Health In General - Fall 2018

FALL | 2018

Lafayette General Orthopaedic Hospital Opens

Only Hospital in the Region Dedicated to Orthopaedics Mike Brasseaux Mako Partial Knee Replacement Recipient

Xenex: Germ-Zapping Robots Report for Duty Urgent Care Clinics Offering Flu Shots Helping Cancer Patients in Acadiana

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NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Skip the Wait P3

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We know the last place patients want

Lafayette General Foundation Healthcare Heroes

to be is in a waiting room. In an effort to reduce time spent waiting, you can now select an arrival time online before going

Hospital Spotlight: Abrom Kaplan Memorial Hospital

to any Lafayette General Urgent Care Center. Patients can also Skip the Wait

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Cover Story

and schedule arrival time at LGMC Diagnostics and LG Ortho

Lafayette General Orthopaedic Hospital

Diagnostics. Walk-in patients are accepted during business

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Xenex | Germ-Zapping Robots

imaging and diagnostics. Patients can download the Lafayette

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Urgent Care Clinics | Flu Shots

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Dr. Hamilton | Christmas Out of Control

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Cancer Center | Oncology Growth

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Welcome New Physicians

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CIS | Mitra Clip Procedure

hours at all Lafayette General Urgent Care Centers and for General app today. Go to LafayetteGeneral.com/SkiptheWait for more information.

Lafayette General Foundation celebrates the legacy of Mayci Breaux Lafayette General Foundation was honored to award the 2018 recipients of the Mayci Breaux Scholarship Fund.

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Bariatrics | Eat Fit

This year, the foundation chose to

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LGH Events

a $1,000 scholarship. Awards were

honor eight students – each awarded given in the front lobby of Lafayette General Medical Center at a press conference with Mayci’s parents in attendance.

Health In General

The following six recipients will be attending Louisiana State University at Eunice (LSUE): Nikki Chauvin, Lauryn Laughlin,

is produced by the Lafayette General Health Community Relations Department

201 Audubon Blvd.

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

Thibodeaux. Two recipients, Kameron Landry and Catherine

LGH SYSTEM DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

COMMUNITY RELATIONS STAFF

The event was specifically coordinated on September 25 in

Patricia P. Thompson

Chaney Hopkins Shelley Duran Brent Pelloquin

Shavonne Lewis, Hannah Mizzi, Chelsea Nowell and Taylor Shaw, will be attending Northwestern State University (NSU). celebration of what would have been Mayci’s 25th birthday.

New 3 Tesla MRI at LGMC

ON THE COVER:

Mike Brasseaux

In June, LGMC launched a new service COVER PHOTO BY:

for prostate screenings. With the

Glen Clark

addition of a new radiologist, Dr. Joshua Yellin, and a 3 Tesla MRI, patients can now receive a less invasive prostate screening. A 3 Tesla MRI uses magnetic Shopping at SMILE.AMAZON.COM, after selecting Lafayette General Foundation as your charity, ensures a donation is made directly to the Foundation at no cost to you!

fields – with double the strength of traditional MRIs – to create even more highly-detailed images in less time than traditional MRIs. This technology is the new wave of prostate exams.

The MRI allows the physician to pinpoint the exact location of where a biopsy is necessary, and in some cases, it will alleviate the need for an invasive biopsy.

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2018 PRESENTING SPONSORS

Cox Business, The Lemoine Company, LHC Group and Schumacher Clinical Partners

Lafayette General Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Lafayette General Health (LGH), will hold its annual gala Thursday, November 29. Each year,

“Our gala is a celebration of those who care deeply about the health and well-being of our community.”

Nancy Broadhurst, Executive Director, Lafayette General Foundation

the “Healthcare Heroes of Acadiana Gala” recognizes community leaders and healthcare professionals for their outstanding achievements and enormous support of LGH, Acadiana’s largest nonprofit, community-owned health system.

“Our signature Gala is a celebration

recognizing those who care deeply about the health and well-being of our community, and share their time and resources to ensure it. They inspire others to continue the health system’s mission to restore, maintain, and improve health for the people they serve, making them

Cox Business, a leading-edge technology and business solutions company with a strong local presence, will be honored for their support of the Foundation. Since 2015, Cox Business has donated thousands of dollars, including a $250,000 grant to fully expand telemedicine in St. Martin Parish public schools, providing healthcare access to as many as 8,000 students.

is a nonprofit organization that provides clothing and other handmade items for babies in Neonatal Intensive Care Units.

