Ochsner
April/May 2022
Serve, Heal, Lead, Educate and Innovate
Nurses: The Heart of Any Hospital With a combined 107 years of experience, Ochsner nurses Anita Williams and Margie Henrikson have devoted their lives to service and transformed the lives of countless patients. Also In This Issue:
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ow The Helis Foundation’s healing art garden will inspire H recovery through beauty (page 14)
• J oan Zaslow’s guide to beating cancer (page 16) • A father gives his daughter a new chance at life (page 17) • How a lifelong Ochsner patient became an advocate for palliative care (page 18)
Dear Friends, So far, this decade has brought both unprecedented challenges and remarkable milestones. In 2022, we continue to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Ochsner Health and get back on our feet after a 2020-2021 shaped by the pandemic. Honoring the 200th anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale,
Foundation Board
the World Health Organization also designated 2020 as the International Year of the Nurse. The irony of our nurses battling COVID-19 on the front lines as the decade started is not lost on us—and we celebrate our nurses all year long, especially during the month of May. May 6-12 is National Nurses Week, and in honor, we looked back on our history
Gayle Benson Miles P. Clements Joseph R. Dalovisio, MD
through the eyes of two of our frontline nurses, Margie Henrikson, LPN and Anita
Frank C. Dudenhefer, Jr.
Williams, LPN. With a combined 107 years of nursing experience, Margie and Anita
William B. Emory
have witnessed our system evolve from paper files to advanced software. They
Calvin Fayard, Jr.
have seen babies return to Ochsner as adults with their own children in tow, and
Gregory D. Flores
grown right alongside our organization. Quite often, it’s interactions with nurses that patients recall fondly long after leaving the hospital—and it’s Margie and Anita’s caring approach and can-do attitude that puts them, and so many of our Ochsner nurses, head and shoulders above. In this issue, you’ll find many more stories about treating the mind and the body with
Paul H. Flower Tommy Fonseca Sarah G. Freeman Wilmer “Bill” Freiberg
intention and humanity. You’ll read about the complexity of a living organ transplant,
Marcel Garsaud
and how one father quite literally gave away a piece of himself to keep his daughter
Lee L. Giorgio, Jr.
alive. You’ll learn how a generous donation from The Helis Foundation is helping build a sensory healing art garden at Ochsner’s future Neuroscience Institute, where patients and their families will go for inspiration, or simply some rest and repose. You’ll also
John M. Hairston Desiree R. Harrison
learn about a woman who is improving palliative care for families who struggle, and
Tara C. Hernandez
meet Nichole Polin, MD, who balances the effects of cancer treatment on the heart.
Todd B. Johnson
None of these initiatives would be possible without the generous support of our donors, who stand with us every step of the way. At Ochsner, we pride ourselves on taking a holistic approach to health. Your ongoing commitment not only supports the medical research and advancements that treat patients physically. It also helps create an environment that stimulates the minds and heals the souls of residents throughout the Gulf South.
John Kennedy Margaret L. Laborde Cliffe F. Laborde John P. Laborde Michael J. Maenza
Perhaps Margie said it best: at Ochsner, we are like family. I firmly believe that
Steve Nathanson
the whole is stronger than the sum of our parts, and that’s why, in recognizing the
Chadwick Landry
unique contributions of each and every member, we are reminded why Ochsner is
Lori K. Ochsner
the premier healthcare destination in the Gulf South. We are stronger, together. Warner L. Thomas President & CEO, Ochsner Health
Karen T. Stall Pamela Steeg Warner Thomas Catherine Burns Tremaine Norris Williams
To see more stories like these, please follow us on Facebook
We’d Like to hear from you! Please send comments to philanthropy@Ochsner.org.
See this magazine and all our archives online at:
ochsner.org/magazine Browse other projects made possible by donors at:
ochsner.org/donorimpact 2
April/May 2022
Ochsner Executive Leadership Warner L. Thomas President and Chief Executive Off icer Robert Hart, MD, FAAP, FACP Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Off icer
In This Issue Sports Training That Changes Lives
Michael Hulefeld Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Off icer
Through a partnership with Son of a Saint, Ochsner’s Performance Training program provides support for young athletes.
Scott J. Posecai Executive Vice President, Insurance Partnerships and Treasurer
Cover Story: Nurses
Pete November Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Off icer Leonardo Seoane, MD, FACP Senior Vice President and Chief Academic Off icer
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In honor of National Nurses Week, we celebrate Anita Williams and Margie Henrikson for their contributions to Ochsner over the past 50+ years.
Tracey Schiro Executive Vice President, Chief Risk and Human Resources Off icer
A Holistic Approach to Cancer Treatment
Mark Muller Senior Vice President of Strategy and Business Development
Nichole Polin, MD, the co-founder of the Cardio-Oncology Clinic at the Benson Cancer Center, shares how heartconscious cancer care is saving lives.
David M. Gaines Chief Executive Off icer of System Retail Services and Senior Vice President of Public Affairs Michelle Dodenhoff Senior Vice President and Chief Development Off icer Jennifer F. Bollinger Senior Vice President of Consumer Strategy Denise Basow, MD Senior Vice President and Chief Digital Off icer
Ochsner Magazine Lea Witkowski-Purl Maida Jones Editors
MarketSmiths Content Strategists LLC Alizah Salario Custom Publishing Editor Amy Schraub Art Director
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Healing Through Art
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The Helis Foundation Healing Art Garden will give neurological patients access to art and nature on their path toward recovery.
How Joan Zaslow Beat Cancer 16 Thanks to the patient-centered care and live-saving treatment at Ochsner’s Head and Neck Surgical Oncology department, one woman is paying it forward.
A Perfect Match
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Thanks to living organ donation, Rhett Shaffette was able to help save his daughter Cecilia’s life—and the innovative procedure was a gift for the whole family.
A Light in the Dark
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When Virginia Weinmann lost her husband to cancer, she wanted to help families like hers. Thanks to the Palliative Care Innovation Fund, she’s doing just that.
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Glimpses A glimpse of some of the events f rom the past few weeks celebrating everyone from our students to our retired physicians.
Cover photo by Daymon Gardner Some images may have been taken prior to COVID-19 regulations.
