2024 Issue 2 Memorial MEDICAL MILESTONES Making healthcare more convenient With MyChart, you have access to your health info at your fingertips page 10
2 Memorial Medical Milestones • 2024 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. 2024 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Meet a member of Memorial Denise Rau’s story Robotic-assisted knee surgery Find out how the newest technology can get you back on your feet faster. Page 4 Diabetes 101 Learn the differences between the types of diabetes and how they affect you. Page 13 Should you be screened for lung cancer? We use low-dose CT scans to check for lung cancer—with the goal of catching it early. See how it works. Page 9 Mental health help is here If you’re experiencing mental health issues, don’t go it alone. Our team is here to help. Page 15 18 Memorial Diagnostic Center in Moss Bluff is now open! Healthcare close to home is not a luxury—it’s a reality. Now Moss Bluff and surrounding residents will no longer need to drive to Lake Charles for: CT scans X-rays Mammograms Ultrasounds Blood work And more SAM HOUSTON JONES PKWY HWY 171 Bruce Cir Sid Ln Armistead Ln 217 Sam Houston Jones Parkway, Suite 102, Lake Charles, LA
lcmh.com 3 Denise Rau, Chairperson Louis Todd, Chairperson-elect/ Vice Chairperson and Secretary Neil Aspinwall, EdD, Past Chairperson Devon Hyde, President/CEO and Assistant Secretary Dawn Johnson, Treasurer From the CEO Lake Charles Memorial Health System 2024 Board of Trustees Benjamin Azevedo, MD, Medical Staff President Alyson Jones, MD, Medical Staff President-elect Edward Bergen, DO, Medical Staff Past President Mitch Adrian, Trustee William “Randy” Condos Jr., MD, Trustee Clifford Courville, MD, Trustee Amanda Ellington, MD, Trustee Joe Miller Jr., Trustee Judge Gene Thibodeaux, Trustee Lake Charles Memorial Health System is driven by its dedication to provide quality healthcare for the community. In pursuit of this promise, the health and safety of our patients and colleagues drives our strategy, our decisions and the investments we make in the community. This mindset serves as the foundation of our mission. Making sure our patients feel that access to their healthcare is in their own hands is one reason we have made the significant investment in a new electronic medical record system that allows patients to manage their entire healthcare journey through a single source. We are thrilled to offer the MyChart app to patients throughout southwest Louisiana beginning mid-September 2024. With appointment scheduling, convenient bill pay, test results and prescription refills right at your fingertips, managing your healthcare needs has never been easier. The array of new technology being used at LCMHS is not just about convenience—it’s also about personalization. For instance, the robotic-assisted technology used for knee replacement allows surgeons to uniquely care for each patient. I’m confident that these advancements are not just improving the healthcare landscape at LCMHS but also are improving the health of our patients and their families. As you read through this issue of Memorial Medical Milestones, I urge you to share in the hope and excitement that I feel about the trajectory and future developments of your community health system. Sincerely, Devon Hyde, President and CEO
A new age of knee replacement How we use robotic-assisted surgery to get you back on your feet quicker EEvery patient is different—as is every knee replacement. In the hands of our orthopedic experts, the VELYS™ RoboticAssisted Solution can help surgeons deliver optimized surgical results. New options for knee replacements Over the years, major improvements have been made to reduce patients’ hospital stays, pain levels and recovery time after a knee replacement surgery. A recent advancement is the use of robotic-assisted technology. Don’t let the title confuse you—the surgery is still performed by the hands of your surgeon. However, robotic-assisted technology allows your knee implant to be precisely customized to your body. 4 Memorial Medical Milestones • 2024 Issue 2
