Health in General Fall 2015

A PUBLICATION OF LAFAYETTE GENERAL HEALTH

A Long Journey Close to Home

Lisa Henderson | Cancer Survivor

Specialized Cancer Care for Women Free Mammograms for Eligible Patients The Latest Surgical Robot

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Cancer Specialist | Ricky L. Owers

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Partner Spotlight

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3D Mammography Technology

NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

LGMC Buys Largest Monoplace Hyperbaric Chamber Available Lafayette General Medical Center has purchased a new hyperbaric chamber

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Dr. Hamilton | Health Benefits of Music

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Latest Surgical Robot | da Vinci Xi

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Cover Story | Lisa Henderson

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Genetic Testing

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Welcome New Physicians

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Acadiana Helmets 4Life

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Sudden Impact Program

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Free Breast Screenings

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LGH Events

for its Wound Care and Hyperbarics Department. Hyperbaric chambers deliver oxygen-rich atmospheric therapy to patients to speed-up wound healing.

This new chamber, a Sechrist model 4100H/HR, is the largest single-person model available. It can accommodate patients who can’t lie flat because of heart failure, or those who are claustrophobic or can’t comfortably fit. Increased oxygen delivery helps wounds heal by speeding up growth of new blood vessels.

LGMC/UHC Physician Named “Master Pediatrician” The Louisiana Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics has recognized Richard Howes, M.D., FAAP, as a “Master Pediatrician.” This title honors outstanding educators and role models.

Dr. Howes has served some 39 years

Health In General

is produced by the Lafayette General Health Community Relations Department LGH SVP BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & STRATEGIC PLANNING

LGH SYSTEM DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Allen Meadows

Daryl Cetnar

with LSU’s School of Medicine at University Hospital & Clinics, 201 Audubon Blvd.

Ste.102 Lafayette, LA 70503 (337)289-8600 CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Brian Bille Patrice Doucet Gus Fontenot Brent Pelloquin Leslie Primeaux

where he is President of the Medical Staff. For 30 years, he was Chairman of the Pediatric Department. His UHC ties go back to his college days in 1968 as a blood bank technician at Lafayette Charity Hospital.

#LafayetteStrong Lafayette General Medical Center was in the national media spotlight in the wake of the July 23 shooting at The Grand Theatre on Johnston Street. LGMC treated five of the shooting victims, all of which were released within three days of the tragedy. In response to the shooting, employees of Lafayette General Health raised funds through a T-shirt sale dedicated to a cause very meaningful to one of the fatal victim’s families.

The T-shirt sale raised nearly $60,000 towards Lafayette Central Park at the Horse Farm. For the second fatality of the shooting, funds from LGH’s United Way campaign will be dedicated towards a Radiologic Technology scholarship at LSU-Eunice.

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Highly Specialized Cancer Care in Lafayette Ricky L. Owers, M.D. | Gynecologic Surgical Oncology Gynecologic Surgical Oncologist Ricky L. Owers, M.D., has joined Cancer Center of Acadiana (CCA) at Lafayette General offering an array of highly specialized services for women. He has tremendous knowledge and understanding about cancer in female patients.

Dr. Owers brings some of the most advanced surgical techniques in use today, not available anywhere else in Southwest Louisiana. Among his many specialized services is a special interest in minimally invasive robotic surgery for benign complex gynecologic cases and cancers. He offers treatment of most endometrial, cervical, uterine and ovarian cancers. In cases of precancerous lesions of the vulva, vagina and cervix, Dr. Owers also has extensive experience with CO2 laser surgery.

A native of Lafayette, Dr. Owers comes

years at Christus Schumpert Health

Dr. Owers offers cancer treatment services not available anywhere else in Southwest Louisiana.

System’s Cancer Treatment Center in Shreveport. There, he served as Director of Gynecologic Oncology and the Primary Investigator of Gynecologic Research Studies. “I’m excited to be returning to my hometown of Lafayette with my family,” says Dr. Owers. “My working in Lafayette means women no longer have to leave this area to be treated for their cancers.”

The Foundation for Women’s Cancer

predicts that over 98,000 women will be diagnosed with a gynecologic cancer this year. Like all cancers, gynecologic cancer can be treated. “Getting these cancers diagnosed early and treated aggressively is critical to their chances for long-term survival,” says Dr. Owers.

Oncology at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York. He gained further experience during a fellowship at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center in Bronx, NY.