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Building Strength in Body and Mind In partnership with Son of a Saint, the Ochsner Performance Training program provides training to young people who need it most—transforming bodies and changing lives By Lea Witkowski-Purl | Photos: Son of a Saint
Concussions, torn ACLs and tendonitis are just some of the injuries that athletes worry about. The long-term effects of sports injuries are even more concerning for young people. As research has progressed in recent years, we’ve become more aware of the importance of sports injury prevention, especially for young athletes. Lance Lacoste, a manager at Ochsner Performance Training, works closely with teams and athletes as young as age seven across the state to prevent sports injuries. “For us, it’s all about starting young, teaching them how to do things the right way and getting them into the right movement patterns,” Lance said.
The blessing of training for all The injury prevention program started in 2018 at two Ochsner campus locations and has expanded to five—Elmwood, Covington, Baton Rouge, Slidell and Destrehan. The injury prevention team also works closely with schools for strength and conditioning. Most of those who participate in the program pay a monthly membership rate. However, another opportunity for athletes to participate in the training is through a donor-funded scholarship program. The Scholastic Athlete Injury Prevention Program provides scholarships to student athletes who cannot afford the membership rate for any reason. “In 2021, a softball team from LaPlace needed training, but they had just gone through Hurricane Ida,” Lance said.
A Son of a Saint mentee on the f ield.
Many of the players had lost homes in the hurricane as the team was primarily based out of LaPlace, Kenner and St. Charles Parish. As a result, the coach decided to cancel injury prevention training. She didn’t want to ask her team to pay the fees when so many families were rebuilding. “We decided to pull from the scholarship and provide the training at no cost to them,” Lance said. Thanks to this support, the athletes were able to train weekly in the fall.
Supporting Son of a Saint Ochsner also partners with Son of a Saint, a nonprofit organization in New Orleans that works with boys who are growing up without a father, providing
mentorship, education, camaraderie and emotional support. Ochsner sponsors training for several boys each month, and it makes a difference, said Will Jones, Community Outreach Coordinator for Son of a Saint. Will works with mentees who receive training from Lance. “We saw that it was a great opportunity as these kids have a lot of energy and some schools are getting rid of gym or recess, so they don’t have resources at the school,” Will said. “This gives them an avenue to work out and get some top-notch training from some great fitness instructors.”
To learn more about the Sports Injury Scholarship, scan this code to watch a video. 4
April/May 2022
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Professional athletes pay a lot of money for this type of training, and for the mentees to be able to receive it for f ree is a blessing. It’s something that they’re going to look back on and remember it was because of donors like you. — Will Jones, Son of a Saint
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Of the 203 boys involved in Son of a Saint, there are about 10 mentees who currently participate in the training program at Ochsner two times a week. Will said they were a little apprehensive about the program at first because they were sore or tired. But ultimately, the results of the training inspire them to keep going. “Their self-esteem goes up when they start to see their body change,” Will explained. “They start to see the change in their posture or they’re not getting as
tired walking up the stairs anymore.” Son of a Saint promotes healthy living in many ways through their mentorship program, including another partnership with Ochsner with the Cooking Up Healthy Options and Portions (CHOP) program, which teaches young people how to cook healthy meals. “Moms and guardians love it because it’s starting to build those habits now of taking care of yourself and your body,” Will said.
Will said his favorite part of working with Son of a Saint is seeing the mentees’ reactions as they achieve their goals through training. It’s an opportunity that’s only available thanks to the Son of a Saint mentorship program. “Professional athletes pay a lot of money for this type of training, and for the mentees to be able to receive it for free is a blessing,” Will said. “It’s something that they’re going to look back on, and remember that it was because of donors like you.”
Investing in Holistic Health for ‘Our Boys’ Ochsner also partnered with Son of a Saint to help “Our partnership with Son of a Saint is not only a monetary renovate its headquarters facility in Mid-City. Investing $1 donation, but also an investment in the health, wellness million in the organization, the gift expands Son of a Saint’s and future of the young men of New Orleans. It is our hope programming activities and accelerates its growth. that even more boys will now have the opportunity to “The space is going to have so many different benefit from Son of a Saint’s guidance.” components where our boys can go and just be themselves,” Will said. Dubbed “A Home for Our Boys,” the new space is intended to help mentees thrive with specific areas designated to meet their needs, including a rooftop garden, private meeting spaces, an aquarium, a weight room, a kitchen and most importantly, access for the mentees when they need it. “Ochsner has a strong commitment to the diverse communities we serve, and building a healthier Louisiana has never been more important than it is now,” said Warner Thomas, Ochsner’s partnership with Son of a Saint will renovate space to create A Home for President & CEO, Ochsner Health. Our Boys.
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In Brief: Making Miracles
Learn how Ochsner is making a difference for patients, staff members, the community—and beyond By Rachel Carp
The Heart Warrior Who Beat the Odds When Hillary Alread’s twin sons Beau and Owen were just six days old, Beau was diagnosed with a hole in his heart that required open-heart surgery. However, born seven weeks early, he didn’t weigh enough to qualify for the procedure. Though Hillary was born with Mosaic Turner Syndrome, she never imagined that one of her sons would be born with a heart condition, too. The Alreads waited five harrowing months until Beau was ready for surgery in February 2019. Performed by Benjamin Peeler, MD, Chief of Adult and Pediatric Congenital Cardiac Surgery, Beau’s surgery rearranged circulation to save his life. Thankfully, the surgery was a success; Beau is now a happy and healthy three-year-old who loves to laugh and play with his brother Owen. “I just look [back] and think, ‘You’re a tiny little miracle—that you’re here and I get to enjoy you every day,’” Hillary said.
A happy and healthy Beau Alread with his mom, Hillary. Photo: Hillary Alread
For more about Ochsner Health’s Department of Pediatric Cardiology, please scan this code to watch a video.
Mental Health Matters Ochsner Health knows that mental and physical health are equally important. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so we are highlighting our Behavioral Health Department’s Code Blue Fund. The Code Blue Fund assists patients who are experiencing a personal “code blue”: whether they need help paying for an overdue light bill or to put groceries on the table, we are here to help bridge the financial gap so that patients can continue with uninterrupted mental health treatment. Recently this fund helped one patient pay first month’s rent to move into their own apartment after they were discharged from the hospital—a crucial step to help this patient maintain a safe and healthy living environment while regaining self-confidence and independence. Additionally, your generous donations to the Code Blue Fund provide resources for transportation to and from appointments, household items and school supplies for children, and so much more.