lcmh.com 5 Living life without knee pain: One patient’s story For Todd Fontenot, of Moss Bluff, who has spent a long career in the industrial industry, dealing with severe knee pain put a strain on his lifestyle. That’s where he found himself in 2020—with severe swelling in his right knee, which eventually led him to the office of Alan Hinton, MD. “I couldn’t take it anymore,” Fontenot recalls. “I had to do something soon. I didn’t want to wait until I couldn’t walk anymore.” Dr. Hinton discussed Fontenot’s options with him, and before surgery was on the table, Fontenot opted to receive steroid injections in his knee. However, both he and Dr. Hinton knew that, due to arthritis in his knee, surgery might be the only long-term relief for Fontenot. After several years of injections, surgery was scheduled in the spring of this year. At that time, the orthopedic specialists at Lake Charles Memorial Health System were gearing up to use a new tool for knee replacements. This new technology allowed surgeons to be more precise than with the traditional knee replacement techniques. Fontenot’s surgery was the inaugural procedure with the VELYS™ Robotic-Assisted Technology. “I was able to get up and walk, with some assistance, after surgery and go home the same day,” Fontenot explains. By the second week of recovery, he was back to his normal routine of walking in his neighborhood, and a few short weeks later, he could walk up steps. While every patient is different, Fontenot shares his experience to encourage those who are experiencing knee pain to do something about it, as soon as the pain begins to impact everyday life. Because of his proactive approach, he was able to regain a range of motion and restore his quality of life. He looks forward to continuing his recovery and moving through life— without knee pain. What are the benefits of using robotic-assisted technology? Primarily, this technology can gather useful, detailed information about your knee during the surgical procedure, helping your surgeon provide a more tailored implant and fit. This can lead to a greater range of motion, less pain and a faster recovery time. Important safety information As with any medical treatment, individual results may vary. The performance of knee replacements depends on age, weight, activity level and other factors. There are potential risks, and recovery takes time. People with conditions that limit rehabilitation should not undergo this surgery. Only an orthopedic surgeon can determine if knee replacement surgery is an option for you. Ready to get started? Visit lcmh.com/knee to take our joint pain assessment and learn more. Kipp Cryar, MD Alan Hinton, MD James Jackson, DO Barry Henry, MD
6 Memorial Medical Milestones • 2024 Issue 2 How knee pain happens “As we get older, our bones and joints can begin to feel their age,” says Alan Hinton, MD, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon at Lake Charles Memorial Health System. “It’s normal to feel aches and pains as we get older. However, if joint pain, especially knee pain, begins to take away from your everyday life, you don’t have to live with it—there’s something you can do about it.” The knee joint is covered with cartilage—a smooth, cushioned surface that allows it to move without pain. “Think of cartilage as the rubber sole of your shoes that cushions your feet from the hard surface you walk on,” Dr. Hinton explains. “As we get older, the cartilage can begin to wear out due to normal aging, genetics, microtrauma or knee injuries—in the same way the soles of an old pair of tennis shoes will eventually wear down.” This loss of cartilage can cause a lot of pain. As the knee wears out, patients can feel pain and swelling, accompanied by a feeling of the knee buckling, popping, catching or grinding. This is a symptom of a condition called knee arthritis, which happens when the cartilage between the knee joints begins to wear away. How to find relief Patients, along with their providers, can help alleviate knee pain with injections, medications, creams and rubs, and/or physical therapy. “These treatments essentially treat the symptoms of knee arthritis, but as of today, there is no way to regenerate the loss of knee cartilage that is ultimately responsible for knee pain,” says Dr. Hinton. “But there is a solution: knee replacement surgery.” Knee replacement surgery is a procedure in which the surface of the bone is removed, and a knee implant, made of a metal cap and plastic cushion, are added in its place. In fact, a great deal of the plastic used in the device that is implanted into the knee is created right here in southwest Louisiana by some local industrial plants, then sent to the medical device companies to manufacture the implant. “No two knees are the same, so choosing and fitting an implant can sometimes be a challenge that affects a patient’s recovery and pain levels,” says Dr. Hinton. “Roboticassisted technology creates a 3D model of your knee with its software, giving the surgeon more information than ever before.” The medical team at Memorial Orthopedic Specialists is passionate about helping patients return to a life without joint pain. The orthopedic experts at Memorial can help Knees feeling worn down? Ready to live pain-free? If you are interested in learning more, talk with your primary care provider or call our office. You can also visit lcmh.com/knee to take our joint pain assessment and learn more.
