2025 Issue 2 Memorial MEDICAL MILESTONES Nursing care that makes a difference John William Digiglia, MD, retired heart surgeon, has a new appreciation for nurses.
2 Memorial Medical Milestones • 2025 Issue 2 MEDICAL MILESTONES is published as a community service for the friends and patrons of Lake Charles Memorial Health System. Information in MEDICAL MILESTONES comes from a wide range of medical experts. It should not be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your healthcare provider. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. To recommend this subscription to a friend or family member, or to request to be removed from this mailing, email marketing@lcmh.com. 2025 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Finding hope and healing Krecynthia Mitchell says our wound care team made all the difference in her healing journey. Meet our new providers Say hello to these friendly faces—and see who to expect next! Page 6 Understanding your breast cancer risks See what you can and can’t change to be healthier. Page 14 Caring for our community Get a look—broken down by the numbers—at how Memorial impacted the community in 2024. Page 10 Do you have pelvic discomfort? If so, there’s no need to suffer in silence. Our expert team of providers is here to help. Page 16 4 Award-winning CARE
lcmh.com 3 From the CEO Lake Charles Memorial Health System 2025 Board of Trustees At Lake Charles Memorial Health System, people are at the center of every story. The individuals we are privileged to care for and the dedicated professionals who care for them form the foundation of all we do. This issue of Memorial Medical Milestones reflects the strength, compassion and spirit of both our team and our community. Inside, you’ll read about new services, new faces and the ongoing work to improve how we care for you. We’ve welcomed over a dozen new physicians to the Memorial family this year, expanding access and expertise close to home. Our latest Community Impact Report shows how your community health system is here for you, advancing health equity and removing barriers to care. Beyond medical treatment, we support the region through charitable giving, partnerships and investments that strengthen programs and services. We also play a vital role in the local economy by providing jobs and supporting businesses, helping keep the economy stable and growing. We pride ourselves in helping create a better quality of life for everyone in the region, because we believe when the health of the people thrives, the whole community thrives. You’ll find stories of healing and hope: a retired physician who found himself as a patient during a health crisis, a nurse who found her purpose in southwest Louisiana and a look at how we honor patients’ dignity through our safe patient handling initiative. This publication is just a window into the compassion and commitment that guide our work, and we hope these stories inspire you as much as they inspire us. Sincerely, Devon Hyde, President and CEO As a community health system, belonging to the people of this community, LCMHS welcomes the direction and contributions of volunteer leaders from all walks of business, industry and public service to help meet the healthcare needs of all people in SWLA. Mrs. Denise Rau, Chairperson Mr. Louis Todd Sr., Chairman-elect/Vice Chairman and Secretary Dr. Neil Aspinwall, Past Chairman Mr. Devon Hyde, President/CEO and Assistant Secretary Ms. Dawn Johnson, Treasurer Benjamin Azevedo, MD, Medical Staff Past President Collin Bowe, MD, Medical Staff President-elect Alyson Jones, MD, Medical Staff President Mr. Mitch Adrian, Trustee Judge Gene Thibodeaux, Trustee William “Randy” Condos, MD, Trustee Daniel Hall, DPM, Trustee Clifford Courville, MD, Trustee Mr. Joe Miller Jr., Trustee