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April/May 2022
Child Life Specialists Provide High-Quality Care Ochsner Hospital for Children would not be the nurturing place it is without Certified Child Life Specialists (CCLS), professionals who are trained to help the littlest patients cope with their medical treatments. CCLS play an instrumental role in aiding the healing process and elevating the quality of care for children. In 2021, our donors funded support for additional CCLS at Ochsner Medical Complex - The Grove in Baton Rouge, along with resources like specialized medical teaching dolls, distraction and normalization items and patient support initiatives. “New programming requires many resources, and we are so thankful to have your generosity to provide new CCLSs with the tools they need to support the emotional health and educational needs of children throughout Ochsner Health,” said Whitney Cole, Child Life Department Supervisor at Ochsner Hospital for Children.
Ochsner Child Life specialists with the Ochsner Hospital for Children staff at the Fall Fest Parade.
For more on the critical role of our Child Life Specialists, please scan this code to watch a video.
Helping the Ochsner Family In 2021, the donor-supported Employee Assistance Fund made a significant impact on the lives of more than 5,000 employees across Ochsner Health. Through a confidential process, funds are allocated to employees dealing with personal hardships, such as the loss of a spouse’s job, unexpected medical bills, damage to their home, the death of a family member or
unexpected expenses that prevent employees from paying their rent, mortgage and utilities, or funding other basic necessities. Employees who have received contributions from the Employee Assistance Fund are grateful for your support as they get back on their feet.
Continuing Hardships, Ongoing Support The Gulf South has experienced numerous challenges over the past year. Multiple COVID-19 surges have strained hospitals, and in August 2021, Hurricane Ida wreaked havoc on Southeast Louisiana. So far, 2022 has already seen a tornado tear through the West Bank and St. Bernard Parish—causing many Ochsner employees and their families to experience damage and destruction of their homes and their communities. Thanks to generous donations to the Emergency Response Fund, Ochsner’s healthcare heroes have remained steadfast through it all.
Lani Fast, associate administrator, and Kim Keene, chief executive off icer, St. Bernard Parish Hospital (SBPH), watch as St. Bernard Parish President Guy McInnis and St. Bernard Sheriff James Pohlmann take off f rom the SBPH heliport to assess the damage of the tornado affected area in March 2022. Photo: Mallory Matute
For more on how Ochsner Health met the challenges of 2021, scan this code to watch a video.
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The Heart of Any Hospital: Honoring Ochsner Health’s Nurses for Over 50 Years of Service Celebrating Margie Henrikson and Anita Williams for embodying Ochsner Health’s mission to serve, heal, lead, educate and innovate By Olivia Watson | Photos: Daymon Gardner
Anita Williams (left) and Margie Henrikson have a combined 107 years of nursing experience that spans many changes over the decades, including major medical breakthroughs and technological advancements.
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April/May 2022
If you ask Margie Henrikson and Anita Williams why they became nurses, their answers are similar—and profoundly simple. “I have always loved helping people,” Margie said. “Taking care of people is what I do,” Anita answered. It’s hardly even a question—it’s just who they are. Anita grew up taking care of her younger brother, who was diagnosed with scoliosis. “Helping him was my pleasure, it brought me true happiness,” she shared. Raised by her grandmother, Margie also became a caretaker early on. “I always loved helping my grandmother. When I had the opportunity to become a nurse, I followed through,” Margie said. Already living out Ochsner Health’s mission to “Serve, Heal, Lead, Educate and Innovate,” both women found their way to Ochsner early in their careers. Anita began supporting the urology department in 1966, while Margie came aboard as a secretary in 1970 and later became a pediatric nurse in 1978. Together, their nursing experience totals 107 years and spans many changes across decades, including significant medical breakthroughs and technological advancements. They have served their communities during Hurricane Katrina and a global pandemic. But amid all the changes, Anita and Margie have remained a constant source of kindness, patience and compassion for their patients. “Nurses are the world’s best listeners,” Margie said. “It’s our job to make parents and children feel comfortable, supported and cared for—even if they just want to vent. At Ochsner, we’re family.”
Growing and evolving with Ochsner “I remember my first day at Ochsner— March 23, 1966. There were only three buildings back then,” said Anita. That year marked a huge milestone. A team of doctors performed the first successful adult kidney transplant in the region. A year later, they performed the first pediatric kidney transplant in the Gulf South.
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fact, they had a much larger community behind them. With a streamlined approach to medical records, nurses were freed up from administrative tasks and could focus more exclusively on their specialization. As Ochsner grew, streamlined recordkeeping and communication between departments became the norm. “I have seen Ochsner grow and grow in
Nurses are the world’s best listeners. It’s our job to make
parents and children feel comfortable, supported and cared for— even if they just want to vent.
When Margie became a nurse in 1978, Dr. John Ochsner had already implanted a pacemaker in a newborn—the youngest patient to ever receive the device at that time. Ochsner was an energizing, innovative community of doctors and Margie was eager to contribute. Back then, patient records and prescriptions were handwritten and filed manually. Nurses wore many hats, lending a hand with paperwork or in any department that needed support. “We just pulled together and did what needed to be done,” Margie said. “That’s how we’ve always done things at Ochsner.” But with medical advancements and a new system of care came challenges. “Patients had to transition from their private practice to a much bigger system. They felt like they lost a certain closeness or community—but they really didn’t,” Margie explained. “They still had us.” In
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— Margie Henrikson
all ways—in using computers, caring for patients, working in the community and more. It says something that I still love coming to work,” Anita said.
Preserving a close-knit community Today, the Ochsner system includes over 40 hospitals and 100 health centers in the Gulf South, boasting more than 34,000 employees, 8,778 nurses and over 4,500 employed and affiliated physicians in over 90 medical specialties and subspecialties. Despite the breadth and reach of this network, Ochsner’s nurses strive to create a close, supportive community. “I’ve been at Ochsner long enough to see patients I cared for as infants return as adults with their own children,” Margie shared. “It’s so rewarding to have that impact across time.” Ochsner’s staff work closely to
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deliver the best experience for patients. “It’s a very collaborative, nurturing environment,” Margie said. “We’re a big team, but everyone cares about each other so much. Other departments help me all the time with information I need,” Margie explained.
Leading Ochsner to nursing excellence The American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Magnet Recognition Program® distinguishes healthcare organizations like Ochsner that meet rigorous standards for nursing excellence. This credential is the highest national honor for professional nursing practice.
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‘If I help somebody, then
my living has not been in vain.’
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I live by this phrase. — Anita Williams Anita Williams on her 50+ years working at Ochsner: “It says something that I still love coming to work.”
Margie Henrikson on her passion for nursing: “I love helping people and I love my community at Ochsner.”