With 15 years of experience in

gynecologic oncology, Dr. Owers broadens the scope of services at Cancer Center of Acadiana as a comprehensive regional center.

Dr. Owers earned his Doctor of

Medicine degree from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in

For more information, or for an appointment, call (337) 289-8400.

Shreveport. He then completed residencies in Obstetrics & Gynecology at University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, TN, and Gynecologic

to CCA having worked for the past several

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I B E R I A M E D I CA L C E N T E R

The hospital is licensed for 99 acute care beds accommodating medical, surgical, obstetric, pediatric and critical care patients.

Sharing best practices has incentivized Lafayette General Health (LGH) to continue establishing relationships with surrounding hospitals. The latest hospital to sign a clinical affiliation with Lafayette General Health is Iberia Medical Center (IMC).

This clinical affiliation is neither a purchase nor an acquisition.

While each organization’s ownership and governance structure will remain the same, the affiliation will enhance the economies of scale for both organizations and allow for sharing of best practices. It provides a way of delivering care more efficiently and cost-effectively in Iberia Parish. This will lead to better patient outcomes and increased financial stability.

“Our goal is to focus on producing high-quality, coordinated

treatment for the residents of Iberia Parish,” says LGH President David L. Callecod, FACHE. “In doing this, we’ll keep as much care as possible at IMC, only transferring patients to an LGH facility if the scope of care requires.”

“We are excited about this clinical affiliation with Lafayette

General Health,” says IMC Chief Executive Officer Parker

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Templeton, FACHE. “This will strengthen Iberia Medical Center in continuing to care for the people in Iberia Parish and offering the services our residents need right here.”

IMC’s affiliation with LGH also enhances their relationship

with the Ochsner Health Network, a partnership of the region’s leading health systems and hospitals.

Lafayette General Health currently owns or manages

Lafayette General Medical Center, Lafayette General Surgical Hospital, University Hospital & Clinics, St. Martin Hospital, Acadia General Hospital and Abrom Kaplan Memorial Hospital, and has a collaboration agreement with Opelousas General Health System. LGH also has clinical affiliations with Franklin Foundation, Abbeville General, Savoy Medical Center and Bunkie General.

Like many of LGH’s facilities, IMC is a not-for-profit community

hospital. These partners share a similar mindset of reinvesting excess margins back into their hospitals through expanded technology, upgraded facilities and improved operations.

With the addition of Iberia Medical Center, LGH now has a

partner in all five parishes surrounding Lafayette. The goal is to continue to help these parishes retain their patients and further solidify their place within each respective community.

Taking Breast Cancer Out of Hiding Tomo Mammography | 3D Mammography Technology It had been almost 20 years since Vanessa Villien had any trace of breast cancer, being first diagnosed in 1995.

Then last April, the experience was

replayed in her mind when an annual mammogram at Lafayette General’s Breast Center picked up a very small suspicious spot.

What Vanessa did have on her side

this time was improved radiologic technology. The same 3D mammography mentioned among The Top 20 Cancer Hospitals by U.S. News and World Report is now available at Lafayette General’s Breast Center. The Selenia Dimensions mammography machine, by Holigic Corp., provides a 3D image, improving the odds of detecting cancer in its earliest stages. In Vanessa’s case, the

mammogram confirmed a 0.3mm tumor.

at Lafayette General. The registered

That tiny abnormality turned out to be

radiologic and ultrasound technologists

ductal carcinoma in situ – fortunately, not

at the Breast Center have over 35 years

yet stage 1.

of combined experience. In addition

to the skill and compassion of care,

That’s the advantage of 3D

mammography; it is able to detect small

patients enjoy the convenience of

breast cancers that may be hidden. Unlike

covered parking.

conventional digital mammography, the Selenia Dimensions 3D takes multiple

3D MAMMOGRAPHY PROVIDES:

images of the entire breast, like the pages of a book. It allows our specialized breast

Greater detection of invasive breast cancers – 41% more than 2D alone

Greater accuracy in pinpointing size, shape and location of abnormalities

radiologists to see through these layers of tissue and examine areas of concern from all angles.

Clearer images of dense breast tissue

Drs. Alecia Rideau and Megan Daigle

have years of experience in interventional

Fewer unnecessary biopsies or additional tests

and diagnostic breast radiology and are able to provide skilled and timely interpretations of mammograms. They are part of the full service women’s health care offered by the Breast Center

For more information, or for an appointment, call (337) 289-8222.