The items aid in comforting babies and uplifting the spirits of babies’ family members.

Michael Alexander, MD, is an internal

Lafayette General Foundation.

medicine specialist in Lafayette, and has been practicing for 33 years. He graduated from Louisiana State University School of Medicine in Shreveport in 1982 and specializes in internal medicine.

heroes with awards presented to a Corporate Hero, a Community Hero, two Healthcare Heroes and a Lifetime Achievement Award.

This year’s honorees include:

Corporate Hero Award, Cox Business; Community Hero Award, Heartstrings & Angel Wings; Healthcare Hero Awards, Dr.

Mr. William H. Fenstermaker, former president, LGH Board of Trustees.

Partners.

“Through the incredible support and

generosity of our sponsors and friends, the Healthcare Heroes Gala has provided essential funding for Lafayette General Health,” says Broadhurst. “We are grateful for our generous sponsors and donors who help us provide vital, life-saving community.”

Want to go?

Thursday, November 29, 2018 5:30 - 9:00 p.m.

Frem Boustany Convention Center

Katie Hebert, CEO of University Hospital & Clinics, will be honored for leading UHC during a very tumultuous year.

Katie led the #saveUHC movement and worked tirelessly to save the hospital and nearly 800 jobs, ensuring care for the 54,000 Acadiana residents who access UHC annually.

Michael Alexander and UHC CEO Katie Hebert; and Lifetime Achievement Award,

LHC Group and Schumacher Clinical

healthcare in the greater Acadiana

Broadhurst, executive director of the The event honors five healthcare

are Cox Business, The Lemoine Company,

hundreds of thousands of dollars in Heartstrings and Angel Wings

true healthcare heroes,” explains Nancy

The 2018 presenting sponsors of the Gala

Mr. William Fenstermaker, better known as Bill, is a lifelong resident of Acadiana.

He is a vital member of LGH and contributor to his community. He is active in numerous organizations and currently serves as VP on the board of Lafayette General Foundation and past chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Lafayette General Health.

To sponsor the event or to purchase tickets, go to LafayetteGeneral.com/ Foundation or call (337) 571-0080.

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A B R O M K A P L A N M E M O R I A L H O S P I TA L

Other features include consolidating all outpatient cardio procedures, such as EKG, Holter monitoring and home-based sleep studies, which were introduced in July of this year.

Abrom Kaplan Memorial Hospital’s

current square footage is 38,784. More than 7,000 square feet of that space will be renovated and 6,419 square feet will be added during the expansion project.

The property still belongs to the

Vermilion Parish Hospital Service District

Abrom Kaplan Memorial Hospital breaks ground on new-and-improved expansion project.

#1. Tax money from the district continues

and is not used anywhere else in the

For the first time since 1984, Abrom Kaplan Memorial Hospital (AKMH) is expanding.

A groundbreaking ceremony took place August 2 to celebrate the start of a $4.7 million

to be used to benefit this hospital only health system.

expansion and renovation project. This expansion will help improve patient experience

and lead to more patients staying in Kaplan for their healthcare – which was Lafayette

“We want to make their experience here the best it can be.”

General Health’s initial goal in the partnership.

Founded in 1958 as a nonprofit, general acute care facility, it now has 35 licensed

beds and employs approximately 90 full-time employees in the city of Kaplan.

Bryce Quebodeaux AKMH Chief Executive Officer

“This expansion will create easier access for our patients, enhance services and

create a better overall patient experience,” said AKMH Chief Executive Officer Bryce Quebodeaux.

“Our expansion and renovation will allow our families and friends in the Kaplan,

Gueydan and surrounding areas of Vermilion Parish to have an up-to-date, state-of-the-

advanced medical services and

art facility locally, where they can have their healthcare needs met by people that they

specializations ensures the community

know, love and trust,” said Quebodeaux.

that Abrom Kaplan Memorial Hospital and

Lafayette General Health are committed

The expansion includes a new business and patient registration/consultation area,

new restrooms, new ultrasound room and new pharmacy. New patient waiting areas,

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“We hope the additional resources,

to our mission to restore, maintain and

conference rooms, and ultrasound rooms are also being designed and added – with

improve health,” said Callecod.

dedicated outpatient and inpatient entrances. Having more individualized space for

physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy are also in the works, as

here the best it can be, and at the same

well as all radiology services being in one area, featuring an improved, 64-slice CT

time improve their convenient access

“We want to make their experience

scanner. And for the first time, Abrom Kaplan Memorial Hospital will offer MRI services.

to needed services without the travel

and wait times they might experience

“Everyone at Lafayette General Health couldn’t be prouder of the progress

here at Abrom Kaplan Memorial Hospital. We look forward to more collaborations

elsewhere,” added Quebodeaux.

and continued success,” said David L. Callecod, FACHE, president of

Lafayette General Health.

completed by December 2019.

