a wide array of challenging pathologies. If you weren’t a doctor, what would you do? If I was not a physician, I would…
Resham Poudel, MD
What is your specialty? Endocrinology Why did you choose your specialty? During early years of my medical school, I was more fascinated by the physiology of endocrine system including nutrition and metabolism which have profound effect on most of the organ systems. Glucose regulation and diabetes were the initial enticing chapters to drive me into…
Rani Whitfield, MD
What is your specialty? Family Medicine Why did you choose your specialty? Family medicine was an easy choice for me. It allows me to see a broad scope of medical issues and meet different people of all ages and races. I am continually challenged to learn and grow as a family physician. The field of…
Danielle Parker, MD
What is your specialty? Family Medicine Why did you choose your specialty? I was drawn to the breadth of training that a family medicine residency provides. I was trained to treat patients of all age groups. I was also trained to be a patient advocate and provide comprehensive healthcare. What do you like most about…
Marie Delvalle-Mahoney, MD
What is your specialty? Internal Medicine and Palliative Medicine Why did you choose your specialty? I was initially board certified in both internal medicine and in pediatrics, and over time I decided to focus on internal medicine and stopped practicing pediatrics. Later, I also became boarded in palliative medicine because I enjoyed helping people during…
Khanh T. Ho, MD
What is your specialty? Rheumatology Why did you choose your specialty? Have you ever felt you were inherently good at something? From my very first interaction with my first rheumatology patient, that is how I felt. To this day, I still take care of her from my time at Earl K. Long Hospital in 1999.…
Christy Walters-Haygood, MD
What is your specialty? Gynecologic Oncology Why did you choose your specialty? I love taking care of women, I love surgery and I love being able to offer treatments in a constantly evolving field such as oncology. I also liked the palliative care aspect of my job. This allowed me to combine all my interests.…
Caitlyn Reed, MD
What is your specialty? Dermatology Why did you choose your specialty? I enjoy being able to see patients of all ages – from babies to great-grandparents. I also enjoy visualizing the conditions I am treating – seeing rashes clear, removing skin cancers and treating acne are all very satisfying. What do you like most about…
Aimee Hymel, MD
What is your specialty? Bariatric and General Surgery Why did you choose your specialty? Bariatric surgery attracted me because it is the only type of surgical treatment that is aimed at preventing future illness and disease. I believe disease prevention is the best form of medicine. Also, seeing the transformation of patients becoming the healthiest…
Brent Allain Jr., MD
After spending much of his childhood hanging around his father’s family medical practice in the small south Louisiana town of…
Kelly Finan, MD, MSPH, FACS, FASCRS
Helping people has always come naturally for Kelly Finan, MD, MSPH, FACS, FASCRS, colon and rectal surgeon at Our Lady…
Nathan Hite, MD
Board Certified colorectal surgeon Nathan Phillip Hite, MD, is a lifelong Louisiana resident. Well, almost. “I like to say that I was born and raised in south Louisiana,” Dr. Hite says. “Actually, I was adopted. I came to Louisiana at four months old and have been here ever since.” Becoming a Doctor Through the years,…
Mo Al Efishat, MD, FSSO
On paper, his credentials are impressive. Born and raised in Amman, Jordan, Mo Al Efishat, MD, received his medical degree…
New Moms and Babies Are Now Healthier Thanks to Rise Up at Our Lady of the Angels
In October 2023, The Advocate wrote about Rachel and Raedynn’s story, and the editorial board published this editorial about the…
Local Woman Receives Life-saving Brain Operation After St. Francis Clinician Notices New Symptoms
At St. Francis Primary Care Clinic in Calhoun, nurse practitioner Cynthia “Sam” Pippins has become like another member of Joy Dickey’s family. In recent years, Pippins has become a trusted medical provider for Dickey, her husband, children, other relatives and even friends. “She’s so sociable and good at what she does. She treats you like…
Acadiana Businessman on the Road to Recovery After Complex Procedures at Our Lady of Lourdes Heart Hospital
When Scott LeJeune started feeling fatigued, he thought he was just pushing himself too hard. The married father of five and owner of several Acadiana grocery and convenience stores had a busy schedule that always kept him on the go. When the tiredness worsened and he began experiencing shortness of breath, LeJeune knew something else…
