Ochsner Health’s Post

Just over a year ago, Ochsner Health, in partnership with Xavier University of Louisiana, announced our plans for a new historically black college and university (HBCU) medical school in Louisiana to help address physician shortages and give more career opportunities to underrepresented students, helping to improve health outcomes for patients and community members across our region. Today, on April 29, we shared our continued progress in launching the transformational Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine (XOCOM). Through the establishment of XOCOM, Xavier and Ochsner aspire to redefine the landscape of medicine by training new physicians who authentically mirror the communities they serve. Slated to be the only HBCU medical school in the Gulf South when it opens, XOCOM expands opportunities for New Orleans’ downtown area as part of the BioDistrict, a development district growing biosciences and the local economy. As XOCOM advances healthcare equity and expands the physician workforce in the Gulf South, the medical school will also help the BioDistrict lead the region in healthcare excellence and promote inclusive, equitable job growth. At the momentous XOCOM signing celebration, Xavier and Ochsner officials proudly announced that Leonardo Seoane M.D., F.A.C.P., executive vice president and chief academic officer of Ochsner Health, will serve as the new HBCU medical school’s founding dean.  Xavier University of Louisiana will seek approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, which is expected to take about three years, followed by recruitment. XOCOM aims to seat 50 students in the first class, and the medical school will continue to grow as it develops. Thank you to all who have made XOCOM possible, including the Xavier University of Louisiana Board of Trustees, the Ochsner Health Board of Directors, and local and state officials. To learn more, visit: https://lnkd.in/guWTQ_ww.

On July 9, Ochsner Baptist launched the Family Connects program in partnership with the City of New Orleans Health Department and welcomed our first families into this wonderful initiative! The Barlow family, who recently welcomed their daughter, Camille, are among the first to benefit from this amazing service. Family Connects provides free, in-home nurse visits to new families, offering essential support during those crucial early weeks. Whether it's health checks, breastfeeding guidance or scheduling doctor's appointments, our dedicated nurses are here to ensure every family has the resources they need to thrive. 🍼💙 Learn more about how Family Connects can support you and your newborn: https://lnkd.in/gTday_4f

Congratulations to Steve Gleason, former New Orleans Saints safety and co-founder of our partner Team Gleason Foundation, who was honored with the prestigious Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the ESPY Awards on July 11! The Arthur Ashe Courage Award is given to people whose contributions transcend sports, reflecting the courage, resilience and spirit exemplified by Arthur Ashe. This accolade recognizes Steve's indomitable spirit, tireless advocacy for the ALS community and his impact on the world, extending far beyond the ALS community. Steve's remarkable journey and contributions have inspired many. His and Team Gleason's dedication to raising awareness and advocating for those battling ALS has brought hope and strength to countless people. The Ochsner Neuroscience Institute is proud to be a partner of Team Gleason. Through our partnership, we are committed to enhancing healthcare, raising awareness and contributing to shaping a future in which ALS is confronted with resilience, cutting-edge research and a united community. https://lnkd.in/gVSGF8aJ

The launch of the St. Tammany Health System/Ochsner Family Medicine Residency Program aims to train the next generation of family doctors. This pioneering program, led by Lisa Casey, MD, focuses on understanding and caring for our community across generations, marking a first on the Northshore. "In family medicine, we are taking care of a community. We understand the environment, the struggles people face," said Dr. Casey, who will be leading the residency program from a state-of-the-art clinic in North Covington. "We take care of mom, dad, kids, grandparents. It's the mindset of a family doctor in a small town with a new avenue of innovation." We are excited to welcome our new residents: - Mary Grimmett, MD - Madison Lambert Dronet, MD - Ashlin Hinojosa, MD - Marlie Giardina, MD - Meghan Castillo, MD - Mohamed Hussein, MD Their dedication and expertise are essential for strengthening the physician workforce in St. Tammany Parish and enhancing access to high-quality, compassionate healthcare. Read more: https://ow.ly/3T3o50Sz1TE Learn more about the St. Tammany Health System/Ochsner Family Medicine Residency Program: https://ow.ly/2bgz50Sz1TF.  #FamilyMedicine

Meet Eleni H., an emergency room RN at Ochsner Medical Center - New Orleans! 🌟 Discover how she found her calling in nursing, and why she loves working at Ochsner. Are you an RN looking for a supportive and dynamic environment? Join our team and be part of a community that values excellence, compassion and teamwork. Read Eleni's full story and learn how you can join the Ochsner community. https://ow.ly/vOZl50SzFCJ