A physician’s order is required.

High-resolution technology detects 41% more invasive breast cancers at earlier stages than 2D mammography alone.

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Researchers have found that hearing

music enhances a baby’s language acquisition. It seems that infants hear people speaking like they hear music –

The Real Health Benefits of Music

Medical school applications require

machines, the babble of doctors and

an essay, and most pre-meds write about

nurses and therapists, the beeping of

“why I want to be a doctor.” All those

alarms. These noises are stressful to

missives begin to sound the same and can

babies who should otherwise be hearing

really bore the med school admissions

a mother’s voice and lullabies. Indeed,

committee. When I applied back in 1984,

researchers have found that playing

I wanted my essay to be different, so I wrote

music to premature infants soothes their

how being a violinist would make me a

vital signs and improves their eating and

better doctor.

sleeping patterns. The music also soothes

the stressed parents huddling around the

The gist of my essay was that learning

and playing an instrument requires hard

isolette.

work and concentration akin to learning

medicine. Playing music can help the

health benefits. Science has shown that

practitoner cope with a career that often

music can help treat depression, reduce

involves despair, tragedy and death.

patient anxiety before surgery or in the

emergency room and even improve the

Music has health benefits for the patient

Beyond infancy, music has many other

as well. Music and our lives are already

body’s immunity. Music sometimes works

intertwined. We listen to music at work, in

better than medication to relieve anxiety

our cars, while we exercise and when we

or chronic pain.

go out. Movies, TV shows, plays and video

games all have musical accompaniments.

Just look at the faces of kids learning a

It’s no surprise that there are myriad

new instrument and you’ll see. When I

interactions between music and health.

was first learning the violin, I used to play

with my mouth wide open, partly from

The health benefit of music starts with

Learning music improves concentration.

babies, even premature ones. Infants in the

concentration, partly so my jaw would hold

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit are born to a

the instrument under my chin. I looked like

noisy place – the hiss and whir of

I was being constantly surprised.

they listen to patterns and tone rather than for meaning. Only later does the meaning of words and inflection get attached to the sound. And the more sounds, music or talk a baby hears, the faster their brain gets at interpreting the sound.

When kids get to school, music remains

an important aid to learning. The National Association for Music Education lists 20 benefits of having music education in school. Here are the ones important to me as an Emergency Room doctor:

Stress relief: Whether the stress is in me, or in the many patients I see with anxiety and depression, music soothes, and playing music soothes even more.

Playing music improves coordination: Learning an instrument teaches a kid to concentrate on coordinating his body as much as learning a sport.

Better coordination and fewer accidents mean fewer broken bones and lacerations in the ER.

Playing in a band or orchestra leads to success in society: playing together requires teamwork, and band members learn to get along and belong while making music.

So, let’s keep music education strong

in schools. Learning music helps kids be smarter, healthier, happier, less stressed and more capable. That’s certainly as important as math, U.S. history and football.

Scott Hamilton, M.D. , is a board-certified pediatrician by the American Board of Pediatricians and medical advisor in Lafayette General Medical Center’s dedicated pediatric treatment area within the Emergency Department. Dr. Hamilton is a Pediatric Advanced Life Support course instructor. His blog is available at ParentsDontFret.net and through a link at LafayetteGeneral.com, where it is accessible to parents anytime, anywhere there is an Internet connection. ParentsDontFret.net

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LGMC Acquires Latest Surgical Robot da Vinci Xi | Robotic Surgical System

Lafayette General Medical Center (LGMC) is now operating

a da Vinci® Xi™ Surgical System. Designed to further advance the technology used in minimally invasive surgery, LGMC is the only hospital between Baton Rouge and Houston to have this technology.

The da Vinci Xi System is an advanced version of the da Vinci ©2015 Intuitive Surgical, Inc.

robotic system the hospital has had for several years. The Xi System is used across a spectrum of minimally invasive surgical procedures and has been optimized for multi-quadrant surgeries in the areas of gynecology, urology and general surgery, among others.

LGMC is the only hospital between Baton Rouge and Houston to have this technology.

Compared to open surgery, da Vinci surgery typically results

in a shorter hospital stay, less blood loss, fewer complications, less medication, a faster recovery and minimal scarring. This

“For patients, this means less scarring, less pain and a quicker

technology also provides the surgeon unparalleled precision,

recovery,” he says.

better dexterity and control, increased ergonomic comfort and

more efficiency.

surgery is right for them. Only a doctor can determine if a

da Vinci surgery is appropriate for a patient’s medical situation.