4 Memorial Medical Milestones • 2025 Issue 2 Where expert treatment meets compassionate care While wounds can be complex, finding a solution for healing doesn’t have to be complicated. Krecynthia Mitchell knows this firsthand. Living with dialysis and the challenge of slow-healing wounds, she faces obstacles that many wouldn’t expect, especially as she waits for a much-needed kidney transplant. Thanks to the expert care and compassionate team at Memorial Wound Care Center–Imperial Pointe, Mitchell is finding hope and healing every step of the way. Krecynthia Mitchell reflects on her experience at our wound care center Part of the team While managing her health and life’s demands, Mitchell remains full of life and determination. She continues to work and embrace each day with enthusiasm, refusing to let her wounds hold her back. Her journey involves several advanced treatments, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy, carefully tailored to help her body heal faster despite the complications dialysis can bring. What makes all the difference for Mitchell isn’t just the treatment she’s receiving—
lcmh.com 5 it’s the people. She speaks warmly about the friendly faces that greet her during every visit. Support you can see The welcoming environment and wound specialists that make up this team ensure that every patient feels seen and cared for. With two convenient locations designed to fit busy lives, healing can be easily accessible and stress-free. Mitchell’s ongoing progress shows what’s possible when innovative treatment meets compassionate care. Her journey continues, but with each visit, she gets closer to the goal of being wound-free and ready for her kidney transplant, all while staying active and engaged in the life she loves. HBOT available at Memorial Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment that uses pure oxygen at two-to-threetimes atmospheric pressure to aid in healing wounds. For patients who qualify, HBOT helps: • Allow the body’s immune system to more effectively build tissues • Enhance the effectiveness of certain antibiotics • Improve white blood cell activity • Inactivate or kill certain bacteria • Inhibit and inactivate toxins • Reduce swelling and inflammation • Stimulate fibroblast activity to build collagen • Stimulate growth of new microvascular blood vessels Our locations Memorial Wound Care Center–Imperial Pointe 1727 Imperial Blvd., Building 1, Suite A Lake Charles, LA 337-480-7435 Memorial Wound Care Center–Oak Park Blvd. 1801 Oak Park Blvd. Lake Charles, LA 337-494-6700 “They are just so caring. For me, it’s important that wherever I go for care that I am part of a team and they are part of my team, and that’s what you’ll get here.” —Krecynthia Mitchell Scan the QR code to watch a video of her story.
Our new docs, Andrew Bearb, MD Family Medicine Memorial Family Medicine–Aster Street 2750 Aster St. Lake Charles, LA 337-245-8997 Patrick Griffith, MD Internal Medicine Memorial Internal Medicine–Jennings 1902 Johnson St. Jennings, LA 337-245-8999 Brittnee Lett, MD Obstetrics and Gynecology Memorial Obstetrics and Gynecology 1890 Gauthier Road, Suite 135 Lake Charles, LA 337-284-8454 Lam Nguyen, MD Cardiology Memorial Heart & Vascular Center–Jennings 1322 Elton Road, Suite E Jennings, LA 337-245-0006 your Let’s welcome the new physicians serving southwest 6 Memorial Medical Milestones • 2025 Issue 2 Explore our provider directory to meet the rest of the team at Lake Charles: lcmh.com/ doctors.
lcmh.com 7 Muhammad Atif Jadoon, MD Internal Medicine Memorial Internal Medicine–Nelson Road 4345 Nelson Road Lake Charles, LA 337-245-8993 Nusrat Kabir, MD Preventive Medicine Memorial Family Medicine–Aster Street 2750 Aster St. Lake Charles, LA 337-245-0015 Jacob Leger, MD Family Medicine Memorial Family Medicine–Aster Street 2750 Aster St. Lake Charles, LA 337-245-0028 Logan Soileau, DO Family Medicine and Sports Medicine Memorial Family Medicine–Aster Street 2750 Aster St. Lake Charles, LA 337-245-0029 Katherine Trimm, Psy.D. Psychology Memorial Behavioral Health Clinic 2615 Enterprise Blvd., Suite A Lake Charles, LA 337-245-0031 Erich Wolf, MD, PhD Neurological Surgery Memorial Center for Neurosurgery 1614 Wolf Circle Lake Charles, LA 337-245-0078 new neighbors Louisiana patients so far in 2025. Stay tuned, there’s more to come! —Continued on the next page
Physicians serving inpatients at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital Our new docs, your Elvira Kazemyan, MD (Hospitalist) Brian Secrest, MD (Hospitalist) Rozaleen Phaltas, MD (Pediatric Intensivist) Adaobi Umeaku, MD (Hospitalist) —Continued from the previous page Carlo Emilcar, MD Hospitalist Ivana Ezeude, MD Anesthesiologist Christopher Julien, MD Hospitalist Linda Young, MD Anesthesiologist Additional physicians joining in Fall 2025 8 Memorial Medical Milestones • 2025 Issue 2