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The entire project is slated to be

“I’ve been with Lafayette General Medical Center for seven years.

From ER Tech to Clinical Nurse Manager, I’ve witnessed a consistent family-like culture in the health system. It’s like no other.

Everyone greets you with a smile! Our staff and patients are top priority. As a healthcare professional, I have received knowledge that I know I could not learn anywhere else.This has been an excellent system for me to build and advance my career.”

Join our talent network and apply at LafayetteGeneral.com/Careers

Christi Carmouche, PRN

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Lafayette General Orthopaedic Hospital Opens Doors The region’s only hospital dedicated to orthopaedics features Mako robotic-arm assisted surgical technology

Orthopaedic services at Lafayette General Health now have a new home at Lafayette General Orthopaedic Hospital (LG Ortho). This transition allows LG Ortho the ability to use staff dedicated exclusively to orthopaedic

as the only Center of Excellence for shoulder, hip and knee replacement in

knee replacements. Lafayette General

a four-state area: Louisiana, Mississippi,

Health is currently the only health system

Alabama and Arkansas. Having the Joint

in the Acadiana region to use Mako.

Commission’s “Gold Seal of Approval” in

all three joint replacement procedures

as he removes the diseased bone and

makes the new LG Ortho an Orthopaedic

cartilage. The surgeon can then make

Center of Excellence.

any necessary adjustments during

care, including general orthopaedic and reconstructive surgery as well as sports medicine.

LG Ortho, located on site of the

former Lafayette General Southwest (LGSW) campus at 2810 Ambassador Caffery Pkwy, will maintain its emergency department and continue to provide full imaging and diagnostic services.

“Lafayette General is really

moving forward from a patient care

surgical technology used for hip and

“We are creating the best orthopaedic facility in our region, and with the type of care, technology and experience we provide, patients will make us the go-to destination.”

John Schutte, M.D. Orthopaedic Surgeon

restoring, maintaining and improving the orthopaedic health of patients in Acadiana and surrounding areas,” said Dr. Scott Yerger, medical director of the joint replacement program.

Lafayette General is already

recognized by the Joint Commission

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surgery as needed. The procedure allows for more accurate placement of the implant.

“The robotic-assisted Mako

technology shows improved outcomes and technical precision compared to conventional surgical techniques.

Having that technology at the new facility will further bolster patient outcomes,” said Yerger.

“In my clinical practice, I’ve seen

a shorter recovery time for Mako

standpoint with a single, specialty orthopaedic hospital focused on

The Mako system assists the surgeon

robotic-arm assisted surgical patients,” LG Ortho is focused on providing quality

continued Dr. Yerger. “A faster recovery

orthopaedic care. Site preparations

means a more rapid return to the joint

also involved renovations of surgery

feeling like the patient’s joint. This results

suites. These improvements have

in a faster return to their activities and

allowed for any operating room (OR) to

daily living, lifestyle, work and the fun

accommodate orthopaedic surgery.

things they like to do.”

In addition, two ORs will be dedicated

to the use of Mako robotic-arm assisted

Acadiana’s only hospital dedicated to

In order to establish LG Ortho,

It’s allowed me to continue working and to play with the grandkids on the floor. Nothing is stopping me now.

I feel awesome!

Mike Brasseaux Mako Partial Knee Replacement Recipient

orthopaedic care, Lafayette General

Orthopaedic trauma will continue at

go-to destination,” said Dr. John Schutte,

Medical Center (LGMC) has absorbed all

LGMC, which houses the region’s only

principle medical director of Lafayette

cardiac services previously performed

Level II trauma program.

