Dr. Beck Installed as Dean of the School of Nursing at Our Lady of the Lake College

BATON ROUGE- Our Lady of the Lake College celebrated the installation of Jennifer Beck, Ph.D., R.N., C.N.E., as Dean of the School of Nursing (SON) on August 31, 2011.

Dr. Beck holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Research, a Master’s degree in Nursing, and Baccalaureate degrees in Nursing and Education.  Her doctoral research focused on student perceptions of incivility in the nursing education triad – students, faculty, and nurses.  Currently, Dr. Beck’s research focuses on ways to create a positive change in the professional socialization process of nursing students.

Prior to beginning her academic career, Dr. Beck worked in critical care in California and Missouri and in medical-surgical nursing and diabetes education at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center.  In addition, she has done emergency care, community-based care, and research.  Before commencing her tenure at Our Lady of the Lake College, she taught associate degree students in California and LPN students in American Samoa where she was instrumental in transitioning the program to an associate degree.

In 1984, Dr. Beck began teaching in the Our Lady of the Lake School of Nursing diploma program where she was actively involved in transitioning the School of Nursing into higher education.  She served on the task force to develop the LPN-RN Transition program and the RN-BSN program.  Dr. Beck has taught across the nursing curriculum, served as RN-BSN program director, ASN program director, and Associate Dean prior to being appointed Dean of the School of Nursing.

She holds membership in the Louisiana Council of Administrators of Nursing Education where she is secretary, the American Nurses’ Association, National League for Nursing, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, the Association for the Study of Higher Education, and the American Educational Research Association.

Brad W. LeBert, MD, Opens Southwest Louisiana Ear, Nose and Throat

LAKE CHARLES- Lake Charles Memorial Hospital welcomes otolaryngologist Brad W. LeBert, MD, and his practice, Southwest Louisiana Ear, Nose and Throat, located at 1890 W. Gauthier Road, Suite 205. Dr. LeBert  began seeing patients on September 26.

A Lake Charles native, Dr. LeBert graduated magna cum laude from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge with a degree in Zoology, and a minor in Psychology. He then went on to earn his medical degree from LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans, where he also completed his residency in Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck surgery.

Dr. LeBert is a member of the American College of Surgeons and the American Academy of Otolaryngology.  He has also published research and given national presentations on a variety of ear, nose and throat topics; including speech restoration after laryngectomy and branchial cleft cyst removal.

Brigitte DeMoss M.D., Joins Terrebonne General Medical Center’s Active Medical Staff

Brigitte DeMoss, M.D., Pathologist was recently appointed to the Active Medical Staff at Terrebonne General Medical Center (TGMC).

Dr. DeMoss received her Bachelor of Science Degree from The University of New Orleans and her medical doctorate from Louisiana State University (LSU) Medical Center in New Orleans, LA. She also completed her Anatomic and Clinical Pathology residency at Tulane University Medical Center and LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans as well as at the University of Flordia-Shands of Jacksonville in Jacksonville, FL.

Dr. DeMoss is Board Certified in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology by the American Board of Pathology and is also licensed by the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners. Dr. DeMoss is a member of the Golden Key National Honor Society as well as a Fellow of the College of American Pathologists.

Our Lady of the Lake Welcomes New Pediatric Residency Program Director

BATON ROUGE- Our Lady of the Lake welcomes Alston “Trey” Dunbar III MD, MBA, FAAP, as the new Pediatric Residency Program Director.

Dr. Dunbar earned his medical degree from Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, completed his pediatric residency at University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, and his Neonatology fellowship at Johns Hopkins University.  He also received his M.B.A. from Louisiana State University.

As the Pediatric Residency Program Director, Dr. Dunbar will oversee Pediatric Graduate Medical Education at Our Lady of the Lake. Under his leadership physicians selected to participate in the Our Lady of the Lake Pediatric Residency Program will experience an innovative and comprehensive curriculum focused on the development of a well-rounded pediatrician. Residents will learn how to deliver evidence-based medicine focused on quality and safety in a unique collaboration with private pediatricians and academic faculty members.

East Jefferson General Announces Staff Changes

METAIRIE-  East Jefferson General Hospital  recently announced the following administrative promotions and hirings:

Bill Bopp has been named President of Gulf South Quality Network, LLC.