Making History with Louisiana’s First Non-invasive Pediatric Spinal Surgery
On February 22, 2022, 14-year-old Emily made history that had nothing to do with the repeating twos in the date. On that Tuesday, she became the first patient in Louisiana to receive a new spinal surgery treating adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Called the ApiFix procedure, the surgery is a less invasive, motion-preserving option for achieving spinal…
Shining His Light to Honor His Twin’s Memory
A six-year-old ball of energy, Ali’s light shines wherever he goes. Ali gets a little extra support for his development…
Well Woman Exam Uncovered Cervical Cancer
Although a Pap smear is no one’s idea of a good time, women who make it part of their annual routine can keep themselves healthier longer, and cervical cancer can be detected before it spreads. After not having a well woman exam for 10 years, Anita Ewing made an appointment with May S. Thomassee, MD,…
Hope and Healing
When Lucy Richard was diagnosed with leukemia, oncology specialists with Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health helped her family find hope. It was the kind of news that every parent dreads. At the tender age of 3, Lucy Richard of Church Point, Louisiana, was living life as any other healthy and vibrant little girl—with…
A Perfectly Patched Heart Full of Love
At only 9 years old, Vaundy Clarke has overcome a variety of health challenges—including a congenital heart defect, bacterial overgrowth…
Ranada Johnson, MD
“If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.” This quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is a favorite of Ranada Johnson, MD, who has been a hospital medicine physician in our health system for…
Kimaka Jones, RN
Never burn bridges and treat people the way you want to be treated. That advice has served Kimaka Jones, RN, well throughout her 19-year nursing career with our St. Francis ministry. A registered nurse, Kimaka is the nursing supervisor for the 3rd Medical Surgical unit. “I became a nurse because I have always wanted to…
Linda Smith, CNA
For Linda Smith, CNA, her patients are her number one priority as she oversees the telemetry unit at St. Francis Medical Center. “I ensure floor coverage, speak to patients to ensure their care is satisfactory while helping CNAs on the floor when needed,” Linda says. “I also assist with the EKGs and assist nurses and…
Alice Lorraine Broadway, LPN
The inspiration for a decades-long nursing career came from family. Alice Lorraine Broadway has been a licensed practical nurse for 36 years, sharing her skills throughout the St. Francis ministry, beginning at St. Francis Medical Center. Her career includes years of service at then-St. Francis Specialty Hospital (now a long-term acute care facility within the…
Helen Ajala, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP, BC
Black History Month is more than an annual commemoration. “Black History Month is a story of vibrance and perseverance. It’s about acknowledging and honoring those who paved the way for us. It’s a celebration of Black excellence,” says Helen Ajala, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP, BC. Helen saw that vibrance, perseverance and excellence alive in her…
Gilbert Fontenette, NP
“Success is not final; failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” The quote from the late Winston S. Churchill, renown British Prime Minister through most of the Second World War, continues to be a source of inspiration for Gilbert Fontenette, pulmonology nurse practitioner with Lourdes Physician Group. It, too, he…
Julian Briggs, RN
Nothing is given to you. Embrace the “I can” mentality. Work hard to earn it and let your work speak for yourself. This philosophy continues to guide Julian Briggs, RN, Cardiovascular Services vice president for Our Lady of Lourdes Heart Hospital, professionally and personally. It also underscores the importance, he said, of seeing Black History…
Sherelle James, RN
Black History Month not only serves as a reminder, but it also symbolizes the struggles and achievements of those African American ancestors who came before, says Sherelle James, RN, senior director/assistant chief nursing officer for Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center. “It allows us to take time during the year to remember the past…
Hearing You is a Vital Part of Healing You: How Listening Changed the Story
“The day I had my anaphylactic reaction to the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, I told my husband neither I nor our 10- and 8-year-old boys were ever getting a vaccine again. I was just too scared.” Karen Tantzen shares what happened next thanks to her relationship with Kathryn Neupert, MD, pediatric allergy and immunology…