General Orthopaedic services.

at the former LGSW campus. With a

“Coming together as a team to deliver

Surgeries at the site started in early

catheterization (cath) lab renovation and

the best care will result in better patient

May, and Lafayette General orthopaedic

expansion project recently completed,

experiences.

physician practices will move to the

LGMC now offers seven cath lab suites

facility’s campus in late October.

and 27 short-stay patient rooms.

facility in our region, and with the type

of care, technology and experience we

“These changes will result in more

patient care at both campuses and add needed inpatient capacity at LGMC,”

We are creating the best orthopaedic

provide, patients will make us the

For more information, call (337) 706-1300 or visit LafayetteGeneral.com/Mako.

stated Patrick W. Gandy, Jr., LGMC CEO. “The move enables orthopaedic services to centralize and adds greater convenience for patients by providing all care on one campus, from pre-operative services to post-surgery needs, such as physical therapy and rehabilitation,” continued Gandy.

“Through these moves and

transformations, we’re expanding access to care and creating a better care model for our patients, which furthers our

(L to R) Drs. Scott Yerger and Paul Buzhardt with the Mako robotic-arm assisted surgical robot

mission to restore, maintain and improve health,” said David L. Callecod, FACHE, LGH President.

With an operating room geared

toward orthopaedics, orthopaedic surgeons will receive dedicated operating room time at LG Ortho.

For patients, this means less time waiting to schedule surgical procedures.

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Germ-Zapping Robots now reporting for duty.

With hundreds of people entering the hospital on a daily basis, it’s important to continually advance and implement innovative technology. Lafayette General Medical Center (LGMC) is the first hospital in Acadiana to use Xenex LightStrike Germ-Zapping Robots™ to enhance environmental cleanliness by disinfecting

This produces bursts of ultraviolet

light, which penetrates the cell walls of

and one additional cycle in the bathroom).

microorganisms. Their DNA is instantly

They also perform two 10-minute cycles in

fused so that they are unable to reproduce

each operating room every night.

or mutate – and no longer pose a risk to

the next patient or employee in that room.

and Xenex robot team have cleaned 5,021

These robots have been proven effective

rooms. The five LGMC robots were named

at killing complicated pathogens, like

by employees: Walt, Daisy, Cindy, Randy

Anthrax and Ebola as well as the various

and R2Clean2.

strains of the flu virus.

disinfection have reported lower infection

LGMC joins innovative hospitals such

rates, which enhances patient safety,” said

as the Mayo Clinic, MD Anderson and

Morris Miller, CEO of Xenex.

Stanford, which were early adopters of the

new technology. These WiFi and cellular-

facility – isolation rooms, operating rooms,

in more than 400 hospitals across North

general patient care rooms, contact

America, Europe, Asia and Africa.

pre-caution areas, emergency rooms, Xenex LightStrike Germ-Zapping Robot

strength and become antibiotic-resistant, them before they pose a threat to patients,” said Patrick Gandy, CEO of LGMC. “The germ-zapping robots have been an invaluable supplement to our outstanding environmental services team. We understand that as superbugs evolve, it is necessary for our methods of disinfecting to evolve as well.”

The LightStrike Germ-Zapping Robot

works by pulsing xenon, an inert gas, at high intensity in an ultraviolet flashlamp.

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The Xenex robot can be used in any

department and in any unit in a healthcare

enabled machines are already killing bugs

it’s important for health systems to destroy

“We are excited to partner with

Hospitals using our technology for room

and superbugs in hard-to-clean places.

“As contaminants and germs gain

Since implementation, the EVS crew

Lafayette General Medical Center.

and destroying hard-to-kill germs, bacteria

light cycles (one on each side of the bed

bathrooms and public spaces.

“In infection prevention, our goal is to

The portable Xenex system can

provide a clean, safe environment for our

disinfect a typical patient room or

patients, their families and our employees,”

operating room in 10-15 minutes without

said Gandy. “This is a revolutionary system

warm-up or cool-down times. At LGMC,

that provides a second layer of protection

when a patient is discharged or transferred

after a room is cleaned and sanitized.

from a room, an environmental services

We are excited to introduce this

(EVS) employee will manually disinfect the

technology to Lafayette.”

room with mops, rags, disinfectants, etc.

After the manual cleaning takes place an EVS manager will roll the robot into the patient room. The robot is then left alone in the room to perform three, 5-minute

To learn more about Xenex LightStrike Germ-Zapping Robots, visit Xenex.com

Set Your Reminder: It’s Time for Your Flu Shot!

As we enter into fall, we begin planning for the holidays ahead. We make grocery lists for our family meals, plan harvest craft projects and set reminders on our phone for all of the seasonal activities we have scheduled. It’s easy to forget or hit “snooze” on our flu shot.