lcmh.com 7 John Bercier, DO Dr. Bercier is a board-certified pulmonologist and a critical care physician. He joins R. Craig Broussard, MD; Clifford Courville, MD; Fidencio Davalos, MD; and Gary Kohler, MD, at Memorial Pulmonary Associates. Dr. Bercier received a Bachelor of Science from University of Louisiana at Lafayette, then completed a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree at William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. He continued his training through a Louisiana State University internal medicine residency at Our Lady of the Lake in Baton Rouge, followed by a fellowship in pulmonary and critical care with Louisiana State University New Orleans. Throughout his educational career, he spent a significant amount of time in medical-field academic organizations, giving back to the community and advancing the educational training experience for himself and his peers. Inspired by his father’s career as a dentist and his commitment to caring for his patients, Dr. Bercier knew he had a desire to serve others in the field of medicine because of the immense joy he finds in helping others. Originally from Rayne, Louisiana, Dr. Bercier is familiar with the SWLA community and looks forward to his new practice at Lake Charles Memorial Health System. Dr. Bercier is accepting new patients at Memorial Pulmonary Associates, located inside Lake Charles Memorial Hospital at 2770 Third Ave., Suite 350. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Bercier, please call 337-284-8443. Barry Henry, MD Dr. Henry is the newest orthopedic surgeon to join Memorial’s team. He works with Nathan Cohen, MD; Kipp Cryar, MD; Alan Hinton, MD; and James Jackson, DO, at Memorial Orthopedic Specialists. After 20 years of private practice in Lafayette, Louisiana, Dr. Henry is excited to return to his hometown of Lake Charles and help people get back to doing what they love. Dr. Henry attended the United States Air Force Academy and graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Louisiana State University before serving three years of active duty in the U.S. Air Force. He was honorably discharged from service before pursuing his medical degree at Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans. He then completed residency training in orthopedic surgery at Texas Tech University Health Science Center in Lubbock, Texas. Dr. Henry is accepting new patients at Memorial Orthopedic Specialists, located inside Lake Charles Memorial Hospital at 1717 Oak Park Blvd., 3rd floor. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Henry, please call 337-284-6635. Meet Memorial’s newest providers!
8 Memorial Medical Milestones • 2024 Issue 2 One couple’s story Being a caregiver for your spouse journeying through cancer is one thing, but having the experience of having those roles switched, just a few years apart, is quite the challenge. And that was exactly what Jack and Holly Keel experienced. In March 2020, a suspicious spot on Jack’s right lung was found by chance after an accident at work. He was told to see a pulmonologist as soon as possible to investigate. Still, Jack was reluctant to make an appointment. After some convincing from Holly, Jack agreed to see Fidencio Davalos, MD, who happened to be treating Holly’s COPD. “It took me all summer, but I got him there,” recalls Holly. When Jack was officially diagnosed with lung cancer, the small spot, found on accident, had spread. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy were ahead of him. But almost two years later, Jack’s body was cancer-free. Holly stood by his side through it all—and still does as he continues to receive infusion treatments to ensure the cancer does not return. Little did she know that she would be in the same position as Jack just a few years later. A surprising turn of events “We were sitting on the front porch and she coughed up some blood, and I told her, ‘Let’s go to the ER,’” explains Jack. This time, it was his turn to play the caregiver role. Holly had been conducting breathing tests and low-dose CT scans to monitor the condition of her lungs under the care of Dr. Davalos for a few years at this point. They were aware of a nodule in her lung, but at the time, it wasn’t a problem for Holly. After scans and tests at the emergency room, the physician there called Dr. Davalos to let him know the spot in Holly’s left lung had grown into a problem—and it was Supporting each other through lung cancer Turn your risks around When you quit smoking, your health risks decrease immediately and continue to diminish over time, no matter how long you’ve smoked. A tobacco quitline can help you quit for good. Call 800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669).