As with all da Vinci Surgical Systems, the surgeon is 100% in

Patients should talk to their doctor to decide if a da Vinci

control of the robotic-assisted system, which translates his/her hand movements into smaller, more precise movements of tiny

KEY FEATURES INCLUDE

instruments inside the patient’s body. The Xi System’s immersive

A redesigned arm for access from virtually any position

3D-HD vision system provides surgeons a highly magnified view, virtually extending their eyes and hands into the patient.

A simpler and more compact design with improved vision and clarity

Different attachments to provide flexibility for visualizing the surgical site

Smaller, thinner arms with newly designed joints for greater range of motion

The da Vinci Xi System is an expandable technology platform designed to accommodate and seamlessly integrate a range of current technologies, as well as future innovations, in areas such as imaging, advanced instruments and anatomical access.

Physicians at LGMC trained on the new system are thrilled to be

Longer instrument shafts to give surgeons greater reach

a leader in this field and look forward to continue bringing Acadiana minimally invasive surgical options.

“The significant improvements to this new da Vinci system

will allow us to apply the benefits of minimally invasive surgery

For more information on minimally invasive surgical options at LGMC, visit LafayetteGeneral.com/daVinci.

to a broader range of procedures, and with better precision,” says General Surgeon Jason Breaux, M.D.

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A Long Journey Close to Home

Lisa Henderson was sitting in her

kitchen one day praying that she’d find a

“You need to come in; we need to talk.”

a journey that I never thought I’d be on.”

“I thought to myself, ‘This is not good.’”

job. “I remember saying, ‘Whatever you

Lisa was diagnosed as having chronic

found herself standing outside the front

have for me Lord, I accept. Just guide my

lymphocytic leukemia.

entrance of Cancer Center of Acadiana,

footsteps.’” Less than a month later, Lisa’s

journey began.

is a type of cancer in which the bone

marrow makes too many lymphocytes

“I was feeling fine, really, but I’d

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)

noticed some swollen lymph nodes in my

staring at the words etched in glass.

“You see the word Cancer on there and it’s locked in your mind. I didn’t want to go in, but there was no time to waste,” says

neck,” she remembers as she strokes her

“They took such great care of me from day one – and not just me, but everybody. Never once did I have a bad moment, ever.”

neck. “I didn’t think it was a big deal. But, they didn’t go away and, in fact, more of them popped up.” During that time, Lisa happened to be taking her daughter to the doctor so, while there, she brought up her concern of the lymph nodes.

Lisa. To help new patients like Lisa, the CCA patient navigator meets with them when they first arrive. She provides crisis counseling for patients and their families and referrals to needed services, from emotional to financial support.

Lisa had chemotherapy twice a month

for five months. “Sometimes, I was so

The doctor thought that it might have been due to a recent cut on the scalp

(a type of white blood cell). The cancer

weak that I was in bed three or five days

and told Lisa to keep a watchful eye on

cells then go into the blood. CLL is one

in a row. You feel like ten 18-wheelers

it. Several days later, Lisa noticed that the

of the most common types of leukemia in

just ran you over! All the nurses and staff

nodules had multiplied, and the physician

adults 50 years and older. The leukemia

were so incredible – so compassionate

then recommended blood tests, which

cells often build up slowly over time, and

and loving.” She fondly recalls some of

revealed a high white blood cell count.

many people don’t have any symptoms

the staff who became her friends: Bertha,

for at least a few years.

Matilda, Jamie, Tanya, Kevin, Katie, Gabby,

Julie – and, of course, Dr. Panelli.

She was referred to Cancer Center

of Acadiana (CCA) at Lafayette General, where oncologist Dr. Victoria Panelli ordered more testing. A few days later, Lisa received a call from Dr. Panelli saying

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“When Dr. Panelli told me I had cancer,

I was just blown away,” amazes Lisa.

“Then, she said that we’d have to start treatment right away! It just threw me on

“I just never had that experience before; they took care of my every need.”

There were cherished friendships with

other Cancer Center patients, as well.

so patients can be treated closer to home.