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Nurses like Margie and Anita are living proof of Ochsner’s commitment to quality healthcare and a work environment where nurses are empowered and equipped to provide expert care to every patient in the Gulf South. This commitment is so deeply ingrained in Margie and Anita that they both decided to rejoin Ochsner after retiring. Prior to Hurricane Katrina, Anita had planned to retire at the end of September in 2005. “I worked at the hospital the week the hurricane hit, but then I had to leave because my own house was flooded,” she explained. “When we were allowed to come back to the city in October, my community at Ochsner called me to come help out a few days a week. I ended up working full-time again,” she shared with a laugh. “This is why I can’t give up my job— I love it too much,” said Anita. Margie felt a similar pull back to her work. “After many years, I decided to take some time away to spend with my grandkids,” Margie said. “But I love helping people and I love my community at Ochsner.” She couldn’t stay away
long—so the pediatric team created a part-time role for her. “I am privileged to still be part of this team,” Margie said.
came to the U.S. alone seeking medical help at Ochsner. When he found out he had a terminal condition, he wanted to go back home to Trinidad. He asked me if I would take him,” she said. Creating a legacy beyond the hospital walls And so she did. “During Easter, I left my husband with my three Anita and Margie cherish their responsibility to Ochsner and little boys and I stayed with this patient for a week. I taught his their larger community. Going above and beyond to deliver wife how to care for him and patient-centered care is simply relieve his pain,” she explained. second nature. “He lived for six more months. In the pediatric department, I’m so glad I could bring him young children frequently You can’t find better care anywhere else. happiness in his final days.” ask, “Is the gray-haired lady We go the extra mile at Ochsner—not just me, Anita’s mantra, inspired by a here today? Is Margie here to hymn her mother used to sing, everyone give me my shots?” Margie is “‘If I help somebody, then my — Margie Henrikson explained with a smile. “You living has not been in vain.’ I can’t find better care anywhere live by this phrase.” This Nurses else. We go the extra mile at Week, Ochsner honors Anita and Margie’s lifetimes of service Ochsner—not just me, everyone.” to Ochsner and the larger community—contributions that have This above-and-beyond mentality even brought Anita to certainly not been in vain. Trinidad in support of a patient. “Years ago, I had a patient who
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An Investment in Compassionate Care The Lee Jones Endowed Fund in Baton Rouge for Nursing Education Lilburn G. (Lee) Jones has always been an active member of his community in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. With a special sense of gratitude for nurses and their contributions to both his health and the community at large, supporting nursing students who were struggling to make ends meet felt natural. “I met a woman who lost her mother and was taking care of her disabled father. She was trying to be a caretaker to her own family, and get herself through nursing school at the same time,” he shared. “It brought tears to my eyes.” Initially, Lee began offering support any way he could, delivering envelopes to students with a few hundred dollars in them. But in 2006, he decided to formalize these donations and create a foundation that offered financial aid to nursing students. “Nurses are the people standing by you, delivering care and lifting your spirits,” Lee explained. “24 hours a day they’re there—we need them.” With support from his late wife and generous community members, Lee made contact with three nursing college institutions. His vision soon came to life at Ochsner Health with the inception of the Lee Jones Endowed Fund in Baton
Rouge for Nursing Education, which offers financial support to nurses at Ochsner who work in the Baton Rouge region. Today, this endowment is funded by the Louisiana Nursing Education Aid Foundation, Inc (LANEAF.org), a tax exempt 501(c)(3) public nonprofit foundation that provides financial aid and nursing scholarships to students pursuing education across many areas of focus. “I never dreamt how much work it would take to start a foundation—but every step of the way has been worth it,” Lee said. Ongoing funding allows nurses to continue their education, a mandatory and expensive job requirement, with little impact to departmental budgets or personal finances. Recently, the Lee Jones Endowed Fund helped an ICU nurse attend the American Association of Critical Care National Teaching Institute Conference. Since its inception, LANEAF has provided over $115,000 for nursing education endowed student scholarships. “I’ve had a great life, and I truly feel like this is my legacy,” Lee said. “I want to leave something meaningful behind, especially if it means supporting nurses.”
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Dr. Christopher White Honored with the John Ochsner Award at the Red Tie Affair By Alizah Salario | Photo: Stephen Legendre
Each year, Ochsner honors a clinician who is committed to fostering excellence in innovative patient care, education, research or community awareness at the annual Red Tie Affair, which celebrates the accomplishments of the John Ochsner Heart and Vascular Institute. On March 12, Ochsner Health was pleased to recognize Christopher White, MD, MACC, MSCAI, FAHA, FESC, FACP as the 2022 recipient of The John L. Ochsner Heart and Vascular Award of Excellence.
Dr. White, who has served as a clinician at Ochsner for more than 30 years, is the Professor and Chairman of Medicine and Cardiology at the Ochsner Clinical School, Ochsner Health’s Medical Director for the Centers of Excellence, Medical Director for Value Based Care and System Chair for Cardiovascular Diseases. Congratulations, Dr. White—thank you for all you do for our cardiology patients and the team at the John Ochsner Heart and Vascular Institute.
By the Numbers
107 years
The combined experience of Margie Henrikson and Anita Williams, the nurses featured in our cover story.
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The number of consecutive years that UQ Ochsner Clinical School’s match rate has been 90% or above.
138
The number of honorees added to the Benefactor Society in the Class of 2022. The Benefactor Society is Ochsner’s major giving society, recognizing cumulative giving over $25,000. To learn more, please visit ochsner.org/benefactor.
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98%
The match rate at UQ Ochsner Clinical School in 2022 through the National Residency Match Program—the highest rate in the history of the program. More than 70% of UQ Ochsner Clinical School graduates matched in their top three choices for residency.
203
The number of mentees, boys between the ages of 10-18, are currently participating in Son of a Saint. Ten of the boys are receiving sports injury prevention training through the scholarship program.
A Collaborative A p p roa ch to Ca rd i o - O n co l o gy
Q&A with Dr. Nichole Polin Emphasizing holistic health in the Cardio-Oncology Clinic By Rachel Carp | Photo: Stephen Legendre
For almost a decade, cardiologist Nichole Polin, MD has been involved in cardio-oncology at Ochsner Health. She takes a holistic approach to health in order to keep a patient’s heart as healthy as possible as they go through cancer treatment. As a cardio-oncologist, Dr. Polin must address the specific cardiac risk factors so that patients can complete their therapies successfully and side-effect free. She meets with patients prior to treatment, monitors them during their regimen and follows them into survivorship—supporting them throughout their entire care journey. We spoke with Dr. Polin about the Cardio-Oncology Clinic at the Gayle and Tom Benson Cancer Center, and how she’s fostering a collaborative approach between cardiology and oncology to optimize care for her patients.