lcmh.com 9 Two doctors, one family A Q&A with Drs. Jodie Gwin and Clayton Maraist Lake Charles Memorial is excited to welcome OB/GYNs Jodie Gwin, MD, and Clayton Maraist, MD—not just as new physicians, but as a married couple who have built a life and a practice together. After almost 10 years in the Lafayette area, they’re bringing their family and their shared passion for women’s health to Lake Charles. We sat down with them to discuss the unique bond that comes from building both a practice and a life together. “How did you two meet?” Clayton: We met during training in Shreveport. I was finishing med school, and Jodie was starting her OB/GYN residency. Jodie: He says I liked him first, but I don’t remember it that way. “So, who’s delivered more babies?” Clayton: Definitely Jodie. She’s been practicing a bit longer—and patients like her better. Jodie: It helps being a woman in OB, but we’ve both had plenty of experience. “Do you talk shop at home?” Jodie: All the time. Our kids ask how many babies we delivered, whether it was a boy or girl... Clayton: We haven’t hit the “where do babies come from” stage, but we’ve had some pretty funny conversations. “What drew you to Lake Charles?” Clayton: Honestly, balance. In our last town, being on call all the time made family life hard. Jodie: Joining a larger team means more time for our kids and hopefully more time to give back to the community. “How do you spend time when you’re not working?” Jodie: Family stuff—sports, dance, school. Clayton: And Disney. We travel a lot, especially to Disney parks. We’ve been to four already: Florida, California, Paris and Tokyo. Jodie: Our goal is to visit them all. It’s kind of our thing. “What do you hope the community knows about you?” Clayton: That we’re here to stay. We’re looking to get involved, raise our kids here and be part of this place, not just as doctors, but as neighbors. Jodie: We’re excited to be in Lake Charles. It already feels like home. new neighbors Jodie Gwin, MD Clayton Maraist, MD
Memorial’s 2024 community impact At Lake Charles Memorial Health System, we are committed to addressing the health needs of communities across southwest Louisiana. We are purposedriven to advance health equity and remove barriers to care, employing and empowering people to live their healthiest lives. Here’s a snapshot of our community impact for 2024. More than 346,800 patient clinic visits Healthcare access and quality $5,457,294 spent educating resident physicians through the LSU Family Medicine Residency Education access and quality 45 students participated in the Window to Healthcare and STEM for Healthcare programs, representing four Calcasieu Parish School Board schools Over $5,000 donated to Oak Park Middle School as a Partner in Education $253,750,000 contributed in salaries, contract labor and benefits Economic stability $9,728,225 spent in local and state sales taxes More than 261,200 outpatient visits More than $90,000 invested in language interpreter services From inspiring young students who dream of a career in healthcare to supporting local nurses and first responders, Memorial is helping grow a healthcare workforce rooted in care for our community. BY THE NUMBERS 10 Memorial Medical Milestones • 2025 Issue 2
lcmh.com 11 Interconnected to our community 5 hospital-based classes educating 137 students in the Sudden Impact program Over 500 sports physicals performed by LSUA residents and the sports medicine team. 15 classes held with hundreds trained on how to stop bleeding 379 oncology patients received financial assistance, totaling $79,726.49, through transportation, gas cards, lodging, nutritional supplements, breast prostheses, wigs and food vouchers Participation in 38 community outreach events with 157 volunteers at a cost of $72,000, encountering 68,000 community attendees 17,100 home healthcare visits $668,256 spent to provide sports medicine athletic trainer coverage (ATC) for high school and collegiate sports 635 students participated in three high school mock crashes at Jennings, Moss Bluff and Washington Marion high schools RIGHT: Students, first responders, community partners and LCMHS staff participate in a mock crash. $187,647 donated to community organizations through charitable contributions Memorial Sports Medicine provides athletic trainers for all McNeese State University sports teams and at all CPSB high schools.