Director of Urgent Care Centers at

However, trips to the pumpkin patch,

tenderness or swelling where the shot was given. Low-grade fever, headache and muscle aches may also occur.

two days.

“If we can get a large portion of our

community vaccinated, then we can reduce the spread of the flu in our city,” said Dr. Pernell Simon, M.D., specializing in Family Medicine and acting Medical

family celebrations and holiday shopping

Lafayette General Health.“There’s nothing

have one thing in common – crowds. In the

like knowing our community is protected.”

midst of these activities, we are constantly surrounded by people - people who might be carrying the flu virus.

If you have ever had the flu, you know

how debilitating it is. The flu can be a very serious illness, especially in young children, adults 65 and over, and those with underlying health conditions or who are pregnant.

In the United States, flu shots are

recommended for everyone ages 6 months

If these reactions manifest, they usually

begin soon after the shot and last one to

What are some protective actions to guard against the flu?

The most important action is getting

you and your family vaccinated. Other preventative actions include: staying away from sick people, washing your hands to prevent the spread of germs and if you are sick – stay home.

Dr. Simon said, “One of the most difficult

When should you get a flu shot?

parts of a flu visit is telling the person they

have to stay home.”

Exactly when flu season starts and

ends is unpredictable, so health officials

recommend that people get their flu shot in

being homebound with the flu.

No one wants to miss their plans due to

early fall, preferably by the end of October.

Flu activity typically peaks in December,

your flu shot.

and remains high until February. Ultimately,

there’s no bad time to get vaccinated.

Urgent Care Centers today for your flu shot.

You might be a little early or late, but do

We have locations in River Ranch, Sugar

it anyway.

Mill Pond and Carencro. Shots are available

Bottom Line: Be sure to make time for Stop by one of Lafayette General’s three

for patients age 1 and up.

and older, according to the Centers for

Can you get the flu from the flu shot?

Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

shot. Since it takes one to two weeks for the

Mon. – Fri., 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

changing, so a new flu vaccine is made

shot to become effective, it’s possible to

Sat., 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sun., 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

each year. Scientists make the vaccine

catch the flu if you are exposed during this

before the flu season starts by predicting

time,” said Dr. Simon.

which flu strains are likely to be the most

common during the upcoming season.

report having mild reactions to the flu

vaccination. The most common side effects

Strains of the flu virus are constantly

According to the CDC, the flu shot is

the best way to protect yourself and your

“No, you can’t get the flu from the flu

According to the CDC, some people

Urgent Care Center Hours:

To learn more about urgent care services and locations, visit LafayetteGeneral.com/ UrgentCare.

from flu shots are soreness, redness, and

family from the flu.

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Christmas Out of Control When I was growing up, my Christmases were chronically overbooked.

Mom was a violin teacher, and since I played too, I got roped into every pageant, every church program mom could sign us up for. It paid some bills for our family, but it wasn’t exactly peace on earth, barreling through the snowy county to the next gig. My wife has her own

Emergency Department. For our sake, for

“foreign bodies,” as we call them, is

your sake, and for your kids’, here’s some

especially a concern at Christmas. More

tips for keeping a lid on things. First, kids

toys strewn about, ornaments on trees,

don’t care about Christmas volume. Few

spare tree bulbs,

children worry that their house is more

are temptations toddlers can’t resist.

decked out than the Griswold’s, or that

stack of presents exceeds the GDP of

Christmas low-key and simple helps

Botswana. Kids typically want only a few

decrease holiday stress for you and your

presents, but they care that they are the

kids. It also decreases the amount of

right ones! They know what they want,

foreign bodies they can ingest. However,

will let you know, and then you need to

you will want to decorate, so it’s a time to

shop early, before things sell out.

be extra vigilant. Small ornaments that a

Here’s a not-so-heart-warming

As we discussed above, keeping

baby can fit in his mouth should be high

Christmas story. Last week we saw a baby

on the tree, out of reach. After decorating

with a month of coughing, occasional

the tree, put all the boxes away and crawl

vomiting, but otherwise looked well.

around the area yourself, like a toddler,

Early in December she starts buying gifts

My colleague seeing the child decided to

searching for anything she may be able

for our three kids, determined to hold

do a chest X-ray, given the long-standing

to reach and eat.

the presents to a sane amount. Then

cough, to be sure he wasn’t developing

about two weeks before the big day, she

pneumonia. While the X-ray showed

than to receive. Studies have shown that

version of holiday spiraling-out-of-control.

realizes the crucial gift ratios are off:

no pneumonia, it did show the

Finally, as always, it’s better to give

people are happier the more they give,

one kid getting three presents,

quarter lodged in the baby’s

the other five, the other seven.

esophagus! Occasionally

giving idea this holiday is to donate blood.