How have you seen cardiooncology evolve since you got involved in 2013? When we started, it was mostly breast cancer patients. But over the past nine years or so, there have been advances that have come out in cancer therapy; patients with various cancers have much higher rates of recovery and live much longer. But what we’re also seeing is a lot of these newer [therapies] can have different potential side effects on the cardiovascular system, including congestive heart failure, uncontrolled hypertension, or different metabolic arrangements with patients’ lipids or glucose. So, the role of the cardio-oncologist has really expanded to a much broader range of cancer patients. In November of 2021, my colleague Andrew Elagizi, MD, and I started a Cardio-Oncology Clinic at the Gayle and Tom Benson Cancer Center, which brings cardio-oncology care directly to our cancer patients.
How does your work at the clinic require a collaborative approach between physicians? I think one of the main benefits of having this clinic is that in cardio-oncology, we work very closely with the oncologist. There needs to be coordination between the two departments because we’re working toward the same goal: we both want to be able to treat our patients the best we can, minimize side effects from any cancer treatment and reduce the risk of side effects that may interrupt treatment.
How would donor support help you achieve what you’re unable to do in your clinic now? The biggest thing right now is that we really would like to be able to offer these services to more cancer patients. In order to do that, we need to hire more people, specifically advanced practice providers (APPs) such as nurse practitioners and physician assistants who are trained in this area. This way, patients could be seen by an APP that would be supervised by Dr. Elagizi and/or I, and patients could keep all of their care centered in the Gayle and Tom Benson Cancer Center.
Tell me about a time when your clinic made a difference in the life of a cancer patient. There was a patient who had a new diagnosis of breast cancer and was sent to me for her initial risk assessment prior to starting chemotherapy. As part of that assessment, we do some baseline blood work, we get an echocardiogram, and then we follow the echo results, as well as certain blood enzyme levels throughout the treatment to make sure we’re not seeing any early signs of any damage to the heart.
Initially, she was doing very well. And it was after her second cycle of chemotherapy that we noticed that one of the biomarkers we checked in the blood came back a little bit high. So we started her on some cardioprotective medication to try to keep her heart function strong. She tolerated this really well and then was subsequently able to go on and finish her chemotherapy without interruption because of the early surveillance and the fact that we were able to act quickly.
Why is it so significant that Ochsner is the first health care system to offer cardio-oncology in the state of Louisiana? Since we have been doing this at Ochsner close to 10 years now, we have gained a lot of experience in taking care of cardio-oncology patients. We’ve been able to really offer our patients a very comprehensive and cohesive treatment plan with a lot of collaboration between multiple specialties, all working toward giving our patients the most optimal care to aid in their recovery.
To see Dr. Polin in her own words, please scan this code to watch a video. o c h s n e r. o rg
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Healing Art Garden Dedicated by The Helis Foundation Creating space for rest, repose and rehabilitation at the new Neuroscience Institute By Anne Paglia | Photo: Ochsner Archives
Nature and art can be powerful tools for healing. An abundance of research has shown that exposure to nature and experiences centered on art can improve well-being and combat mental health issues like depression, stress and anxiety. For people living with neurological disorders and undergoing difficult treatments, the healing power of nature has the potential to be even more potent. Thanks to a generous $250,000 donation from The Helis Foundation, a healing art garden will be created in the courtyard of the new Ochsner Neuroscience Institute. Combining natural and artistic elements—including a water feature, walking path and sculptural art—the healing art garden will provide a soothing outdoor experience for patients and their families. With different ground gradients and textures, the garden will double as a place for recovering patients to practice their mobility skills. “The idea is that by creating a place of repose in a beautiful setting, with beautiful art, we will help improve the emotional state, and thereby the physical state, of people who are undergoing medical treatment and provide comfort to their families,” said David Kerstein, President of The Helis Foundation. When Ochsner first approached The Helis Foundation with plans to build the garden, the project struck David as a natural fit. As the primary arts benefactor in New Orleans, The Helis Foundation
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allocates resources to public arts projects across the city, as well as funds for general community-oriented projects in the region. “We are highly engaged in the arts, particularly sculptural arts, so there was a natural alignment of one of our missions with the healing art garden,” David said. The Helis Foundation’s contributions to the New Orleans metropolitan area include the Poydras Corridor Sculpture
Exhibition, a rotating installation of 40 sculptures by local and international artists, and The Helis Foundation Enrique Alferéz Sculpture Garden at the New Orleans Botanical Garden. The foundation also provides free admittance to leading art museums in the city for Louisiana residents through a program called Art For All. For Ochsner patients and their families, free and accessible art can make a world of difference.
Mrs. William G. Helis presents a check to Alton Ochsner for $250,000 payable to the Alton Ochsner Medical Foundation. Behind them, left to right, are Richard Freeman; Dr. Robert Bernhard, trustee of The Helis Foundation; William G. Helis, Jr., trustee of The Helis Foundation; and J. Blanc Monroe.
A rendering of The Helis Foundation Healing Art Garden at Ochsner Neuroscience Institute.
“Much of our focus is on providing inspiration and dialogue, with art being the launching pad,” said Jessie Haynes, Managing Director of The Helis Foundation. The foundation’s long-standing relationship with Ochsner was another reason to support the healing art garden. William G. Helis, Jr., who started the foundation in 1955, once served on Ochsner’s board of trustees. In the 1950s, the foundation made a significant donation to help build laboratory facilities at Ochsner’s Jefferson Highway location, which was new at the time. “The healing art garden is dedicated to the memory of William G. Helis, Jr. because he was deeply involved with Ochsner and was an important figure in the Ochsner community,” David said. “We’re very happy to be part of this
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The idea is that by creating a place of repose in a beautiful setting with beautiful art, we will help improve the emotional state, and thereby the physical state, of people who are undergoing medical treatment and provide comfor t to their families.
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— David Kerstein, President of The Helis Foundation relationship among Ochsner, The Helis Foundation and the Helis family, which goes back many years.” In carrying on this important partnership, the generous donation will create a place of peace for countless patients and their families. Though still a work in progress, the garden’s serene landscape and carefully curated
sculptures will be designed to enrich—and potentially expedite—the healing journeys of all who enter. For those on a path to wellness, the gift of healing is priceless. “We know that art provides comfort and inspiration,” Jessie said. “I’m excited to see the peace the sculptures may provide to the garden’s visitors.”