“Once I got in there and met everybody

In addition to Lafayette, Cancer Center of

and did the treatment for the first time, my

Acadiana provides treatments in Abbeville,

outlook changed. Other patients had the

Crowley, Mamou and, now, New Iberia.

same feelings inside as I did, and it would

come out in hugs, tears and talking. We

from her chronic leukemia. Still today,

It’s been two years that Lisa is free

talked a lot during treatments; a few of

when she talks about her experience,

us had lunch together and we stayed in

the impression that was left isn’t the

touch with one another,” she says with a

fright of cancer. It’s the people who

smile. “I didn’t think as much about the

took care of her. “I feel like the nurses

cancer as I did about who I was going to

and doctors really do care beyond the

see the next time I went there. Tuesdays

treatment. They put their lives, their

were blood-work day but, instead, I called

(337) 289-8400

Michael Cain, M.D.

Rebecca Davis, M.D.

Deborah M. Johnson, M.D.

Salman Malad, M.D.

Ricky Owers, M.D.

Victoria E. Panelli, M.D.

‘everything’ into this work.”

Times and technology have changed now.

I was able to come home to my bed, be with my family – and my little dog. that day ‘Bertha Day’ because Bertha had

a knack for taking blood samples from my

CCA’s care. In June, Lafayette General

collapsing veins, making it less painful.”

Medical Center won a Women’s Choice

Award for being One of America’s Best

While there was no history of leukemia

in Lisa’s family, her father did have

Lisa is not alone in her assessment of

Hospitals for Cancer Care. Only 331

melanoma, a skin cancer, years ago. In

hospitals in the country earned the 2015

fact, with her reddish hair and fair skin,

Women’s Choice Award by meeting

she thought her odds were greater of

the highest cancer care accreditation

having that type of cancer. She compares

standards of the American College of

her dad’s treatment experience to hers.

“Dad went to MD Anderson back in the seventies. Can you imagine having to go through treatments, feeling awful

John M. Rainey, M.D. Kristen Sager, M.D.

Surgeons Commission on Cancer.

“I never asked, ‘Why me?’” assures Lisa.

“It was a different journey than I expected, but I was confident in the Lord and where

and traveling out of state? Times and

he had put me. He surrounded me with

technology have changed now. I was

good people.”

Molly Thomas, M.D. Breast Center

able to come home to my bed, be with my family – and my little dog.”

That’s the premise behind CCA

networking with local hospitals. The objective is to bring the same cancer treatments used in world-renowned hospitals to other outlying communities,

To learn about clinical trials available through Lafayette General, call (337) 289-8658 or go to LafayetteGeneral.com/ClinicalTrials

Megan Daigle, M.D.

Alecia Rideau, M.D.

Interventional Radiologist

Diagnostic Radiologist

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Testing for Hereditary Cancers with professional input,” explains Craig

Donohue will schedule the first of two

results from home genetic-testing kits.

Ortego, Vice President of Cancer Services

counseling sessions. Testing at CCA

You can learn about paternity, ancestry and

for Lafayette General Medical Center.

automatically includes both sessions.

Several online services tout novel

genetic diseases. But, when it comes to

“Counseling gives patients a scientific

During the first session, Donohue explains

cancer, a serious service at Cancer Center

answer to their potential risks, and what

the test, what it identifies, how it occurs and

of Acadiana (CCA) at Lafayette General can

they can do about it.”

what happens with results. The session

help ensure you get the proper test, and

typically lasts an hour.

understand its results.

for testing. First, does the candidate have

or had cancer? Second, is there a family

and some Medicaid plans, cover testing

counseling for cancer. Rebecca Donohue,

history of cancer? Other factors consider

because it saves money in the long run.

Ph.D., got started with genetic testing in

the type of cancer and the patient’s age

Donohue says her service is particularly

2002. Back then, as a Nurse Practitioner,

when it was diagnosed.

helpful to physicians unfamiliar with

genetic predisposition to cancer was a new

insurance requirements or at managing the

concept. So, Donohue re-enrolled in school

at CCA, through either a doctor’s referral

health of those with inherited cancer risks.

to become an Advanced Practice Nurse

or self-referral, the first step will be to

To test, a blood or saliva sample is taken.

in Genetics. Since 2010, CCA has utilized

assemble a family history. Donohue offers a

Results take anywhere from four weeks to

Donohue’s expertise to test and counsel

worksheet to build a family “health” tree. It

six months, depending on the type of test.

patients on cancer risks. Donohue’s

aims for at least three generations, but that

services now extend to University Hospital

is sometimes difficult. The questionnaire

counseling session discusses findings.

