2026 Issue 2 Memorial MEDICAL MILESTONES Swift care in a crisis Veteran Mike Edmond and his wife, Racquel, discovered Memorial's expert support. Page 14
2 Memorial Medical Milestones • 2026 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. 2026 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. More than experts in complex conditions At Memorial, Jill Galmarini found skilled providers who listen and care. New treatment option for a common condition in men BPH is common—and it can cause bothersome symptoms. Here’s a less invasive way to treat it. Page 6 Female Comeback Athlete of the Year When a spinal injury forced Alexis Dibbley off the softball field, Memorial helped her get back in the game. Page 10 How we make a difference in our community Memorial’s partnerships in education, wellness events, and high school and college athletics. Page 8 Women: Find relief from troublesome symptoms New surgical technology offers gentler, effective treatments for a whole range of conditions—so you can enjoy life again. Page 16 4 Award-winning CARE
lcmh.com 3 From the CEO Lake Charles Memorial Health System 2026 Board of Trustees Healthcare looks different than it did when Lake Charles Memorial Hospital first opened its doors. New technology, new treatments and new expectations are reshaping how patients receive and experience care. But even as healthcare evolves, the reason Lake Charles Memorial Health System exists remains the same: to serve the people of Southwest Louisiana. That purpose traces back to Memorial’s founding, when local residents, physicians and community leaders worked together to create a hospital that would serve all people in Southwest Louisiana for generations. Today, as Southwest Louisiana’s health system, Memorial continues to evolve along with area needs. We are investing in advanced services, expanding access, strengthening our physician network and finding new ways to make care more connected, convenient and personal. At the same time, we remain grounded in the roots that made Memorial what it is today. We are a health system built by the community, for the community, led by your friends and neighbors across the region. Our employees, physicians, volunteers and board members live here, work here and care deeply about the future of our community. In this issue of Memorial Medical Milestones, you will find stories that reflect that balance— progress shaped by purpose and innovation guided by service. From advanced treatment options and expanded access to community partnerships and patient stories, each page reflects Memorial’s continued commitment to meeting the needs of the people who call this region home. Thank you for trusting us with your care and allowing us to continue serving Southwest Louisiana. 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. Mr. Louis Todd Sr., Chairman Judge Gene Thibodeaux, Chairmanelect/Vice Chairman and Secretary Mrs. Denise Emerson Rau, Past Chairperson Mr. Devon Hyde, President/CEO and Assistant Secretary Benjamin Azevedo, MD, Medical Staff Past President Collin Bowe, MD, Medical Staff President-elect Alyson Jones, MD, Medical Staff President Dr. Neil Aspinwall, Trustee Dr. Mitch Adrian, Trustee William “Randy” Condos, MD, Trustee Daniel Hall, DPM, Trustee Clifford Courville, MD, Trustee Mr. Joe Miller Jr., Trustee
4 Memorial Medical Milestones • 2026 Issue 2 Living with a chronic illness means managing more than symptoms. It means appointments, treatments, lab work, questions and the uncertainty that comes when answers are not always clear. For Jill Galmarini, those concerns became a part of her life when she was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in her mid‑30s. “I was diagnosed pretty late in life,” Galmarini says. “Things really went downhill after that. I had six surgeries in two years.” When she and her family moved to Lake Charles in 2018, one of her first priorities was finding a gastroenterologist who could help her continue the ongoing care her condition required. That search led her to Eric Fontenot, MD. “I just always really appreciated the way he talked to me,” Galmarini says. “He was very frank and straightforward, but showed a lot of care.” More than her diagnosis Learning to manage the unknown, with help from Memorial Finding a physician who listened The trust she had in the care provided by Dr. Fontenot became one of the most important parts of her healthcare journey. Galmarini started experiencing symptoms that weren’t typical Crohn’s symptoms, and test results didn’t provide clear answers. It was frustrating, and she began to wonder if what she was feeling was all in her head. Dr. Fontenot quickly reassured her. “No, it’s not in your head,” he told her. “Something’s wrong, and we just have to rule out what it isn’t to figure out what it is.” “That was a light bulb moment,” Galmarini says. “He believed me.” Connected care when it matters The value of that connected care became even clearer in 2021, shortly after Galmarini started a new Tammy TateGobert, NP, and Jill Galmarini.