12 Memorial Medical Milestones • 2025 Issue 2 When chest pains sent Robert Cholley to the emergency room, he wasn’t expecting much. “I was regretting going, honestly—ERs are usually chaotic,” he says. “But the man who checked me in was so polite. Right away, it felt different.” After being diagnosed with a heart attack, Cholley had three stents placed the next morning. The level of care he received left an impression that stuck. “The nurse that night—she was incredible,” Cholley says. “I even told my wife, ‘She’s so nice; it almost feels too good to be true.’” Then a historic snowstorm hit southwest Louisiana on the night of Jan. 21, 2025, covering the area with about 5.5 inches of snow. Because of the weather event, some hospital staff stayed overnight, and patients couldn’t be discharged For over six decades, John William Digiglia, MD, dedicated his life to saving others. As a renowned cardiovascular surgeon, he spent years in operating rooms, surrounded by skilled medical professionals, making split-second decisions that determined the fate of his patients. But now, retired, he found himself on the other side of the hospital bed—not as a surgeon, but as a patient. One evening, a sharp, unrelenting pain gripped Dr. Digiglia’s chest. Sweat beaded on his brow, and his left arm felt heavy and unresponsive. He knew the signs all too well, as this Gaining a new perspective Care that feels ‘too good to be true’ Even during a snowstorm, Memorial providers are on top of their game wasn’t his first encounter with these symptoms. His son, recognizing the urgency, rushed him to the emergency room at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital. ‘I was in the right place’ The moment they arrived, a nurse met him at the door. Within moments, an EKG was underway, blood was drawn and a doctor was at his side. The speed and efficiency of the ER team was impressive, as he has experienced before. Something seemed different this time, though, and it was in how he saw his caretakers in a whole different light. He’d spent years in medicine, but now, under their care, he felt something he hadn’t anticipated—an overwhelming sense of reassurance. “I felt like I was their only patient,” he recalls, shaking his head with amazement. “But I knew better. It was an ER, for goodness’ sake. And still, I knew right away—I was in the right place.” When the lab results confirmed elevated cardiac enzymes, the ER physician wasted no time. A A heart surgeon’s experience as a patient Robert Cholley, heart patient John William Digiglia, MD, retired cardiovascular surgeon, is grateful for the Memorial team.
until conditions were safe. Despite sleeping on air mattresses and being away from their families, “the staff had a great attitude, with no complaints,” Cholley says. “That wasn’t fake kindness. That was real. Even the woman who cleaned the room was friendly and thoughtful. It was every interaction.” Cholley stayed two extra days waiting for pharmacies to reopen, but says the team never wavered. “The nurse, the techs, even the person who explained my discharge instructions—everyone was thorough and compassionate.” cardiology consult was ordered, and a cardiac catheterization was scheduled. Dr. Digiglia was moved to the ICU, where he met a hospitalist who he described “exuded confidence and intelligence.” Again, the feeling settled over him—I am in the right place. A new appreciation for nurses Throughout the night, a nurse monitored Dr. Digiglia closely, adjusting his medications and offering quiet reassurances. In the early hours, John William Digiglia, MD, thanks the nurses who provided excellent care to him during his stay as a patient. lcmh.com 13 A few weeks later, Cholley returned for two more stents. “It wasn’t just a one-time thing. The care was just as good the second time.” Cholley, who lives in Sulphur, now recommends Memorial to everyone he knows. “I tell people, Memorial has their stuff together. There’s no reason to leave the area.” Cholley says the experience changed how he views local care. “I’ll always come back. I feel comfortable here, and I didn’t feel that way before.” another nurse prepped him for the heart catheterization procedure. Their attentiveness and precision was something he had never fully appreciated before. He had worked alongside nurses for over 60 years, yet now, as a patient, he was seeing them through new eyes. The catheterization revealed some minor concerns, but nothing lifethreatening. His diagnosis: noncoronary myocardial infarction, which required a pacemaker. As they prepared Dr. Digiglia for the next procedure, a nurse leaned in with a smile and said, “You’re in the right place, doctor.” For the first time in his career, a nurse was reassuring him about a heart procedure. The procedure went smoothly, but something had shifted in Dr. Digiglia. After decades in medicine, he finally saw what had been right in front of him all along—the incredible, tireless dedication of nurses. He had witnessed their work, of course, but he had never felt the impact of their care the way he did now. Dr. Digiglia saw how they bore the frustrations of upset family members, the demands of doctors, the long hours and the unrelenting pace of their work. He was the recipient of their compassion and giving of themselves…and yet, so often, they are the last to hear a simple “thank you.” As he prepared to leave the hospital, gratitude swelled in his heart. The cardiologists and hospitalists had all been wonderful, but the nursing care—that had been on a different level! He knew now, without a doubt, that southwest Louisiana was incredibly fortunate to have a team like the one at Memorial.