More agonizing about how big

babies and toddlers will

There’s always a shortage of blood in

the piles will look on Christmas

grab an object when no

December, as people are so busy they

morning, more spending.

one’s looking. Since their

feel they don’t have time to give. But we

mouths are their most

When you make

sensitive parts, they’ll put

Christmas crazy, not

and not just presents. One really good

always need blood, for premature babies, for heart surgeries, for accident victims,

only does it stress you,

new things in there

and more. Making time to give blood

but it stresses your kids.

to explore them.

will bring you a whole lot more holiday

And occasionally

cheer than spending that time looking for

swallow the object.

parking at the mall.

Scott Hamilton, M.D., is a board-certified pediatrician and medical advisor in Lafayette General Medical Center’s dedicated pediatric treatment area within the ER. His blog is accessible to parents at ParentsDontFret.net

When kids get stressed, they get sick. Then they come see us in the

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Kids swallowing

Helping Cancer Patients in Acadiana Catherine Carriere | Medical Office Assistant and Patient L A F AY E T T E

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The Cancer Center of Acadiana is the premier cancer center in the region, offering the most comprehensive approach to cancer treatment and creating a caring environment for everyone. In 2009, CCA opened with a team of 27

and a strong vision to provide the best possible care to patients

center,” said Carriere.

in Acadiana with cancer diagnoses. Now, nine years later, the

team has increased to 79 members and seven locations.

Many of our patients tell us that during those first doctor visits,

they had a hard time remembering specific information because

CCA’s multidisciplinary team of experienced professionals

includes oncologists, oncology nurses, a dietician, genetic counselor, patient educator, patient navigator and a social worker.

Catherine Carriere, medical office assistant, has worked for

Carriere remembers being in shock when she received her

cancer diagnosis, but she never thought about leaving Lafayette for treatment.

“Everyone from the doctors to the nurses in the infusion

center are very knowledgeable and compassionate. They are so willing to help, there’s no way you can feel alone in the cancer “A cancer diagnosis can be frightening and overwhelming.

of their fear,” said Craig Ortego, vice president of CCA. “Our cancer team provides compassionate support throughout the treatment process.” If you are interested in learning

CCA since the doors opened. “I also know what it feels like to

more about LGMC’s Cancer Center of Acadiana, visit

be on the other side – how it feels to be the patient.”

LafayetteGeneral.com/Cancer.

Support Team

Additional Services Offered

Patient Navigator

Infusion Center

Our patient navigator is a licensed clinical social worker who guides patients through the treatment process. They help with everything from scheduling appointments to arranging transportation.

The infusion center is where our patients receive IV treatments (i.e. chemotherapy) in a relaxed and comfortable setting. The facility includes recliners and several television screens so patients feel at home during their visit.

Genetic Counselor Our genetic counselor is a board-certified advanced practice nurse who has a PhD in genetics. Testing and evaluation of your genetic make-up gauges the risks of getting cancer for you and your family.

A genetic counselor can also develop a risk management plan for prevention and/or early detection.

Pharmacy/Lab It is important for our patients to get lab results and medications as quickly and as conveniently as possible. That is why we have a laboratory and pharmacy to provide the things you need, when you need them.

Board-Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition

Lung Mass Clinic

A registered dietitian assesses each patient to determine if supplemental nutrition is needed, or can develop a plan to help relieve side effects from treatment.

Early detection of abnormal nodules growing in the lungs is critical.

That is why we created the Lung Mass Clinic – the first and only dedicated lung cancer center in Acadiana. The clinic is intended to give patients with suspected lung cancer faster diagnosis and treatment.

Clinical Nurse Specialist A clinical nurse specialist provides a comprehensive education session about the cancer journey, informing patients and their loved ones about what to expect from the treatment process.

Breast Radiology Our breast radiologists provide personalized, high-quality evaluations, offering 2D and 3D mammography, ultrasound and MRI. We also perform biopsies for abnormal findings, including stereotactic biopsies, ultrasound guided biopsies and MRI guided biopsies.