lcmh.com 5 role with the Community Foundation of Southwest Louisiana. She went in for a routine mammogram, and the screening led to an early-stage breast cancer diagnosis. Galmarini had already been told that Amanda Ellington, MD; James Maze, MD; and Mohammad Khan, MD, were among the best doctors in town. When she learned all three were part of Lake Charles Memorial Health System, the decision to receive care close to home felt natural. Galmarini underwent a lumpectomy and radiation therapy while continuing to work, care for her family and move through a season of life that already felt full. Both Dr. Fontenot and Dr. Khan even gave Galmarini their personal cellphone numbers, so she had a direct line when she needed quick answers to questions or assistance navigating next steps. From treatment to today During radiation, Galmarini often came in early before heading into long days of community planning meetings. At the time, she was trying not to let cancer become her identity. She says she often felt like “the least sick cancer patient” in the room and wanted to move through treatment without being defined by it. Still, she remembers the people, like Tammy TateGobert, NP, with Memorial Radiation Oncology, who made those visits feel less clinical and more personal. Amanda Ellington, MD General and Breast Surgeon 2770 3rd Ave., Suite 120 Lake Charles, LA 70601 337-494-4868 Eric Fontenot, MD Gastroenterologist 2770 3rd Ave., Suite 345 Lake Charles, LA 70601 337-494-4785 Mohammad Khan, MD Hematologist and Medical Oncologist 2770 3rd Ave., Suite 240 Lake Charles, LA 70601 337-494-6768 A few of our experts in specialty care James Maze, MD Radiation Oncologist 1701 Oak Park Blvd. Lake Charles, LA 70601 337-494-2121 Tate-Gobert took time to ask Galmarini about her work. Those conversations helped create a sense of normalcy during a time when so much of her attention was focused on treatment. “The fact that she took the time to show interest in my life outside of my diagnosis made me more than the diagnosis,” Galmarini says. “And that’s what I wanted.” Today, Galmarini continues to receive care at Memorial for Crohn’s disease and cancer follow-up. Those appointments are part of her life—something she manages with the support of providers who know her history and understand the person behind it. Jill, pictured with her husband, Tom, daughter, Katie, and son, Riley, at a Barbe High School basketball game.
6 Memorial Medical Milestones • 2026 Issue 2 QWhat is BPH? BPH stands for benign prostatic hyperplasia, which is a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate that becomes more common as men age. It can cause rather disruptive urinary symptoms. Frequent trips to the bathroom, feeling an urgent need to urinate, trouble starting urination, waking up at night to use the bathroom and feeling like the bladder is not emptying completely are all hallmark signs of the condition. QWhen should I talk to a urologist? If urinary symptoms are disrupting your sleep, work, travel or daily routines, it’s certainly time to have a conversation. Many men assume these changes are just part of aging, but that doesn’t mean they have to live with them. QWhat is Aquablation therapy? Aquablation therapy is a minimally invasive, incision-less surgical treatment for BPH. It uses advanced imaging, robotic technology and a heat-free water jet to remove prostate tissue that is blocking urine flow. During the procedure, we can see the patient’s prostate anatomy in real time and create a treatment plan based on that individual patient. The robotic system then helps remove the targeted tissue with an ultra-precise, highpressure water jet. QHow is Aquablation different from other BPH procedures? Many traditional BPH procedures use heat to remove or destroy prostate tissue. Aquablation is totally heat-free, which, along with the real-time imaging and robotic guidance, makes this system the least disruptive surgical treatment for this condition. The precision it offers is important because the prostate is surrounded by structures involved in urinary control and sexual function. Aquablation therapy for Ask the physician With Lake Charles Memorial urologists Farjaad Farjaad Siddiq, MD Urologist 1715 Wolf Circle Lake Charles, LA 70605 337-284-8667