14 Memorial Medical Milestones • 2025 Issue 2 Do you know your personal risk factors for breast cancer? While no one factor is a sure sign you’ll develop the disease, it’s important to know about them. You may be able to reduce certain risks. What you can’t control You can’t change some risk factors. These include your: • Biological sex. While men can get breast cancer, it’s far more common in women. • Age. Most women with breast cancer are diagnosed after age 55. Your risk increases as you age. • Genes. About 5% to 10% of breast cancers are hereditary. The most common cause of this type of breast cancer is a mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene, but there are others. • Ethnicity. White women have a slightly higher risk for developing breast cancer in general. But under age 40, breast cancer is more common in African American women. • Family history. Most women who get breast cancer do not have a family history of the disease. But if your mother, sister or daughter has it, your risk is almost doubled. (Don’t forget to consider your father’s side of the family!) • Breast density. If you have dense breasts, meaning the tissue is more fibrous than fatty, your risk is higher. This isn’t something you can feel, but it can be seen on a mammogram. About half of women 40 years and older have dense breasts. • Menstrual history. Women who have had more menstrual cycles have a slightly higher risk of breast cancer. This includes those who started their periods Breast cancer: What are your risks? early (before age 12) or went through menopause later (after age 55). Things you can change Some risk factors are related to your lifestyle, which means you can control them. These include your: • Alcohol use. Having one drink per day is associated with a 7% to 10% higher risk, while having two or three raises the risk to about 20%. Find support Lake Charles Memorial offers support groups for survivors and those living with cancer. Check them out at lcmh.com/classes-and-support.
lcmh.com 15 You take good care of your health by eating right, exercising and reducing stress. But are you also having regular mammograms? If not, you could be overlooking a vital form of self-care. What is a mammogram? A mammogram is a low-dose breast x-ray. Medical experts say it is the most effective way to look for changes in the breasts that could eventually become cancerous. Mammograms can find signs of cancer years before symptoms—such as a lump, pain or nipple discharge—show up. When breast cancer is found early, it is often easier to treat. Women with breast cancer that is diagnosed in its early stages are: • Less likely to need aggressive treatments such as mastectomy. Mastectomy is the surgical removal of the breast. • Less likely to need chemotherapy. • More likely to be cured. Simply put, mammograms can save lives. Talk with your doctor about having regular mammograms starting at age 40. Time for a mammogram? Don’t skip this important screening • Weight. The link between weight and breast cancer risk is complex, but generally your risk goes up after menopause if you’re overweight. • Activity level. Regular exercise can reduce your risk for breast cancer, especially after menopause. • Reproductive history. Not having children, or having your first child after age 30, slightly raises your risk. Having many pregnancies and becoming pregnant at a younger age reduces your risk. • Choice to breastfeed. Breastfeeding may slightly lower breast cancer risk, especially if it continues for a year or more. • Birth control use. Some birth control methods use hormones, which might increase your risk. Screening is key Talk to your provider about regular mammograms starting at age 40. Three convenient locations to schedule your mammogram Lake Charles Memorial Hospital Breast Health Center 1701 Oak Park Blvd. Lake Charles Memorial Hospital for Women Breast Health Center 1900 W. Gauthier Rd. Memorial Diagnostic Center–Moss Bluff 217 Sam Houston Jones Pkwy. Call to schedule today: 337-284-0772.