lcmh.com 9 Unfortunately, 9 in 10 people who are eligible to get screened for lung cancer have not had this screening. Lung cancer is the second most common form of cancer in both men and women in the United States, and it’s the leading cause of cancer death, according to the American Cancer Society. It equates to 20% of all cancer deaths. The main cause of lung cancer is cigarette smoking, which accounts for approximately 80% of all cases. The good news is that if lung cancer is detected at an early stage, before signs and symptoms begin to develop, it is more likely to be treatable. Early treatment has been found to dramatically reduce the risk of dying of lung cancer. Who should be screened for lung cancer? A lung cancer screening is typically recommended for: • Those who have a 20-pack-year history (smoking one pack per day for 20 years, five packs per day for four years or two packs per day for 10 years) or more • Smokers and former smokers who are between the ages of 50 and 80 • Those who formerly smoked or have quit within the past 15 years Your doctor can help you decide whether a screening is right for you. What is lung cancer screening? Screenings consist of a low-dose CT scan (LDCT), which is a specialized form of x-ray where an image is captured of the lungs and a radiologist interprets it for signs of lung cancer. The screening itself takes 2 minutes and is not painful. The LDCT is currently the only recommended screening test for lung cancer. This test saves lives, and the earlier it’s done, the better. According to the American Lung Association, a lung cancer screening can reduce the risk of death by 20%. It’s a screening that can literally save lives. Help prevent lung cancer Talk to your doctor about screening time to do something about it. Holly’s biopsy was performed using robotic-assisted bronchoscopy, the Ion by Intuitive. This technology allows unprecedented stability and precision to obtain tissue samples from deep within the lung. After finding out about her lung cancer diagnosis, Holly completed her chemotherapy treatments in the summer of 2024, with the potential of a surgical lung resection on the horizon. While the journey may not be at an end, her strength and hope remain by her side: Her husband who beat lung cancer is her example. “I wouldn’t take it back for anything,” says Jack. “We are doing this together, and [we] have our family and the staff at Memorial supporting us.”
On-the-go MyChart brings convenience in your healthcare journey MyChart with Memorial will be accessible Sept. 16, 2024. Life’s adventures can be complex, but managing your health doesn’t have to be
lcmh.com 11 Whether you are attending a sporting event, spending the day at the salon or enjoying the luxuries of a sportsman’s paradise, the MyChart app with Memorial can come along with you, just in case—equipped with everything you need to stay healthy for all of life’s adventures ahead. What can I do on MyChart? Think of MyChart like a healthcare toolkit on the go. There you can: Find information about recent visits with your provider Get discharge summaries from visits with your provider See a list of medications that you take See records of immunizations that you’ve had and ones that you may need Read notes about any allergies you have See results from any medical tests you’ve had Securely message your provider Request prescription refills Schedule appointments Update your contact information Make bill payments Download and complete medical forms View educational materials healthcare How do I get to my portal? MyChart is available on your smartphone or tablet. If you prefer, you may access it online through a computer. Talk to your doctor or visit lcmh.com/mychart to download the app.
12 Memorial Medical Milestones • 2024 Issue 2 ‘Memorial employees treat you like family’ Read some of our most recent patient testimonials Mary Reid I’ve lived most of my life in Lake Charles. Some might recognize me as Ham Reid’s daughter-in-law, owing to my father-in-law’s lengthy tenure as sheriff. Others may remember our family business, Reid and Company, that specialized in port logistics for export. But this memory isn’t about me or my family; it’s about the memorable individuals I encountered during my time as an outpatient at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital. My overall experience was exceedingly positive. Despite being generally healthy, with only occasional visits to Memorial for lab work and 40 years ago for childbirth, a few years back I found myself in need of their GI services. The memory of certain staff members—like Cindy, who was working in pre-op admissions that day; Paris, who drew my labs; and the very kind employee who escorted me to where I had parked—remains vivid to this day. As I underwent testing in preparation for my procedure, including routine tests like labs, an EKG and a chest x-ray, every single person—from pre-op admissions to the cardiology, radiology and GI teams—was incredibly helpful and personable. I was already on my way home when I received a call informing me that I’d left my glasses behind. Cindy, on the other end of the line, offered to meet me in the parking garage and bring them out to me. I was taken aback—she went out of her way and came to me! Cindy’s thoughtfulness and willingness to accommodate me left a lasting impression to this day. It’s true what they say: Memorial employees treat you like family. E.T. Browning For over 20 years, I’ve been a patient of W. Gerry Hebert, MD, internal medicine physician in Lake Charles. The service he and his team provide at Memorial is outstanding. Getting an appointment is swift, and their follow-up is impeccable. I have complete trust in him and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him to anyone. Despite sticking with local primary care since the 1990s, until recently, I often traveled to Houston for specialist treatment. This was mainly due to a few misdiagnoses I received locally. I was confident in my decision and proud of it. But then I did a total 180. A few months back, I experienced a kidney stone. After two visits to urgent care with no relief, I reached out to Dr. Hebert for a referral. That’s when I was connected to Farjad Siddiq, MD, a urologist at Lake Charles. From the timely pre-op, to check-in, to my experience in surgery and follow-up, it was all very good. The entire experience with Memorial and staying local for specialist care was on par with the best Houston has to offer. Most recently, I had to visit Memorial’s emergency room. Within two hours, I had undergone both an EKG and a CT scan. The staff there were incredibly efficient, attentive and professional. From someone who was once staunchly against staying local for specialist care to now being its ardent advocate, I can confidently say that I now choose Memorial without hesitation.