Christine MacKay-Michels has been named Vice President of Revenue Cycle and Managed Care

Mitch Brock has been named Director of Respiratory Services

Jeff Edge has been named Operations Manager for Radiology

Laura Waples, ATC has been named Athletic Trainer with EJGH Sports Medicine Program

No More Cuts to Hospital Care, Leaders Tell Congress

WASHIINGTON, DC- Hospital leaders converged on Capitol Hill Tuesday, Oct. 4th to deliver a unified message to Congress: Hospital care cannot sustain further cuts.

AHA President and CEO Rich Umbdenstock told more than 200 hospital leaders participating in the association’s Advocacy Day to “speak loudly and clearly” when urging their lawmakers to reject payment cuts to Medicare and Medicaid that would harm patients’ care and eliminate jobs that communities need.

AHA leaders briefed participants, including many tuning in via a special webcast, on proposals being considered by the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction, including options for cutting funding for hospital services. The committee is charged with crafting a far-reaching plan to reduce the national deficit by at least $1.2 trillion by Nov. 23. If the committee cannot find enough savings or Congress fails to adopt the committee’s recommendations by Dec. 23, automatic spending cuts totaling $1.2 trillion will take effect. Medicare payments to hospitals would be reduced by about $43 billion.

Several lawmakers took to the House floor to recognize the role that hospitals and healthcare workers play in their communities.

Opelousas General Health System Donates Breast Cancer Awareness Tool Kit

October 5,  2011, Opelousas, LA – Opelousas General Health System presented Port Barre High School with an educational tool kit on Breast Cancer Awareness.  Materials valued at over $1,000 were provided through a grant received by Opelousas General Health System from the Acadiana Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.  One component of the grant that OGHS received is community education.  “Paint the Town Pink” is the theme name for the activities and initiatives going on during the month of October to bring awareness and education about breast cancer.  Each year, OGHS donates two educational tool kits on breast cancer awareness.  The other recipient this year was the Academy of the Sacred Heart in Grand Coteau, LA.  The kit donated to Port Barre High School will be, rotated throughout all St. Landry Parish public high schools.  OGHS’ goal is to provide this tool kit to all high schools in the parish with funds from future grants.  For more information about “Paint the Town Pink” visit our website at www.opelousasgeneral.com. 

Industry Leader Certifies North Oaks Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program

HAMMOND —The American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) has renewed certification of the North Oaks Medical Center Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program. AACVPR certification recognizes North Oaks’ commitment to improving patients’ quality of life by enhancing standards of care.

The North Oaks Pulmonary Rehabilitation program has been certified by AACVPR since 2000. The application process is voluntary and requires extensive documentation of program practices. Certified AACVPR programs are recognized as leaders in the field of cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation because they offer the most advanced practices available. Certification is valid for 3 years at a time.

The North Oaks program is designed to help patients with pulmonary problems, such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or respiratory symptoms, improve their quality of life. Certified programs include exercise, education, counseling and support services for patients and their families.

 The AACVPR Program Certification is the only peer-reviewed accreditation process designed to review individual programs for adherence to standards and guidelines developed and published by the AACVPR and other professional societies. Each program is reviewed by the AACVPR National Certification Committee, and certification is awarded by the AACVPR Board of Directors.

Drs. Brian J. Ladner and Judson L. Penton Join North Oaks Orthopaedic Specialty Center

LIVINGSTON & PONCHATOULA— Traumatologist Brian J. Ladner, MD, and Sports Medicine Specialist Judson L. Penton, MD, have joined North Oaks Orthopaedic Specialty Center in Livingston and Ponchatoula. Both are accepting new patients.

A graduate of University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Medicine in Jackson, Dr. Ladner is one of a handful of orthopaedic traumatologists currently practicing in the state of Louisiana. He completed his residency at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at New Orleans. In addition, he completed an Orthopaedic Trauma Fellowship at Massachusetts General/Brigham and Women’s Hospitals through the Harvard Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. He belongs to the Louisiana Orthopaedic Association, Orthopaedic Trauma Association and American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Dr. Ladner specializes in high-energy trauma—often the result of traffic injuries and falls. He treats severe fractures of all major bones, including the pelvis, and provides care for fractures that have failed to heal despite surgery or casting. He also is trained in complex hip reconstructions and performs hip replacements.