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Lafayette General Health (LGH) is proud to welcome many new physicians to the health system. As LGH continues to grow and expand services, it’s all in an effort to fulfill our mission to restore, maintain and improve health.

NEW PHYSICIANS

GARABET “GARO” AKOGHLANIAN, M.D.

AASHISH ANAND, M.D.

SHAAWN ALI, D.O. CAQSM

Infectious Disease

Neuro Intervention

4212 West Congress St., Suite 2350 (337) 703-3399

136 Hospital Dr., Suite 100 (337) 289-8282

Family Medicine and Sports Medicine

JACOB BREAUX, M.D.

MATTHEW DAUTERIVE, M.D.

CONSTANCE COLE, M.D.

Gastroenterology

Pulmonology / Critical Care

Hematology Oncology

1211 Coolidge Blvd., Suite 303

Lafayette Pulmonary Clinic 1211 Coolidge Blvd., 2nd Floor (337) 234-3204

3983 I-49 South Service Rd., Opelousas (337) 942-1126

GEORGIOS CONSTANTINOU, M.D.

NAVITA GUPTA, M.D.

KIRK LANGHEINZ, M.D.

Medical Oncology

Internal Medicine

239 E. Main St., Suite 301 New Iberia (337) 608-9902

4212 West Congress St., Suite 2300A (337) 456-1642

Interventional Breast Radiology

JAMES O’NEAL, M.D.

STEVEN SACCARO, M.D.

Trauma Surgery

Hematology Oncology

1000 W. Pinhook Rd., Suite 310 (337) 233-9900

1211 Coolidge Blvd., Suite 100 (337) 289-8400

1555 Gary Drive Breaux Bridge (337) 233-6697

2390 West Congress St. (337) 261-6136

1211 Coolidge, 2nd Floor, (337) 289-8222

Take control of your health with Lafayette General Health’s app.

Provide your e-mail address

Next day follow up Reminders you need Answers to your questions & concerns

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and cell phone number

SKIP THE WAIT

check-in from

Schedule Your Urgent Care or Diagnostics Arrival Online or on the Lafayette General Health App.

HealthLoop.

LafayetteGeneral.com/SkipTheWait for more information.

to receive a

Specialty Procedure Gives Patient a Second Chance at Life

Thanks to a partnership with the Cardiovascular Institute of the South, Lafayette General Medical Center has positioned itself to bring innovative techniques for treating life-threating heart disorders to the Acadiana region that have previously been available only at select hospitals across the country.

backward inside your heart, causing mitral regurgitation. This can be related to age, a birth defect or heart disease.

Mitral regurgitation places an extra

burden on your heart and lungs, often causing an enlarged heart from it having to work harder to pump blood through the body. This can also lead to heart failure, which occurs when your heart can’t pump enough blood to meet the needs of your body.

“I felt like I was running out of options. Meeting Dr. Fail and hearing that Mitra Clip was an option felt like an answer to my prayer.”

Armando Rosado, Patient

Dr. Peter Fail, interventional cardiologist

MITRA CLIP

One reason this procedure is so non-

invasive is that entry point is through the

groin, with no need to “crack open” the

Program at Terrebonne General Medical

chest. In most cases, patients are able to

Center, noticed several patients throughout

leave from their procedure the following

day. “The structural heart arena has really

and co-director of the Structural Heart

PR O C EDUR E TO T R EAT

MITRAL

the area were coming to him to learn more

Regurgitation

expanded options for patients over the past

15 years. Although these are very selective

Dr. Fail began seeing patients at Lafayette

When the mitral valve fails to

patients, the field is expanding,” said Dr. Fail.

General Medical Center that he met

close completely, blood leaks

“Patients will always choose the less invasive

Armando Rosado, who was in heart failure.

backward inside your heart,

option if it’s offered to them.”

an option. “I felt like I was running out of

not being able to do virtually any activity to

options,” Armando said, “Meeting Dr. Fail

attending family events again, including his

grandson’s soccer games. “I feel like I’ve

about the non-invasive procedure, Mitra Clip, used to treat heart failure. It was when

causing mitral regurgitation.

At 87 years old, he was told surgery was not

and hearing that Mitra Clip was an option felt like an answer to my prayer.”

