H E A L T H
&
W E L L N E S S
Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group – Brian Galofaro, MD With recent ribbon cuttings in Covington, new facilities in Slidell,
Consistent, high-quality care means not only addressing current
and plans to break ground on a new campus in the spring, Our Lady of
patient needs but also providing care in the future. Dr. Galofaro says, “We
the Lake Physician Group is one of the fastest-growing providers on the
are passionate about being a teaching organization. When you have an
Northshore. Specialists rotate through clinics, so patients don’t have to
academic role, you have to provide the most up-to-date and cutting-edge
travel for specialized care. It is a physician-led, mission-driven and faith-
medicine—for students as well as patients.”
based organization, seeking to provide patients with options in receiving
The Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System also trains
care. With working clinicians involved in every decision, patient care
residents full-time. “We train our residents to do just about anything a
remains the focal point of everything they do.
patient might need. Studies show most physicians will practice within 50-70
“Our Lady of the Lake is a well-known name. We’ve been around for years; however, people hear that and think about the hospital in Baton Rouge,” says Dr. Brian Galofaro. “But we’re more than that. We
miles of where they train. We have medical education programs right here in our own community. It’s important for us to do that.” Dr. Galofaro stresses the importance of continuing to take basic
are part of the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System,
measures to protect health during the pandemic: wash hands, wear masks and
which consists of eight regional and specialized hospitals, over 1,300
get vaccinated. “But one of the most important things is having a primary care
providers, and clinics located throughout Louisiana and Mississippi. Our
physician, a medical home. Your doctor is your quarterback. If you need help
goal is to continue to strengthen and expand that vast presence on the
or advice, you always have that person you can go to. If people have questions
Northshore, to provide our community with enhanced access care.”
or concerns, there’s a lot of misinformation, so talk to your doctor about what
When asked about what makes Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group unique, Dr. Galofaro has a ready answer. “The most important
you’re hearing. We want to make sure you get actual, accurate information.” And don’t delay routine appointments and screenings, he adds. Our
thing to me is that it’s a faith-based organization. That’s very important
Lady of the Lake Physician Group has telehealth options that allow patients
to me and the care I provide to my patients. Our mission is to take care
to contact their medical team at any time, right from home. “It’s so important
of patients—but especially those most in need. Our core values are
to have continued access to medical care,” Dr. Galofaro says. “You can send a
service, reverence and love for all life, joyfulness in spirit, humility and
question directly to your provider. We don’t want the pandemic to delay care
justice. Every decision I make is based on those values.”
or routine prevention and screening.”
70411 Highway 21, Covington, 985-400-5566 • 728 West 11th Avenue, Covington, 985-730-7195 52
Inside Northside