🎉 Ochsner celebrated the opening of Ochsner 65 Plus - Marrero, located at 1963A Barataria Blvd., Marrero, on Thursday, July 11! Ochsner 65 Plus is designed exclusively for older patients and offers personalized healthcare, social support and wellness resources to care for all aspects of a person's well-being. "Ochsner Health takes great pride in offering a comprehensive healthcare solution tailored specifically for the older adults within our community," said Mary Deynoodt, CEO of Ochsner Health West Bank. "Ochsner is dedicated to accommodating the unique needs of our community members with innovative healthcare throughout all life stages." Thank you to those who made this opening possible, including Jefferson Parish Councilman Byron Lee, Ochsner's board and executive team, physician leaders who helped design the programs, Ochsner 65 Plus care teams and the facilities team. And, of course, a special thank you to our patients and community members for trusting us and giving us guidance to better meet your needs. Ochsner 65 Plus - Marrero is the sixth clinic to open, joining others in Metairie, Covington and Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Pensacola, Florida; and Ridgeland, South Carolina. Appointments to the new Ochsner 65 Plus Clinic or any other of our healthcare facilities are available online and through the MyOchsner patient portal or by calling 504-703-7587. Learn more about Ochsner 65 Plus: https://lnkd.in/gu2pfHST

July is #NationalFibroidAwarenessMonth, a time to reflect on a health condition most women will experience by age 50. Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths of the uterus that often appear during childbearing years. Fibroids affect many women's reproductive and sexual health, especially Black women, who are three times more likely to develop them. The Ochsner-Xavier Institute for Health Equity and Research (OXIHER) is shining a light on some of the most critical health disparities affecting the communities we serve, such as uterine fibroids. OXIHER works in alignment with Healthy State to develop strategies for addressing health inequities and improving overall population health. Ochsner's Veronica Gillispie-Bell, MD, MAS, is a leading voice for both women's health and health equity—nationally as well as locally. She joined American Medical Association to discuss what she wishes patients knew about uterine fibroids. 📣 Listen here: https://lnkd.in/gtdpchRi #HealthEquity #HealthyState

At Ochsner Health, every team member, clinical and non-clinical, makes a difference in the lives of patients, families and the community. When we asked our team members in an anonymous employee survey, 79% of our dedicated healthcare professionals believe their work has purpose and meaning. With unlimited growth potential, both professionally and personally, now is the time to start your future with Ochsner. ochsner.org/careers

Ochsner Health has been named among the final winners of the HHS Hypertension Innovator Award Competition for its program Ochsner Connected Maternity Online Monitoring (MOM)! The national competition by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office on Women’s Health identifies and rewards innovative programs that ensure women with hypertension during pregnancy or postpartum receive appropriate monitoring and follow-up. Ochsner Connected MOM program is a way to help expecting mothers manage their pregnancy from the comfort of home. Patients can digitally send blood pressure readings to their medical team, allowing them to monitor their health between visits. "We are grateful to be recognized by the HHS Office on Women’s Health with this award for our Connected MOM program," said Veronica Gillispie-Bell, MD, MAS, senior site lead for women’s services at Ochsner Health Kenner and director of quality for Women's Services for Ochsner Health. "Telehealth has been a pivotal innovation, allowing us to bring care to patients and remove barriers that many mothers face in accessing necessary healthcare. This award will broaden the reach of this program, ensuring that even more mothers can experience the benefits of comprehensive, compassionate, and convenient care." Ochsner Health is thrilled to receive this honor. Read more: https://lnkd.in/griGNs_b. Learn more about the Connected MOM program here: https://lnkd.in/gU8rQQTB. ConnectedHealth #ConnectedMOM

This year's Dr. and Mrs. Roy Gregory Scholarship recipient is Carlos Santaolaya, a fourth-year medical student at the The University of Queensland Medical School - Ochsner. 🏆 The award supports a senior medical student committed to a career in family medicine who displays academic excellence and a passion for community service. Carlos grew up in a Spanish-speaking household in Southern California and earned his degree in human biology from the University of California, Santa Cruz. Inspired by public health physicians in his college town, he pursued a master's degree in epidemiology at the University of Antwerp, Belgium. His journey provided him with extensive experience in public health, clinical research and healthcare services. Currently, he serves as the Family Medicine Interest Group president and co-president of UQ-Ochsner's Habitat for Humanity group. Dr. Gregory and his partner, Gerald Keller, MD, established the first primary care practice on the north shore to join Ochsner, growing it into a multi-location practice with 14 physicians. Dr. Gregory's dedication to full-service family medicine left a lasting legacy in Mandeville, Louisiana. Congratulations, Carlos! Learn more about this award: https://lnkd.in/gxrBXh3r