Like his father, ENT Dr. Stanley E. "Bubba" Peters, Jr. pursued the medical field. Now, Peters' own son, Geoffrey, plans to follow in his Dad's footsteps by becoming an otolaryngologist. Bubba's dream one day is to practice with Geoffrey in their native Baton Rouge. "I can't wait to practice with my son," he gushed. "I think it would be a whole lot of fun."

 

Growing up, Peters thought that he wanted to become an attorney. But, when it came to choosing a major, he decided that the law was not for him. "With my personality, I think I'd end up telling the person that I thought they were guilty, and they'd go directly to jail," he said with a laugh. Instead, Peters changed direction and chose a career in medicine like his father, a veterinarian. "I just thought medicine was best for me and my personality, " he said. "And, I definitely think the fact that my Dad was a veterinarian influenced me to go into medicine."

 

After attending LSU and LSU medical school in New Orleans, Peters pursued a specialty in otolaryngology. "As a kid, I had a lot of ear, nose and throat problems, and spent a lot of time in the local ENT office," he recalled. "Once I got in med school, I really kind of fell in love with head and neck anatomy, and I really liked the ENT staff over there." Following med school, Peters headed to Denver, Co. for a two-year surgical internship at St. Joseph Hospital. For a year afterwards, he studied under an otologist, learning specialized techniques involving the ear and brain. Then, he returned to LSU in New Orleans to complete his ENT residency.

 

Peters always knew that he wanted to return to his hometown, but briefly pondered practicing in Pensacola, Fl. Luckily for his patients, he set up his practice in Baton Rouge. Since 1985, he has worked with childhood buddy Dr. Tommy Hansbrough. For the past five years, he has practiced with Hansbrough Peters Traxler and Scallan at The ENT Clinic. Eventually, he acquired a place in Florida for his beach fix.

 

Peters' popularity with his patients is evident. Throughout his office are numerous plaques dubbing him "Patient's Choice" and "Best Doctor" by various publications. Interspersed with his awards are framed posters depicting his beloved LSU Tigers' greatest moments in sports.

 

Undoubtedly, one of the reasons for Peters' stellar reputation is his willingness to try the latest techniques. A fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy, Peters was among the first in Baton Rouge to embrace sublingual allergy therapy. Over the past two years, he has observed a growing number of his patients opting for the under-the-tongue method. "The studies are showing that it's every bit as good as the subcutaneous immunotherapy, with a much greater safety record," he noted. "In fact, I have found that in many cases, people on sublingual therapy get symptom relief earlier on, and I'm really pleasantly surprised by it." 

 

Balancing a bustling practice with raising three boys has been Peters' greatest challenge. "I think trying to be a good, dependable physician to my patients, a good husband and companion to my wife, then be a good responsible parent to my children, and trying to keep all of those balls going at the same time has been the greatest challenge I have personally," he said. But, obviously, he and wife Mary have made it work. His eldest, Geoffrey, age 30, is in his fourth year of ENT residency at LSU. Middle child Christopher, 28, is the entrepreneur, with a masters degree in business and a job at the Postlewaite & and Netterville CPA firm. Like his maternal grandpa, Peters' youngest son, William Ryan, age 25, is pursuing dentistry at LSU in New Orleans.

 

In his scarce free time, die-hard LSU fan Peters enjoys watching the Tigers and serving on the LSU Medical Alumni Board. The avid sportsman also hunts, fishes and plays tennis. One of his favorite pastimes is spending time with grandson Hudson Michael, Geoffrey's son.

 

As for the future, Peters has no plans to retire anytime soon. Now that the kids are grown and out of the house, he relishes traveling with Mary and their friends. Right now, he is looking forward to practicing with Geoffrey one day. "I've really enjoyed every stage of my life," he said. "I've been very blessed."