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Joan Zaslow’s Guide to Beating Cancer After minimally invasive surgery put her cancer into remission, one patient was inspired to donate to the department that saved her life By Leslie McMann | Photo: Staci Brimer
Joan Zaslow prefers to be called an optimist, not a cancer survivor. Born in New York City and raised in Miami Beach before moving to New Orleans for college, Joan was brought up to always try to see the good in any situation. Joan’s glass half full perspective served her well when in 2014, her dental hygienist spotted a precancerous lesion on her tongue. As a former English teacher, docent and attorney turned sculpture artist plus active philanthropist, the irony of a tongue cancer diagnosis was not lost on her. “I’ve always been doing something that calls for speaking,” Joan said. Thanks to the excellent care of Ochsner’s Head and Neck Surgical Oncology department, led by Brian Moore, MD, Joan has been cancer-free since 2016.
Seeking a second opinion Dissatisfied with the care from her initial doctor, Joan sought a second opinion at Ochsner. The Head and Neck Surgical Oncology department is one of the leading treatment centers in the Gulf South region, specializing in minimally invasive techniques and treatments designed to preserve quality of life. “The minute I walked in, I knew I was home,” Joan said of her first visit to the treatment center. It was there that she first met Dr. Moore, whose personable approach to cancer treatment has kept Joan a patient at Ochsner to this day: “He has my best interest at heart, which I’m telling you, I just appreciate so much.”
Patient-centered care Dr. Moore proposed surgically removing the cancer using a procedure called partial glossectomy. “They took out a small area on the right side of my tongue. I’ve had foot surgery and bone surgery. I’ve never had such pain as tongue surgery,” Joan 16
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recalled. Recovery from head and neck surgery can be quite painful—even swallowing can bring discomfort. But the bedside manner of Dr. Moore and his surgical team—and the post-operative care they provided—helped make Joan as comfortable as possible. “[Dr. Moore] is kind and he’s empathetic and he’s patient. You never feel rushed. You feel like you’re the most important person in the room,” Joan gushed. And Dr. Moore has no shortage of kind things to Joan’s dedication to her community is apparent in all say about treating Joan these her work. past years: “The ability to have relationships over time with they take a little piece of your tongue wonderful people like Mrs. Zaslow is one out, it changes the way you talk,” Joan of the main reasons that I went into head explained. “And my last name is ‘Zaslow’, and neck surgical oncology—and these but I couldn’t pronounce my S’s or my Z’s.” relationships and the ability to positively Speech pathologist Yvette Peevey taught impact patients are why I remain clinically Joan to pronounce her name again. active despite my other responsibilities Paying it forward around Ochsner Health,” he said. Joan is as active now as she always was Joan must keep monitoring her tongue before her cancer diagnosis: “I don’t want for signs of cancer, so Dr. Moore can to sit still and play cards,” she said. intervene should it return. “We have a Joan is on the board of several great relationship with her dental team, philanthropy groups supporting including Dr. Kitrina Cordell of the LSU performance, music and arts education Dental School,” Dr. Moore said. in the New Orleans area. She also creates Thankfully, Joan remains cancer-free sculptures, some of which she donates —which she credits entirely to Dr. Moore’s to auctions for charitable causes or to surgical expertise and rigorous follow-up. public institutions, such as the New “He saved my life. I mean, if he didn’t treat Orleans Ballet Association, and she me the way he did and get it right away recently took up Zumba. and continue to watch me?” Joan’s experience at Ochsner inspired Losing speech, but not heart her to donate to the Head and Neck Even when her biopsy at Ochsner Surgical Oncology department. Her goal? revealed cancerous squamous cells, Joan To directly support Dr. Moore’s continued was focused on recovery, not her disease. research. “It became very personal. I Following surgery, her primary concern think the world of him and also his staff,” was the loss of function in her tongue she said. “I’m so grateful for the incredible and the effect on her speech. “When care they give me.”
A Perfec t Ma tch
How Living Organ Donation Gave One Father and Daughter a Special Chance How far would a parent go to save their child? Ochsner is pioneering this complex procedure so that more families can help save their loved ones. By Leslie McMann | Photo: Andrew Bryan
At age 10, Cecilia Shaffette was no stranger to the pediatric unit at Ochsner— she had her first surgery there as an infant. “Most kids haven’t even gone to a hospital to stay overnight. I’ve been hundreds of times,” Cecilia remarked. Born with a congenital condition known as biliary atresia, her liver has never been able to properly drain bile to her gallbladder. The bile is trapped inside the liver, scarring the tissue and ultimately leading to liver failure. In the United States, it is the most common reason for pediatric liver transplantation—and Cecilia would inevitably need a new liver. With the help of Ochsner transplant specialist John Seal, MD, Angelle and Rhett, Cecilia’s parents, placed her name on the organ recipient waiting list. The scarcity of healthy donor organs is a major hurdle for recipients. And even when a healthy donor organ becomes available, it may not be suitable for the intended recipient. Donor organs must match the recipient’s blood type and tissue type, or the recipient’s body will reject the organ.
Thankfully for Cecilia and her family, Dr. Seal specializes in living donor transplants, meaning organs or parts of an organ are harvested from a living person, typically a relative of the recipient. “I sat down with her mom and dad and discussed the possibility of taking a piece of one of their livers and transplanting that into Cecilia,” he explained. Rhett immediately submitted to a battery of tests to determine his suitability as a donor. Living donor transplants present more opportunities and more challenges for both doctor and patient. Patients are able to source their donated organ from relatives or friends who volunteer, leading to a greater likelihood of finding a matching donor in a shorter time frame.
“By the grace of God, I was a match,” Rhett said.
Two surgeries, two patients, one family While the donor has their organ taken out, the recipient has their native organ removed and the cavity prepared to receive the donation. That requires two surgeons leading two surgery teams operating simultaneously, and a seamless handoff of the donor organ. “Any surgeon who performs this procedure will tell you it comes with a great deal of humility, because it is a very fragile process,” Dr. Seal said. Angelle knew that the worst outcome of this procedure would be losing both (continued on page 19)
A long wait, then a quick decision At age 10, Cecilia was still waiting to find a donor liver match. Her prognosis was looking more dire. “She was listed a couple times and it seemed like we never could find a good match,” recalled Rhett. “It’s pretty emotional to be on the list. We decided we needed to explore other options, if the doctors thought that was okay.”
Cecilia and her father in the hospital showing their strength.
To see Cecilia and Rhett in their own words, please scan this code to watch a video.