& Clinics and CCA at Abbeville General.

seeks any history of cancer, what age

Results can be positive, negative or

Genetic science is still relatively young,

it occurred, etc. This helps Donohue

something called an “uncertain significance

and evolving quickly. “Today, the problem

determine what type of test, if any, is best.

result.” Any result can be difficult for some

is people get tested but don’t follow up

Upon evaluation, and if a test is decided,

patients, says Donohue.

CCA offers genetic testing and

Several criteria determine eligibility

In making an appointment for testing

Most insurances, including Medicare

Once results are in, the second

“That’s what counseling is for – to

evaluate a patient’s emotional needs and what they want to get out of this,” says Donohue. “Even with negative results, sometimes it’s about comforting them and explaining there is no increased risk.”

If results are positive, Donohue formulates a plan to proceed. She shares her recommendations with the patient’s physician, or anyone the patient prefers.

Recommendations might include more Rebecca Donohue, Ph.D., is an Advanced Practice Nurse who provides genetic testing and counseling for cancer at Cancer Center of Acadiana.

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frequent screening, preventive medication, lifestyle modifications or even a preventive

surgery. “The biggest benefit of testing is

doesn’t have the mutation, the children

Cancer Center,” says Ortego. “We are a

preventing cancer,” stresses Donohue.

won’t inherit it,” explains Donohue. “Telling

comprehensive shop for cancer services.”

Another result of testing might be to test

people that is the best part of my job,” she

additional family members. “If a parent has

says, smiling.

importance of testing and prevention.

a mutation, there’s a 50 percent chance a

Simply knowing your risks can offer peace

sibling or child will have it,” says Donohue.

offers the same treatments and services

of mind.

found at world-renowned cancer centers.

Sometimes, cancer survivors simply want to know their child’s risk. “If a parent

NEW PHYSICIANS

If cancer is ultimately detected, CCA

“That’s one of the brilliant things about our

The dread of cancer emphasizes the

For more information or to set up an appointment, call (337) 289-8400.

Robert Autin, M.D.

Tyler Perrin-Bellelo, M.D.

General/Bariatric/Minimally Invasive Surgery

Internal Medicine, LGMD Joined Lafayette General Internal Medicine Physicians (337) 289-8974

Lafayette General’s Medical Office Bldg. at 1000 W. Pinhook Rd. (337) 233-9900

Ryan Chastant, M.D.

Ryan Chauffe, DO

Megan Daigle, M.D.

Otolaryngology/Facial Plastic Surgery, LGMD

Interventional Cardiology

Interventional Breast Radiology, LGMD

Officed at Acadiana Ear, Nose/Throat & Facial Plastic Surgery Center (337) 233-9850

Joined Cardiovascular Institute of the South at Lafayette General (337) 289-8429

Breast Center, Cancer Center of Acadiana at Lafayette General (337) 289-8222

Bennett Boustany Fontenot, M.D.

James Hlavacek, M.D.

Michael Horaist, M.D.

Orthopedic Surgery, LGMD

General/Colorectal Surgery

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, LGMD

Joined Acadiana Orthopedic Center at Lafayette General (337) 233-5300

Lafayette General’s Medical Office Bldg. at 1000 W. Pinhook Rd. (337) 233-9900

Jacob Karr, M.D.

Joseph Lupo, M.D.

Ronald Menard, M.D.

Endoscopy

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, LGMD

Family Medicine

In practice with Dr. Joseph Lupo (337) 504-3640

Joined Lafayette General Endoscopy Center (337) 232-6697

Urgent Care Center, River Ranch (337) 769-0069

In practice with Dr. Bennett Boustany Fontenot (337) 504-3640

Nichole Miller, M.D.

Ricky Owers, M.D.

Marc Saad, M.D.

Family Medicine

Gynecologic Surgical Oncology, LGMD

Interventional Cardiology/ Electrophysiology

Cancer Center of Acadiana at Lafayette General (337) 289-8400

Joined Cardiovascular Institute of the South at Lafayette General (337) 289-8429

Kristen Sager, M.D.

Leslie Sizemore, M.D.

John Williams, M.D.

Medical Oncology/ Hematology, LGMD

Family Medicine, LGMD

Pulmonology/Critical Care

At Urgent Care Centers until her Johnston St. office opens later this year (337) 769-0069

Joined the Intensivist group at Lafayette General (337) 234-3204

Urgent Care Center, River Ranch (337) 769-0069

Cancer Center of Acadiana at Savoy Medical Center in Mamou, LA (337) 468-3099

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Wearing a Helmet is Using Your Head

After her child suffered a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI)

“We want to make wearing a helmet the cool thing to do.”