lcmh.com 13 Diabetes is actually a group of diseases characterized by high levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. It may be that the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin—a hormone involved in turning food into glucose, which the body uses for energy. Another possibility is that the body isn’t using insulin effectively. Whatever the case, the result is too much sugar in the blood. And excessive amounts of blood sugar can harm organs and lead to serious problems. Diabetes typically strikes in one of three ways. Diabetes isn’t just one disease By Craig Greenman, MD, internal medicine physician Diabetes in SWLA The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 38.4 million Americans are living with diabetes, and another 97.6 million are living with prediabetes. According to the Louisiana Department of Health, Region 5 Office of Public Health, 14.9% of adults in SWLA have been told they have diabetes. However, only about 80% of all people in the five-parish area are actively monitoring their blood glucose levels through regular blood work. This region includes the five parishes of Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron and Jefferson Davis. Diabetes Support Group First Tuesday of each month 10 to 11 a.m. Diabetes Education Office, 2615 Enterprise Blvd. Don’t underestimate the importance of education and peer support when living with diabetes. For more information, call Memorial’s Diabetes Education Office at 337-284-4898. Expert diabetes care Dr. Greenman, along with any of LCMHS‘s other primary care providers, can help you manage your diabetes. To make an appointment with Dr. Greenman, call 337-284-8550, or visit lcmh.com/doctors to browse a complete list of physicians. Gestational diabetes Some women who’ve never had diabetes before develop it during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes usually resolves once the baby is born. However, it increases the mother’s risk for future type 2 diabetes—as well as the baby’s risk, if the mother isn’t treated. Type 2 diabetes This is the most common type of diabetes. About 90% to 95% of adults diagnosed with diabetes have type 2. It is diagnosed most often in adults, but is increasingly being found in children. Type 2 occurs when the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or doesn’t use it properly. Genetics, diet and inactivity are all probable causes. Medicines, and sometimes insulin, are needed to treat it. Type 1 diabetes Type 1 usually begins in childhood or young adulthood. It occurs when the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin—or makes no insulin at all. That’s why people with type 1 need to regularly take insulin, often with daily injections. Only about 5% of adults diagnosed with diabetes have type 1.
14 Memorial Medical Milestones • 2024 Issue 2 Type 2 diabetes is a long-term health issue that affects the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar. It can significantly affect your mental health, leading to stress, anxiety and depression. In turn, mental health problems can also heighten the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. So understanding this relationship is key to managing both conditions successfully. What’s the connection? The burden of managing diabetes can be emotionally overwhelming, leading to stress, anxiety and depression. Regular blood sugar monitoring, strict dietary practices and medication adherence can take a mental toll. It’s common for individuals with type 2 diabetes to experience mental health issues. Depression, in particular, is prevalent among newly diagnosed patients, affecting around 20% of those receiving the diagnosis. The emotional and physical strain of managing the disease is often to blame for this high rate. From a psychological perspective, the stress of coping with a chronic disease like diabetes can lead to feelings of frustration, guilt and fear of complications, which can amplify symptoms of anxiety and depression. Diabetes can also cause impaired memory and decreased mental flexibility. On a biological level, diabetes impacts brain function and alters certain brain chemicals. Plus, complications related to diabetes, like neuropathy and cardiovascular problems, can contribute to mental health issues. How can both conditions be managed? Diet and nutrition. A well-balanced diet low in processed sugars and saturated fats can help regulate blood sugar levels and support brain health. Foods rich in nutrients, like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains, provide essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that promote overall well-being—both physical and mental. Physical activity. Regular exercise releases endorphins, the “feel-good” hormones, helping to reduce stress, anxiety and depressive symptoms. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as brisk walking or cycling, a few times each week to reap the dual benefits for your body and mind. Quality sleep. Poor sleep quality or lack of sleep can interfere with blood sugar control and contribute to mood swings and cognitive difficulties. Establishing a consistent sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine and ensuring a comfortable sleep environment can enhance your sleep quality and duration, promoting better overall health. How to find support and resources Living with type 2 diabetes can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. It’s important to have the right support and resources to manage your physical and mental health. Here are some ways you can find the help you need. Seek out peer support and community resources. Connecting with others who are experiencing similar challenges can offer valuable emotional support and practical advice. Memorial’s Diabetes Education hosts a Diabetes and mental health: What you need to know
lcmh.com 15 At Lake Charles Memorial, we understand that mental health is just as important as physical health. Our dedicated team of professionals is here to provide compassionate care to help you navigate all of life’s challenges. Just as you wouldn’t hesitate to make an appointment to see your doctor for a physical injury or illness, you shouldn’t hesitate to seek assistance or treatment for mental health issues either. Our mental health team consists of licensed counselors, psychiatrists and nurse practitioners who are specially trained in this field. With years of experience and a commitment to your care, our team works together to make sure you receive the highest standard of treatment. Our treatments Our outpatient program combines psychotherapy and medication management. The team also uses group, individual and family therapy to address symptoms. Outpatient services are available to treat a broad range of mental health disorders, including the following and more: • Anxiety • ADHD • Adjustment disorders • Depression • Eating disorders • Grief • Marriage/family counseling • Panic disorder • Post-traumatic stress disorder • Sleeping disorders Compassionate behavioral healthcare Our mental health team is here to help whenever you need us If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis or mental health emergency, please go to Lake Charles Memorial’s Emergency Department, located at 1701 Oak Park Blvd. Call 911 for emergencies or 988 for the national Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. David Murdock, MD Zachary Ryder, MD Michael Wright, MD Mario Valencia, MD Our providers How may we help you? If you’re struggling, don’t wait. Visit our website to request an appointment: lcmh.com/timeisnow. support group (learn more on page 13) on the second Tuesday of each month at their office. There is no cost associated with attending the meetings, and loved ones are welcome to attend as well. This group offers educational resources and opportunities to connect with others who understand your journey. Reach out to mental health helplines and crisis intervention services. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or in crisis, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Memorial Behavioral Health services are available to provide support, guidance and resources. The team can offer a listening ear while guiding you and your support person through the journey of adapting to a new life of living with type 2 diabetes.
16 Memorial Medical Milestones • 2024 Issue 2 Experience a place you’ll want to call home EXPERIENCE MEMORIAL As the second-largest employer in the area, offering a place on our team for 2,700-plus employees to provide for their families and reach their career goals, we continually invest in the latest technologies that allow caregivers and providers to optimize the health of our community. From physicians to nurses to operational staff and even volunteers, each member of our team is specially trained and shares the same sense of purpose: to deliver highquality, personal healthcare to our family, friends and neighbors. Working together across departments allows the best possible outcomes for patients, all while allowing each team member to develop to their fullest potential. Memorial makes a difference in the community, and we invite you to be a part of that difference. We welcome those who feel free to innovate, share ideas, serve and care for others better than you would expect to be served and cared for. We continuously listen, learn and evolve so that all who “Experience Memorial” share in an inclusive culture—feeling safe, respected and able to thrive. Now it’s your turn to “Experience Memorial”! Scan the QR code to meet Victoria, a registered nurse at Lake Charles Memorial Health System, and find out what it truly feels like to “Experience Memorial.”