Have you ever experienced a little leak when you laugh, cough or sneeze? Or perhaps a feeling of pressure “down there” that you can’t quite explain? For many women, bladder control issues or pelvic discomfort can take over their lives, making it hard to play with kids, attend a workout class or even do simple, daily tasks—limitations that don’t have to exist in your life, because treatment is available. You’re not alone If this sounds like your experience, know that you are not alone. Leaking urine is quite common for women. In fact, more than half of women over 20 in the U.S. report some leakage. Yet many don’t talk about it or seek help. But what if we told you that these problems, often related to pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD), are common, treatable and you don’t have to suffer in silence? Common causes While people most commonly attribute the cause PFD to childbirth, pelvic floor weakness and discomfort can happen to any woman—even women who haven’t had children. You can’t always prevent developing pelvic floor disfunction, but you may be able Meet the expert: Joseph W. Semien Jr., MD, FACOG We understand that pelvic floor disorders can really affect your daily life and confidence. That’s why Dr. Joseph W. Semien Jr., a board-certified gynecologist and expert in pelvic-floor health, is here to provide you with the option to live a normal life again. He’s a trusted, local doctor, and you can get the care you need right here in southwest Louisiana—no need to travel for specialized treatment. Dr. Semien focuses on helping women regain their pelvic health with effective methods that often lead to a faster recovery. He understands how sensitive these conditions can be and provides caring, personalized treatment. Don’t stay silent about bladder issues 16 Memorial Medical Milestones • 2025 Issue 2 Understanding and treating pelvic floor dysfunction
to lower your risk by strengthening your pelvic floor muscles and staying at a healthy weight throughout your adult life. Common causes include: • Aging: natural muscle loss and hormone changes • Constant straining: from coughing, constipation or heavy lifting • Extra weight: increases pressure on pelvic floor muscles • Past pelvic surgeries: can affect support structures Modern, local treatments The good news is that living with pelvic floor problems is not your only choice. You don’t have to put up with it or let it control your life. Joseph W. Semien Jr., MD, FACOG, and the team at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital for Women offer advanced, often less-invasive, solutions designed to fix these issues and help you regain comfort and quality of life right here in southwest Louisiana. While surgery isn’t always the first step, if it’s needed, Dr. Semien performs procedures to support and help rebuild the pelvic floor and fix bladder control problems. This includes: • Laparoscopic pelvic prolapse surgery. A “keyhole” surgery to lift and support dropped organs. • Bladder sling procedures. A small sling is placed under the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body) to support it, helping to stop leaks. This is considered the best standard treatment for this condition. • Minimally invasive hysterectomy. A less-invasive way to remove the womb, when necessary. • Vaginal wall repair (cystocele/ rectocele). Fixing weakness in the vaginal wall. • Pelvic floor strengthening evaluations and solutions. Customized plans to help strengthen these vital muscles. Less-invasive treatments are available for: • When the uterus or vagina drops (prolapse) • Leaking urine • Feeling pressure in the pelvis or a bulge in the vagina • Frequent or urgent need to urinate • Weaknesses and discomfort in the pelvic floor Your path to comfort starts here If you start to experience unwanted symptoms or discomfort, it’s important to get a proper checkup to find out what’s causing the issue. Through years of training, he has had the honor of helping his patients live life without the trouble of bladder control issues. Leaking urine when you cough, sneeze, laugh or exercise Discomfort or pain during intercourse Difficulty having bowel movements Pelvic pressure or bulge that can feel like heaviness, fullness or like something is “falling out” of your pelvic area Pelvic pain or discomfort Sudden or frequent urge to urinate lcmh.com 17 We’re here to help! Call 337-245-0081 to schedule an appointment or scan the QR code to see how our team can help. Are you experiencing these symptoms? PFD can show up in many ways. You might recognize some, while others might surprise you:
A nurse’s journey to Memorial Meet Neha Patel, one of our exceptional nurses Neha Patel’s path to a nursing career at Memorial is one marked by courage, resilience and the unwavering support of those around her. Originally from India, Patel moved to the United States in 2023 with her husband, leaving behind familiarity and stepping into a completely new chapter, personally and professionally. She grew up speaking Gujarati and didn’t have to fluently speak English until she went to college. The language barrier was among the many challenges she faced while adjusting to life and work in the U.S. healthcare system. In India, Patel had trained briefly in an emergency room, but the differences came with a learning curve. There, charting was done on paper, and the technology was minimal. Here, learning the electronic medical record system, new clinical protocols and the limits of nursing scope were all steep learning curves. Pushing forward to achieve a dream Despite the challenges, Patel pushed forward with humble perseverance. “There’s no way I could be here without my husband, parents and in-laws,” she says. “They’ve shown me so much love and support.” She also found comfort and connection in the local community of Indian families, many from the same region she grew up in, who helped her feel more at home in southwest Louisiana. At work, Patel’s team became an unexpected second family. “My coworkers took care of me like mothers, always asking if I was okay or if I needed anything,” she recalls. “My supervisors and preceptor were so kind and helpful. I’m so thankful that Jada, my nursing director, gave me this opportunity and never stopped believing in me.” Neha Patel, BSN, RN was honored with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. 18 Memorial Medical Milestones • 2025 Issue 2 Neha and her parents at her college graduation.