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Helping Families Find Peace and Strength Through Palliative Care A generous donation will further the work of Ochsner’s Palliative Care Innovation Fund By Melissa G. Landry | Photo: Melissa G. Landry
comfortable, but they couldn’t,” she said. “They tried everything in the book.”
The art and science of endof-life care
Virginia Weinmann in her home in New Orleans.
Virginia Weinmann and her family have been patients at Ochsner since the very beginning. Back then, in 1942, the clinic was at the corner of Aline and Prytania streets in Uptown, New Orleans. “We knew Dr. Ochsner had started it and he had a very good reputation,” Virginia said. When Virginia’s husband, John Weinmann, started feeling unwell in 2016, it made perfect sense to go to Ochsner. They were longtime donors to many initiatives, including campaigns for research, educational lectures and unrestrictive gifts to provide help where it was most needed. John’s illness began with a backache. At first, the Weinmanns thought John had simply strained his back after falling out of bed not long before. But after an appointment with his primary care physician, they received news that no 18
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family wants to hear: John had cancer. The cancer was quickly spreading, and John’s pain was becoming unbearable. It only got worse as time went on. Within weeks, John was admitted to the hospital. Given the complicated nature of the disease, doctors had conflicting opinions on treatment options. The family was even given a hopeful prognosis at one point. “The doctor told us that he would treat it, and my husband would go home and be as good as new by September,” Virginia recalled. Although John improved initially, he regressed again. His immune system couldn’t withstand the treatment. On June 9, 2016, two days shy of their 61st wedding anniversary, John passed away. His loss was devastating for Virginia and her children, as were the few weeks prior. “They said that they could keep him
Palliative care is an area of medicine that focuses on improving the quality of life for patients living with serious illness and their families, like the Weinmanns. Despite the excellent care at Ochsner, Virginia wished she and John had received more palliative care services and guidance around end-of-life planning. She wanted more information to prepare herself, her husband and her children for enduring— and cherishing—their final days together. “People need to know the good and the bad,” Virginia said. Virginia had kept detailed notes throughout John’s last months. She realized that by sharing her feelings and experience, she could help others watching a loved one deal with harrowing illness. “I began to think that it would be helpful for others to have someone who really knows how to talk to the patient and the family, prepare them for what might happen, and help them go through it,” she said. A year after John’s passing, Virginia met with a doctor to discuss her ideas. The physician told her about palliative medicine, and the efforts at Ochsner to expedite treatment and improve communications. Virginia understood that this level of care was more about the art of treatment rather than the science of medicine. Virginia and John’s altruism spanned decades but, in 2021, Virginia made an exceptionally generous gift to Ochsner Palliative Care Innovation Fund. Her
donation provided resources to train all Ochsner physicians in the art of palliative care. “This gift will give us the ability to train staff on how to have and document
specialized bereavement training for each campus, so that there will be an expert on the grieving process to assist families during their times of loss.” The training includes five monthly
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I hope they feel encouraged knowing I made this gift because I believe in them and in their abilities. And I hope others join me in doing the same. — Virginia Weinmann
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meaningful advanced care planning conversations so that their wishes will be followed by the healthcare team, giving comfort to both the patient and their families,” said Shannon Wentz, System AVP of Palliative Medicine at Ochsner Health. “We also plan to use the funds for
classes, with up to 25 providers in each class. It’s geared toward medical students and residents, affording them the chance to hone their palliative care skills early in their careers. Hospital medicine and critical care physicians who work closely with patients in need of end-of-life
resources will receive priority training. “This gift will give wings to the many ideas we have to educate our caregivers in the delivery of high-quality palliative care, and it is so appreciated,” Shannon said. Virginia is improving the end-of-life experiences for countless families. Thanks to her generosity, medical professionals will be better prepared to broach difficult conversations with sensitivity, allowing patients’ wishes to be honored while relieving families of stressful decisionmaking during a time of crisis. “I’m excited that it’s happening,” Virginia said. “That doctors will be trained, and be able to spread their knowledge to make a difference for families throughout our community. I hope they feel encouraged knowing I made this gift because I believe in them and in their abilities. And I hope others join me in doing the same.”
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her husband and daughter, but she refused to let her fear show. The morning of the operation, she bounced between their rooms, “making sure that they’re both ok, that no one needs anything,” she said. Angelle knew she could count on Ochsner’s Certified Child Life Specialists (CCLS) to provide support. Trained in child development, psychology and counseling, CCLS are a resource for pediatric patients and their families. “I know that if they’re there, Cecilia is fine,” said Angelle. As Rhett was rolled into the operating room, he high-fived his daughter and exchanged “I love yous” with his wife. Recalling the Shaffette’s long battle to find Cecilia a healthy donor liver, Dr. Seal said, “With living donation, Rhett really had this extraordinary opportunity to
take some control of this scary process.” Dr. Seal got to work bisecting Rhett’s healthy liver. Shortly after, Cecilia’s surgery began. As Dr. Seal brought the donor liver to Cecilia’s operating room, “I was frankly shocked to see her liver… it’s really a miracle she made it as long as she did with this liver,” he recalled. Rhett’s donation was seamlessly placed inside Cecilia, a perfect match.
The Greg Smith Fund: supporting transplant recipients and their families The road to recovery is a long one for transplant recipients, living donors and their families. Aside from the cost of the surgery and weeks of treatment, families also need to cover transportation, medications and post-operative care on top of food, housing and utilities.
The Ochsner Transplant Team launched the Greg Smith Fund in memory of a beloved clinical transplant coordinator who always went above and beyond to help families in situations like the Shaffettes during their toughest times with whatever they needed. Whether it’s covering care that insurance has declined, or funding gas so a parent can make ongoing hospital visits, the Greg Smith Fund fills in the gaps.
Taking control of life again A few months later, Rhett and Cecilia are both recovered and living healthy, normal lives. For Cecilia, that’s a first. “It’s an indescribable feeling, to be able to save somebody else by donating something of yours,” Rhett shared. “She’s my little fighter. She’s my survivor. She’s awesome.”
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In Brief: Innovations in Medicine and Patient Care
Discover ways Ochsner is staying on the cutting edge of medical research and treatments By Rachel Carp
Making Strides Against the Most Common Cancer May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, which means there is no better time to highlight the Melanoma Program Fund. With over 5 million cases diagnosed in the United States each year, skin cancer is the most common—and preventable—type of cancer. Today, the Melanoma Program Fund is helping to advance skin cancer care and treatment at Ochsner. Currently, Ochsner has
three active melanoma therapeutic clinical trials and another two in startup stages. The team is also designing a clinical trial to test a novel medication that aims to both improve cancer outcomes and decrease the side effects that often come with immunotherapy regimens. This important research would not be possible without the support of our generous donors.