Keeping the Happy in Happy Birthday in the Hospital
While no one wants to be in the hospital for their birthday or the holidays, one young patient said he…
Regular Screenings Detect Lung Cancer, Saving Her Life
After five decades of smoking, Tana Allain was hesitant to go in for her first lung cancer screening. But regular…
Finding Family in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Although they live in Monroe, Meghan and Joseph Duckett find themselves at home at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health in Baton Rouge. When their oldest son, Noah, was a baby they made the three-hour drive south, following the ambulance to Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center. “As new parents, we were scared to death. You never want…
Robotic Knee Replacement Helps Broussard Man to Regain Active Lifestyle
In 2015, Patrick Dubois noticed an odd clicking sensation in his left knee during his evening stroll around the Chevron compound in Nigeria, where he worked. “It wasn’t tremendous pain,” he said. “It was just the first time I noticed that something was going wrong.” The pain level continued to increase after he retired in…
Aspiring Softball Player Overcomes Breathing Issue, Gets Back in the Game
Thirteen-year-old Paityn Martin has a dream. She has her heart set on playing softball for highly competitive perennial powerhouse for Kaplan High School. Right now, she’s honing her skills at second base by playing for both a recreational team- LA Hearts- and an all-star team- Voodoo. She’s on the field for about 50 games a…
A Great Place to Work – Celebrating 55 Years of Faithful Service
Stevie Cousans, RN, has the distinction of being one of our health system’s longest-serving team members. Here’s her story of faithful service as a nurse in our ministry. “I can’t remember ever wanting to do anything else,” Stevie says of why she wanted to be a nurse. When she was young, she could be found…
Young Athlete Battles Rare Brain Cancer While Trusting God’s Plan
Until 2019 Jazmon was a healthy teenager who loved sports and being the life of the party, always dancing at…
Sickle Cell Disease Doesn’t Slow Her Down
Meet Kyliee, a young sickle cell disease patient and learn about her health journey with us.
Jason Peary Bridges, MD
It wasn’t a surprise to his family when Jason Peary Bridges, MD, decided to become a physician. His grandfather was one of the first Black doctors in Mississippi. His mother is also a doctor, and so is her brother. His father’s brother is also a doctor, which is how his parents met. “It’s not that I didn’t…
Emily Cassidy, MD
When Emily Cassidy, MD, finished her degree at Louisiana State University School of Medicine, she headed north for her residency…
Mark Hausmann, MD
Mark Hausmann, MD, general surgeon at Our Lady of the Lake Surgeons Group of Baton Rouge and Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group Bariatric and Metabolic Institute, always knew he wanted to make a difference in people’s lives. “It sounds cliché, but I wanted to be able to help people,” he says. “I was…
Stephen Manale, MD, FACS
As the son of an orthopedic surgeon and a nurse, Stephen Manale, MD, FACS, general surgeon at Our Lady of the Lake Ascension, says that healthcare is simply in his genes. “As a child, I remember going to the hospital with my dad while he was making rounds. Everyone there was so nice and…
James Williams, MD
Growing up, James Williams, MD, was interested in medicine, but he also had dreams of being an athlete, a coach or maybe a teacher. Then as a senior in high school, he tore his ACL and had to have surgery. “That whole experience changed my life—and not just due to the injury,” Dr. Williams says.…
Andrew Fuson, MD
Andrew Fuson, MD, otolaryngologist at Our Lady of the Lake Head and Neck Center and assistant professor at Louisiana State…
Kenneth Kleinpeter, Jr., MD, FACS
Kenneth Kleinpeter, Jr., MD, FACS, is a Board Certified general surgeon at Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group Surgeons…
Karl LeBlanc, MD, MBA, FACS, FASMBS
Karl LeBlanc, MD, MBA, FACS, FASMBS, general and bariatric surgeon at Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group Bariatric and…
Our Lady of the Lake gives patients hope
In 2019, Jorge Castellanos, MD, joined Our Lady of the Lake’s Heart & Vascular Institute and Louisiana Cardiology Associates, adding his expertise and giving patients access to even more non-invasive alternatives to open heart surgery. Dr. Castellanos is part of a new breed of cardiac specialists called structural interventionists. They perform intricate repairs within the…