Rosado to Dr. Fail. Armando’s medical

Most patients who qualify for this

procedure suffer from Mitral Regurgitation – a condition affecting one of the valves in

Heart failure is what brought Armando

Armando.

surgeon and a cardiologist who performed

your heart, the mitral valve. The mitral valve is located between your heart’s two left

he would be a good candidate for the

chambers. It has two flaps of tissue, which

Mitra Clip.

in only one direction. When the mitral

been given a second chance at life,” said

history was reviewed by both a cardiac a variety of tests before determining

open and close to ensure that blood flows

Armando went from heart failure and

If you or a family member have significant degenerative mitral regurgitation and have been told there are few medical options, contact Cardiovascular Institute of the South in partnership with Lafayette General Medical Center at (337) 289-8429.

valve fails to close completely, blood leaks

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Holidays are a time for gathering with friends and family – typically over food. In South Louisiana, we use food as more than fuel for the body, it’s a love language.

Show how much you care with a healthier alternative this season. Your guests will leave the party feeling fit and full, and you can take credit for leading them towards a healthier lifestyle.

Eat Fit is a program that encourages chefs to offer

nutritious, delicious meals for those who want to eat clean, watch their weight and manage certain health

Eat Fit

Candy Cane Cookies

issues. This initiative started at Ochsner Health System, which collaborated with Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation of Louisiana to expand statewide.

That is when Lafayette General came into the mix to

Cookie Ingredients 1/2 Cup Smart Balance Oil 1/2 Cup Butter, Unsalted 1

Cup Swerve Confectioners

bring it to Cajun country! Eat Fit Acadiana’s mission

1

Egg, Slightly Beaten

is to combine the community’s passion for good food

1

Teaspoon Almond Extract

with their zest for life and enjoying time with family

1

Teaspoon Vanilla Extract

and friends.

3/4 Teaspoon Peppermint Extract 2-1/2 Cup Bob’s Whole

Wheat Pastry Flour

For a full list of participating restaurants, download the Eat Fit App on the iTunes App Store or Google Play Store.

1

Teaspoon Salt

1

Teaspoon Natural Red Food Coloring

Glaze Ingredients 1

Cup Swerve Confectioners

2

Tablespoons Skim Milk

1/4 Teaspoon Peppermint Extract

PER COOKIE : 83 calories, 6 grams fat, 2 grams saturated fat, 68 mg sodium, 16 grams carbohydrate, 1 gram fiber, 0 sugar, 1 gram protein

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Combine first 8 ingredients and mix well.

Divide dough in half. Add natural red food coloring to one half of dough and mix well.

On a lightly floured surface, roll a teaspoon of each dough—plain and red—into a four inch long rope. Place side by side, and twist together. Place on ungreased cookie sheet, and curve one end to form a candy cane.

Bake at 375 degrees for 7-9 minutes just until edges brown. Let cookies cool. Mix glaze ingredients and brush onto each cooled cookie.

Makes 3 dozen cookies

EVENTS

On June 8, LGH participated in Hospitals Against Violence National Day of Awareness. The #HAVhope campaign united hospitals, health systems, nurses, doctors and other professionals from across the country, as well the local and national organizations they work with, to combat violence through the use of digital media. #HAVhope provided an important visual demonstration that the healthcare community stands together and with others in the community to combat violence in our workplaces and communities.

The Lafayette General Foundation hosted its annual fundraiser Charity Golf Classic.

The event raised more than $40,000. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Lafayette General Foundation and its activities supporting Lafayette General Health.

Several teenaged children of employees at Lafayette General Medical Center (LGMC) were treated to a lesson in safe driving.

“Sudden Impact,” a program launched by Louisiana State Police to educate beginning drivers, was hosted by LGMC as a gesture of community outreach. The purpose of the program is to prevent injuries and fatalities from driving impaired, distracted and/or unrestrained.

Lafayette General Orthopaedic Hospital and Dr. Scott Yerger hosted a seminar for those suffering from joint pain to discuss how Mako Robotic-Arm Assisted Technology can assist in joint replacement surgery. A question and answer discussion was had to showcase how shorter recovery times and faster results is a realistic outcome in their future surgeries.

Lafayette General Foundation (LGF) announced 19 recipients of this year’s Employee Scholarship Awards. The scholarship is funded by Lafayette General Health employees through the health system’s employee giving program; $15,500 in scholarships were awarded. The Employee Scholarship Awards Program is designed to encourage employees and their dependents to continue their studies in higher education.

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Your Health 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.

A N O N - P R O F I T , C O M M U N I T Y - O W N E D H E A LT H S Y S T E M