Innovative Care in Cardiovascular Health Ochsner Health is on the cutting-edge of research in many areas of health care. This includes electrical cardioversion, a procedure that works to return an abnormal heartbeat to its standard rhythm. Gary Cox, a patient at Ochsner, expressed his gratitude with a philanthropic donation to the research of Daniel P. Morin, MD, MPH, Director of Cardiovascular Research. Dr. Morin is testing a novel strategy for electrical cardioversion in obese patients. “We give to research each year because we know the impact of our donation might not benefit a large number of people in the present, but we know it will change the lives of so many in the future,” Gary said. “You can give a smaller amount and make a much bigger impact. In fact, the impact will outlive you and benefit generations to come.” The cardioversion trial is a collaboration between Dr. Morin and Michael Castine, MD, at Ochsner Westbank, along with Paari Dominic, MD, at Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport. Dr. Morin has helped devise the protocol and is on the trial’s steering committee. So far, Ochsner Health has enrolled 311 of the 633 patients involved in the trial at all of the centers combined.
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Gary and his wife Jackie Cox support cardiovascular research because “the impact will outlive you and benef it generations to come,” Gary said. Photo: Gary Cox
COVID-19: Challenges and Progress In the two years since COVID-19 changed life as we knew it and forced us to pause, Ochsner has been on the forefront of research related to the virus. Thanks to donor support, Ochsner was able to quickly initiate a project to determine the prevalence of COVID-19 infections in New Orleans early in the pandemic. Currently, Principal Investigator Amy Feehan, PhD, is working on identifying the spread of Omicron (BA.1) and its newly emerging sister variant BA.2. “We have the ability to gather a lot of data rapidly, but it would really help to be sequencing twice as many samples per week and jump from 50 to 100,” Dr. Feehan said. “Sequencing costs approximately $200 per sample, not including Ochsner processing costs. So far, donor support has been crucial to the success of our research—and we can make even more progress with your help.”
Amy Feehan, PhD is the principal investigator for COVID-19 research at Ochsner
To see Amy in her own words, scan this code to watch a video.
After 38 days in the ICU, a healthcare hero and COVID-19 patient was discharged f rom Ochsner Medical Center – Kenner in May 2020. Hospital staff lined the halls and cheered as Peter Woullard left the hospital. Peter has been working on the f rontlines of the pandemic response at St. Charles Parish Hospital before testing positive for COVID-19 in late March 2020.
Ochsner’s Vision for Healthy Vision To celebrate Healthy Vision Month this May, we’re highlighting Ochsner’s Ophthalmology Research and Development Fund. The fund helps ensure that Ochsner physicians remain at the forefront of vision care, providing the most effective and cuttingedge procedures. Last year’s gifts helped support telemedicine for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), an eye disorder found in premature infants, at Ochsner Medical Center - West Bank. This crucial service has significantly improved the rapid assessment of babies at risk for blindness due to ROP. It’s essential for triaging babies for observation, employing rapid ROP treatment and monitoring the resolution of eye disease, all while preventing blindness in many premature babies. Another tool supported by your donations is the Optos
Camera, which has improved the efficiency and accuracy of making diagnoses of the retina. It supports Ochsner’s goal of presenting medical students, residents, fellows and patients with an easy-to-understand image of the patient’s eye condition. It also supports physicians’ research by making it easier to prepare patient case reports using images from the camera.
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Glimpses Ochsner continued to hold safe and fun events, bringing together our community of patients and practitioners to benefit our outstanding health services. Check out some photos from some of the events.
Congratulations Class of 2022! On Friday, March 18, 2022, our University of Queensland Ochsner Clinical School students celebrated match day with a 98% match rate! Our new alumni enjoyed spectacular views at Rosie’s on the Roof in New Orleans as we toasted their accomplishments and welcomed them to the Ochsner Alumni Association. L to R: Rohit Rajendran, Dodd Denton, Hannah Rosenthal, a f riend of the graduates and Nick Newcomb Photo: Helen Zito
Ochsner Community Health Center - Brees Family Center f irst anniversary celebration in Baton Rouge. This location has made a big difference for the Baton Rouge community and, according to East Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome “has improved families’ ability to receive health care. To seek testing that is crucial to diagnosing, treating and managing illnesses. To receive COVID-19 vaccines. And the ability to do all this closer to home.” We are proud of the progress we’ve made and will continue to make in this community! Photo: Patrick Clay
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The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) Alumni Reception was held in Chicago, Illinois on March 25, 2022. The event was hosted by George Chimento, MD. L to R: Dr. Amalia Decomas, Dr. George Chimento and Dr. Jim Mautner Photo: Helen Zito
Dr. Lock Ochsner, Dr. Pat O’Brien, Mary Lou Ochsner, Dr. Christopher White, Allen Davis and Miles Clements at the Red Tie Affair. Dr. White was honored with the John Ochsner Award. Photo: Ray Bender
Dr. Sammy Khatib, Gina Khatib, Jessica King-Bernard and Dr. Michael Bernard served as co-chairs for the Red Tie Affair on March 12. Photo: Ray Bender
Dr. Richard Strub and Dr. Michael Sullivan gather with others for the Retired Physicians’ Luncheon on March 14 at the Stewart Riverview Terrace in the Benson Cancer Center. Photo: Beth Burris
To learn more about any of the funds mentioned in this issue or to make a donation, please scan this code.
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May 13, 2022 Four Seasons Hotel Ochsner launched Colors of the Mind four years ago to generate revenue for the Neuroscience Patient Assistance Fund. The fund helps patients and caregivers def ray expenses associated with a long-term or critical illness. The event also benef its programs such as the Neuroscience Innovation Fund, which allows clinicians access to the tools to provide cutting-edge care to patients.
May 21, 2022 Mardi Gras World The inaugural Imagination Gala will not only celebrate the incredible achievements of the clinicians of OHFC, but also raise funds in support of the patients and further advancements in pediatric healthcare.
November 2022 Since 2013, the Moonlight & Miracles Gala has generated much-needed funds to directly benef it the patients and programs at the Ochsner Cancer Institute’s comprehensive centers, located throughout New Orleans, Baton Rouge and the Northshore. For more information, visit ochsner.org/ moonlight. For more information about Philanthropy Special Events, please visit www.ochsner.org/specialevents