Mandy Turner

“We want to teach other families about what we went through,

in an accident, Mandy Turner decided to turn a negative

and how they can avoid TBI,” says Turner. In addition to raising

into a positive. She and her daughter co-founded Acadiana

awareness, Turner also became part of a support system for

Helmets 4Life to help raise awareness about brain injuries and

parents undergoing similar experiences to hers.

the wisdom of wearing a helmet during certain activities. “We

thought, ‘How can we turn this around? We can’t live our life

stickers. She also speaks to civic and church organizations. She

She takes her message to events, handing out flyers and

with regret,’” says Turner.

has even gotten permission from the Lafayette Parish School

System to begin talking to students.

Turner and her daughter gathered and compiled extensive

information about brain injuries – how often they occur, who is

“Helmet safety is not just with bikes,” Turner cautions. “ATV’s,

most at risk and long-term consequences. Now, they want to get

go carts, skateboards, scooters… children should learn at a

this information out to as many people as they can in the hopes

young age because they don’t know. We didn’t know,” she says.

of reducing the frequency of brain injuries, and to assist those

Eventually, Turner hopes her non-profit organization can raise

who are dealing with them.

enough funds through raffles and T-shirt sales to buy a billboard

advertisement for people to see and be reminded. “We want to

Based on statistics, there’s obviously a role that awareness

can play in saving lives and preventing serious injury. According

make wearing a helmet the cool thing to do,” says Turner.

to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the rate of Emergency Room visits for sports and recreation-related TBI rose 57% among children 19 or younger from 2001 to 2009.

TBI is a diagnosis in some 2.2 million ER visits per year.

PREFILLED

Factoid

NORMAL SALINE 10ML SYRINGE

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To learn more about Acadiana Helmets 4Life, visit AcadianaHelmets4Life.com, or call Mandy at (337) 296-3436.

L A F AY E T T E G E N E R A L M E D I C A L C E N T E R U S E S :

460,000

Per Year

LGMC Educates Teens on Safe Driving

accident victims are often treated, such as the trauma area of the ER and the Intensive Care Unit.

“This is about teaching them

consequences,” says John Armand, RN, Injury Prevention Coordinator for Lafayette General. “We have to show them these real dangers, rather than just talk at them, for them to really get it,” he says.

Sudden Impact illustrates the

ramifications of impaired driving from

Several teenaged children of employees at Lafayette General Medical Center (LGMC) were treated to a lesson in safe driving July 21. Sudden Impact, a program launched by Louisiana State Police to educate beginning drivers, was hosted by LGMC as a gesture of community outreach.

The program aims to prevent injuries

a medical, law enforcement and victim

and fatalities from impaired and/or

perspective. The full program involves

unrestrained drivers.

three phases of education from 10th

to 12th grade. The first phase is about

The teens heard presentations from

law enforcement, car crash survivors and

teaching, the second a mock crash and

medical workers. State Police provided

the third a mock trial.

the teens with “drunk goggles” to

simulate the blurred vision of alcohol

at LGMC, Armand plans to involve area

intoxication. They were then given field

schools in the second and third phases.

Although the teaching phase occurs

sobriety tests to realize the hazards of impaired driving.

The students also visited different

areas of the hospital to see where

To learn more about traumatic injury prevention, call John Armand at (337) 289-7482.

EXPERT CARE ER designed to see you more QUICKLY

Larger ER handles patients more EFFICIENTLY

SPECIALISTS available for immediate treatment

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SMH Offering Free Screenings to Eligible Patients Photo Credit : Danny Izzo, Noveau Photo

WHO QUALIFIES?

Members of Lafayette General Health, St. Martin Hospital and Susan G. Komen are shown in this photo with a check representing the $74,988 grant to fund the free mammogram screening program offered at St. Martin Hospital.

St. Martin Hospital (SMH) is offering

cancer cases earlier, with the hopes of

Women between 40 and 64 years old, or women between 21-39 with a first-degree family history of breast cancer

Income at or less than 200% of the 2015 national poverty level (see graph below)

Does NOT have Medicare Part B and/or Medicaid

the Louisiana Breast & Cervical Health

free breast screening mammograms for

improving survivability. “By increasing

Program (LBCHP) at University Hospital

women through a grant funded by Susan

the number of mammograms, we expect

& Clinics (UHC) in Lafayette.