When Patel moved to the United States, she hoped to fulfill a dream she shared with her mother. While her mother once imagined a future in a science-related field, life took her in a different direction. Still, she remained one of Patel’s greatest supporters, encouraging her through nursing school and into her career. Today, Patel is proud to be living the dream for herself and her mother as an exceptional nurse. Her experience proves that the biggest transitions can bring a rewarding and worthwhile journey. Thanks from a patient In February 2025, Patel was honored with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, a prestigious national recognition given to nurses who demonstrate exceptional care and compassion. A special patient’s nomination perfectly captures the impact Patel had during their hospital stay: “…One nurse went above and beyond for me and my family during my surgery and stay at LCMH. Ms. Neha did an exceptional job of making my stay less embarrassing, stressful and more healing. The patience and sympathy she showed me, and my family, were much needed and greatly appreciated. “To Ms. Neha, you are what a true nurse looks like. Thank you so much for being there, for never making me feel uncomfortable and for taking such great care of me. You’ll never be forgotten.” lcmh.com 19 Out of nearly 3,000 employees at Memorial, 1 in 3 is a nurse. Our nurses: Have 9,184 years of combined experience. Have trained almost 200 aspiring nurses in the past year. Affect the lives of thousands of patients a year. Most of all, they are 100% committed to caring for our community! LEFT: Neha Patel celebrates her DAISY Award with her team.
Be in the know! You can get Lake Charles Memorial Health System news and more right in your inbox! Scan the QR code above to sign up for our email newsletter, or go to lcmh.com/newsletter. Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Walla Walla, WA Permit No. 44 Lake Charles Memorial Hospital 1701 Oak Park Blvd. Lake Charles, LA 70601 How we’re making care safer for patients and providers alike Patient and staff safety has always been at the heart of how Memorial delivers care. Now, we’re taking that commitment even further by launching the Arjo MOVE initiative, branded internally as “Mission Move Well: Where Every Move is Part of the Mission.” This initiative marks a major step forward in the hospital’s commitment to achieving its core mission of zero injuries for both patients and caregivers. As a “minimal lift facility,” that doesn’t mean less attention or personal touch; it means smarter, safer support and movement for both the patient and caregiver. By incorporating advanced equipment such as specialized ceiling lifts; sit-to-stand aids; slings; and transfer devices designed to enhance the safety, dignity and well-being of everyone in our care environment, our staff can assist patients even more with maximum comfort at minimal risk. Historically, healthcare professionals relied on physical strength and teamwork to help move or reposition patients, often placing strain on their own bodies in the process. With this transition to empowering movement, we’re removing that risk. Nurses, technicians and therapists can focus on delivering compassionate care without the worry of injury from repetitive lifting or awkward transfers. This transformation isn’t just about new equipment; it’s about elevating our standard of care. By embracing a culture of minimal lifting through safer mobility practices, we expect to see significant benefits, including up to a 30% reduction in falls, a 40% decrease in hospitalacquired pressure injuries, fewer readmissions, shorter hospital stays and inevitably a happier patient experience. It’s a proactive step toward the safer, more effective care we strive for every day. “At Memorial, every move is part of the mission—and that mission is delivering safer care, every step of the way,” says Gerald Bryant, Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Operating Officer. Scan the QR code to learn more about our work toward zero injuries. Our mission toward zero injuries
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