“I usually meet my patients for the first time following an accident or injury,” Dr. Ladner shares. “So it’s very important for me to not only spend time with them and make sure they have a clear understanding of their injuries and treatment options, but also respect their wishes along the way.”

Dr. Penton earned his undergraduate degree at The University of Notre Dame and earned his medical degree from the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Medicine. He completed his Orthopaedic Surgery residency through Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center and went on to complete an Orthopaedic Surgery Sports Medicine Fellowship and has worked extensively with collegiate and high school athletes. In addition, he has experience as a sideline physician during numerous sporting events and also has been involved in Louisiana State University-led orthopaedic sports medicine research.

As a sports medicine specialist, Dr. Penton treats a variety of injuries to the shoulders, hips, knees and elbows. In addition to traditional surgical techniques, he is highly skilled in arthroscopy—including minimally invasive procedures used to treat athletic hip pain, ligament reconstruction of the knee and rotator cuff repairs.

Thibodaux Regional Medical Center Stars In Their Own Pink Glove Dance Video To Support Breast Cancer Awareness

THIBODAUX, LA – October 4, 2011 -- The Pink Glove Dance is spreading to Thibodaux Regional Medical Center. More than 150 staff members at Thibodaux Regional are starring in their own Pink Glove Dance video to help spread the word about breast cancer awareness and prevention. The video was submitted to a national competition to determine the best Pink Glove Dance video. The competition is sponsored by Medline Industries, Inc., manufacturer of the gloves and producer of the original Pink Glove Dance video.

As part of the contest, Thibodaux Regional’s video was posted on www.pinkglovedance.com on October 3 along with the videos of the other participants to be viewed by the public. Viewers can then vote on their favorite video (voting requires a Facebook® account). The top three winners receive a donation in their name to the breast cancer charity of their choice. Thibodaux Regional will dedicate the funds to the Bayou Region Affiliate, Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The Bayou Region Affiliate is comprised of Assumption, Lafourche, St. James, St. Mary and Terrebonne parishes. Winners of the contest will be announced October 28 on pinkglovedance.com.

The original Pink Glove Dance video premiered in November 2009 and featured 200 Portland, Oregon hospital workers wearing pink gloves and dancing in support of breast cancer awareness and prevention. Today the video has more than 13 million views on YouTube® and has spawned hundreds of pink glove dance videos and breast cancer awareness events across the country. Thibodaux Regional participated in a sequel produced last October featuring 4,000 healthcare workers and breast cancer survivors throughout North America.   

“Our staff was so excited and inspired to be part of the Pink Glove Dance Video competition. We immediately wanted to get involved to help make a difference at our facility, in our community and even around the country,” said Toni Martinez, Marketing Director at Thibodaux Regional.   It was not only a lot of fun to participate, but the awareness and discussion about breast cancer we’re going to create from the video is the real satisfaction we’re hoping to take away from this experience.”     

The song used in Thibodaux Regional’s video was Firework by Katy Perry.  An interesting side note is that the artist gave permission to use this song specifically for the Pink Glove Dance competition. 

Medline filmed the original Pink Glove Dance video at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center in Portland, Ore., which quickly generated thousands of responses, letters and e-mails from survivors, family and friends. It has entertained and inspired laughter and, for many, it has evoked memories of their own battle with breast cancer or experiences faced by loved ones.

 “As a way to extend our breast cancer awareness campaign, we developed a pink glove called Generation Pink™,” said Andy Mills, president of Medline.  “Gloves are also the first point of contact between the healthcare worker and the patient. And, because the glove is pink, we hoped it would get people talking about breast cancer.”

Medline is donating a portion of each sale of the pink gloves to the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF). To date, Medline has donated more than $800,000 to the NBCF to fund mammograms for individuals who cannot afford them.

Why a Pink Glove Video Contest?

As a result of the original Pink Glove Dance video and the sequel videos, Medline has received hundreds of calls from healthcare facilities, breast cancer survivor groups, schools and other organizations throughout the U.S. and Canada inquiring about participating in another video. 