Lake Charles Memorial offers a fun and educational visit to 12 of our departments to give high school and college students a glimpse of what it’s like to pursue a career in healthcare. Interested students are invited to come explore an array of opportunities to make a difference in their community. Skyler, a local high school student, recently got to explore her interests in healthcare. Skyler spent three days walking alongside Memorial staff members and was inspired by the many areas in which healthcare careers impact the community—some that are highly visible, and some that are hidden but are just as important. She enjoyed learning from the nurses in the ICU, as they taught her about the equipment and terminology used in caring for the most critically ill patients. While visiting the pediatric floor, she learned how to properly use personal protective equipment in various patient environments. Unexpectedly, she was able to get an up-close view of a stent used to open arteries and learn about how the cath lab staff and physicians save lives with such a small device. She spent time behind the scenes in case management, medical records, laboratory, nutritional services and service excellence. Along the way, she met several physicians as she learned more about clinic operations. While there were many areas of interest, a surprising revelation was the interworking of the clinical engineering department. While the staff explained in great detail the functions of medical devices and systems working together, Skyler described feeling a sense of community. “I felt like I belonged, and I felt like it was my team while I was there,” Skyler says. After meeting many passionate and knowledgeable staff members, Skyler will remember that no matter what path she follows, the field of healthcare will always have a place for anyone who wants to make a difference. Window to healthcare Giving students a glimpse of their potential careers Experience a day in our shoes Ready to see what a day in the life of a nurse looks like? How about Human Resources, Physical Therapy, Health Information Management or even Marketing? High school and college students interested in a career in healthcare may apply. Students under 18 must have parental consent. Visit lcmh.com/windowtohealthcare or scan the QR code to learn more. You can also call 337-494-3213 or email volunteerservices@lcmh.com. lcmh.com 17 Skyler pictured with Michael Ardoin, Assistant Administrator, and Shana Scales, Vice President of Human Resources.
18 Memorial Medical Milestones • 2024 Issue 2 From an early age, Denise Rau vividly remembers Lake Charles Memorial Hospital as a frequent topic of conversation at the dinner table and a significant influence on her perception of the impact of healthcare in SWLA. Her passion for Memorial came from her father, Samuel “Sam” M. Emerson, MD, a physician who not only treated patients here, but also loved and supported the growth and development of the health system. The importance of quality, community-led, local healthcare was made evident through his work as a physician and as a leader in the SWLA healthcare community. Making a home at Memorial Rau cannot remember a time that her life was not deeply connected to Memorial. Her childhood home was located just a few blocks away in Oak Park. “We lived so close that my dad often rode his bike to and from the hospital and his clinic,” recalls Rau. “I still remember having the opportunity, as a high school student, to observe a surgery when considering my future career path.” Through years of a successful career, and while caring for her own family, Rau has worked to ensure that Memorial remains a household name and a place that feels like home. A devoted advocate and trusted advisor of the hospital for over 20 years, she currently serves as Board Chair for Lake Charles Memorial Health System, as well as a member of the Board of Directors for The Foundation at LCMH. A passion for heart health The passing of Rau’s father from a heart attack at age 59 was incredibly difficult, yet it ultimately inspired her recent commitment to establish the Betty & Sam Emerson Heart Fund through The Foundation. The mission of the Heart Fund is twofold: to support the growing heart and vascular services offered locally and to promote education about hearthealthy lifestyles. “With medical advancements and education, I believe we can buy people at least a few more years with their loved ones, and a few years can mean a lot,” says Rau. “If my dad would have lived just nine more months, he would have been there to walk me down the aisle at my wedding, and if he had lived five more years, he would have lived to meet five of his six grandsons (with the sixth on the way!).” Rau cannot stand by and let heart disease steal any more time, or joy, from other families as it has hers. She is grateful to be in a position to serve Memorial and its efforts to improve the health of our region. Serving the community “Memorial exists for the community; we are governed by a board of volunteers who live and work in this community and want the best for all people in SWLA,” she explains. Meet Denise Rau, Board Chair for LCMHS
lcmh.com 19 The Foundation offers a unique opportunity for the community to be involved in advancing the hospital’s mission. “The Foundation elevates what’s possible at Memorial,” explains Rau. “It gives people the opportunity to make a one-time investment that produces ongoing returns. You are turning your favorite annual flowers into perennials.” Thanks to Rau, and her family’s significant investment of time and commitment to ensuring quality healthcare close to home, Memorial continues to make significant strides in healthcare delivery and accessibility. “My vision for the future is that Memorial continues to carry out the mission we were founded upon: providing quality, affordable and accessible care to everyone in this community. It’s just what we do.” —Denise Rau Join us in supporting heart health Scan the QR code to make a gift to The Foundation's Heart Fund.
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 “Memorial is a GREAT place to work!” lcmh.com 75% of Employees Agree
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