G. Komen. The grant, presented in June,

to increase the number of breast cancer

worth $74,988, provides the means to

diagnoses at an earlier stage,” says Bryan

patients with making or rescheduling

conduct free screening mammograms for

Laperouse, FACHE, Interim CEO at SMH.

appointments and overcoming any

uninsured and underinsured women, as

obstacles that may prevent them

well as deliver education and navigation

factors, including age, financial status

from accessing treatment. The Patient

services.

and insurance coverage. A doctor’s order

Navigator can also assist patients

St. Martin Hospital has made it a

Patient eligibility depends on various

UHC staffs a Patient Navigator to assist

is required. If a candidate does not have

applying for Medicaid “Fast Track to

priority to actively fight breast cancer by

a physician, help is available.

Coverage” enrollment.

trying to provide at least 300 free

mammograms. The goal is to diagnose

and treatment could be provided under

If an abnormality is found, diagnosis

According to the LBCHP, Louisiana’s

breast cancer death rate exceeds the national average. This is, in part, due to late or incurable stage diagnosis

Maximum Household Income

of the disease. The LBCHP reports that

NUMBER OF PEOPLE PER HOUSEHOLD

much of Acadiana is included among the state’s highest incidences of breast cancer.

$1,961.67 $2,655.00 $23,450 $31,860

$3,348.33 $40,180

Monthly Income

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$4,041.67 $48,500

Annual Income

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$4,735.00 $56,820

$5,428.33 $65,140

For more information, or to make an appointment for a free screening mammogram, call (337) 507-1209.

Mention “Susan G. Komen grant.”

EVENTS

Leaders of LGH and LGMC were invited to the Governor’s Mansion in June to accept Louisiana Quality Foundation’s (LQF) highest award, the Louisiana Performance Excellence Award (LPEA). The LQF recognizes performance excellence leadership in both profit and non-profit Louisiana organizations.

Winning the LPEA was a step in applying for the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. The Baldrige Award helps organizations achieve best-in-class levels of performance by identifying role model organizations and sharing best practices.

Industry publication Computerworld named Lafayette General Health (LGH) to its 2015 list of “Best Places to Work in Information Technology.” LGH ranked No. 2 nationally amongst all mid-size organizations, No. 1 overall in the entire South Atlantic Region and No. 1 amongst all healthcare organizations nationwide.

Pictured (l-r) are Edwina Mallery, LGH AVP of Information Systems; John Kleya, Director of Applications; and Mike Dozier, LGH VP Chief Information Officer.

Lafayette General Foundation’s first Golf Tournament, held June 8 at Oakbourne Country Club, was successful in raising $47,500 to fund various initiatives for the Foundation. Pictured (l-r) are golf team members: Ben Dupont, Chris St Germaine, Jason West and John Mendell.

Over 80 Registered Nurses attended LGH’s Red Carpet RN recruiting event July 23. The event presented opportunities for RN’s to network with nursing leaders from Lafayette General Medical Center, University Hospital & Clinics, St. Martin Hospital and Acadia General Hospital.

University Hospital & Clinics (UHC) welcomed new LSU residents to Lafayette General Health on July 1.

Residents training in Family Medicine, Internal Medicine and Geriatrics were given their official white lab coats during the ceremony. Residents train at UHC and at Lafayette General Medical Center.

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Lafayette General Health and Cardiovascular Institute of the South are proud to sponsor the American Heart Association Heart Walk on November 7 to help raise awareness for heart disease and prevention.

Your Health RISK FACTORS

DETECTING HEART DISEASE

SYMPTOMS

Smoking Family History of

Heart Disease

Obesity

Chest Pain or Uncomfortable Pressure

(lasting more than a few minutes and/or stopping and starting)

Pain in the Upper Back, Shoulders, Arms, Neck or Jaw

High Cholesterol

Throat Discomfort

Indigestion or Heartburn

High Blood Pressure

Cold Sweat/Dizziness

Nausea and Vomiting

Diabetes

Shortness of Breath

Extreme Fatigue

Inactivity

A lack of symptoms does not mean an absence of problems, which is why checking with a cardiologist is so important.

To make an appointment with a cardiologist

Call (337) 289-8429.

-PR N 5E D H E A L T H S Y S T E M H ENAOLN TH I NO FGIETN, ECROAML M |U NFIATLYL- O2W 01 16 A