“The response we received has been overwhelming and heartwarming,” said Sue MacInnes, Medline’s chief marketing officer. “We were flooded with calls, e-mails and letters about the joy the videos have brought, and people were asking if they could participate in another video. We didn’t want to leave anyone out who wanted to be in a Pink Glove Dance video, so we thought a competition could include everyone who wanted to participate. All these videos from the competition will help bring attention to breast cancer awareness and prevention.”

Andrew Ambler, DO, Joins Hamilton Medical Group

LAFAYETTE – Andrew “Drew” Ambler, DO has joined Hamilton Medical Group, a multi-specialty physician practice.

Dr. Ambler is Board Certified in Infectious Disease and Internal Medicine and comes to the Lafayette from his practice in Danville, Pennsylvania with 5 years of experience in infectious diseases.

Dr. Ambler graduated from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie, Pennsylvania and completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Genesys Regional Health Center in Grand Blanc, Michigan.  He then went on to complete a fellowship in Infectious Disease at Botsford General Hospital in Farmington Hills, Michigan.

The Elaine M. Junca Women’s Imaging Centre Welcomes Radiologist

LAFAYETTE- Dr. Philip Meyer, Board-Certified Diagnostic Radiologist, joins the staff of The Elaine M. Junca Women’s Imaging Centre as Medical Director.  Dr. Meyer received his osteopathic medical degree from Des Moines University.   He then completed his internship at Des Moines General Hospital and residency at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.  Dr. Meyer was most recently in practice at the Oklahoma Breast Care Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Honors include the appointment of Chairman of Radiology at Jackson County Memorial Hospital in Altus, Oklahoma.

Providers Now Required to Complete PCF Questionnaire

BATON ROUGE- The Louisiana Patient’s Compensation Fund (PCF) is now requiring healthcare providers who are currently requesting or receiving a part-time discount to complete a “PCF Part-Time Questionnaire.”

The questionnaire, which covered providers must complete and return to the PCF, asks for specific information about your hours of work to verify that you qualify for the PCF Part-Time discount. This would include those moving from full to part-time or changing to a different part-time level.

This questionnaire will be requested by the PCF on an annual basis. For more information, including how to obtain a copy of the questionnaire, please visit the PCF website at http://www.doa.louisiana.gov/pcf/Applications.htm.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Announces Management Appointments

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana recently appointed Stephen Brunet manager of Documentation and Metrics in the company’s Business Engineering Unit and Michelle Salim IT Change Manager. It also promoted Thea Christy to manager of Corporate and eCommunications Services in Corporate Communications.

Stephen Brunet comes to his new position with broad experience in business communications for several healthcare companies, as well as 25 years of IT technical writing experience. Brunet will manage the team that develops, maintains and organizes all systems configuration documentation and departmental metrics for Blue Cross. He is a graduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

Thea Christy will direct and coordinate the operational activities of the Corporate Communications Department, including developing and revising standard operational and working practices to ensure customer satisfaction. Her duties include fostering and maintaining communication for an overall efficient flow of work with the objective of promoting a high-quality image that will enhances sales and retention.

 Christy received her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond. She has more than 28 years of experience with Blue Cross.

 Michelle Salim will spearhead the new IT Change Management program the company will implement in October. Salim brings to the job more than 25 years of experience in information technology services and support for the healthcare and financial industries with more than five years of specific background in change management. She received her degree in computer science from LSU.

Louisiana Health Care Quality Forum Announces New Officer and Board Members

Baton Rouge – The Louisiana Health Care Quality Forum has named a new officer and four new members to its Board of Directors for 2011-2012.

Dionne E. Viator, CPA, FACHE, will serve as the organization’s secretary/treasurer.  Viator is Executive Vice President and Chief Business Development Officer for Baton Rouge General/General Health System in Baton Rouge.

In addition, four individuals have joined the Quality Forum board: C. Douglas Ardoin, Jr., MD, Chief Medical Officer for HCA Delta Division in New Orleans; Donna D. Fraiche, Attorney at Law for Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC in New Orleans; Anjum Khurshid, PhD, MBBS (MD), MPAff, Director, Health Systems Division and Principal Investigator, Crescent City Beacon Community for the Louisiana Public Health Institute in New Orleans; and Paul Salles, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Metropolitan Hospital Council of New Orleans and Executive Vice President of the Louisiana Hospital Association in Baton Rouge.

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