lcmh.com 7 Q How does Aquablation treat the symptoms of BPH? With Aquablation, our goal is not only to improve urine flow, but to do so while preserving important anatomy whenever possible. Aquablation can provide significant symptom relief while helping to preserve sexual function and reducing the risk of other side effects, such as urinary incontinence, compared with some traditional surgical treatments. QWhy is this important for Southwest Louisiana? Memorial is the first in the area to offer Aquablation therapy. For men in Southwest Louisiana, that means access to an advanced treatment option for BPH without having to travel outside the region. Bringing this technology to Memorial gives us another tool to help men who are living with symptoms that affect their daily lives—while also addressing concerns many men have about treatment side effects. QWho may be a candidate? Aquablation may be an option for men with moderate to severe urinary symptoms caused by BPH, especially if medication is not working well, is causing side effects or is not the preferred long-term solution. Not every patient is a candidate. Before recommending a procedure, I look at symptoms, prostate size, bladder function, overall health and treatment goals. QWhat is the bottom line? BPH is common, but treatment should be personal. Aquablation gives us another option to help men improve urinary symptoms while lowering the risk of side effects that matter deeply to quality of life, including sexual dysfunction and incontinence. For the right patient, Aquablation therapy can mean better sleep, fewer interruptions and renewed confidence. enlarged prostate Siddiq, MD, and John Upshaw, MD Developed by PROCEPT BioRobotics John Upshaw, MD Urologist 2770 3rd Ave., Suite 300 Lake Charles, LA 70601 337-284-9139
8 Memorial Medical Milestones • 2026 Issue 2 Southwest Louisiana’s health system: Support for our community In Southwest Louisiana, community is more than a word. It is the neighbor who shows up after a storm, the crowd gathered at a local festival, the celebration when a hometown team wins a state championship and organizations working together to make life better for the people who call this region home. Lake Charles Memorial Health System (LCMHS) has been part of our community story since 1952, when local residents came together to build a hospital to serve the people of Southwest Louisiana. Today, that same communityfirst spirit continues to guide Memorial’s work—not only inside hospital rooms and clinics, but in schools, neighborhoods, athletic programs and community spaces across the region. As Southwest Louisiana’s health system, Memorial understands that health is shaped by more than medical care. It is also shaped by education, safety, opportunity and connection. That is why Memorial continues to invest in programs and partnerships that support people where their lives happen. Investing in education For students pursuing healthcare careers, Memorial’s partnerships with McNeese State University and SOWELA Technical Community College help create local pathways into nursing, allied health, nutrition and dietetics, and other healthcare fields. Students gain hands-on experience in real healthcare settings and get the opportunity to make connections that often lead to full-time positions after graduation. Memorial’s commitment to education also extends to local classrooms. As a Partner in Education with Oak Park Middle School, Memorial supports students, teachers and administrators through teacher appreciation efforts, fundraisers, employee-led school supply drives and other school-based initiatives. The goal is to encourage students and support the people shaping the next generation of Southwest Louisiana. Through the Young at Art program, LCMHS celebrates creativity and expression by highlighting student artwork and giving young artists an opportunity to share their talents with the community. These pieces do more than brighten the hallways of Lake Charles Memorial Hospital and Lake Charles Memorial Hospital for Women—they remind patients, visitors and staff of the healing power of art. Supporting college athletes In Southwest Louisiana, game days are a point of pride. As the official sports medicine partner for McNeese Athletics, Memorial helps support the health and performance of the Cowboy and Cowgirl student athletes—on and off the field. Through this partnership, Memorial sports medicine physicians, athletic trainers and care teams provide support focused on injury prevention, evaluation, treatment and recovery. From practices and competitions to rehabilitation and follow-up care, the goal is to optimize student athletes’ long-term functional health, safety and physical performance.
lcmh.com 9 Supporting high school athletes Memorial’s commitment to sports medicine also extends to high schools across Calcasieu Parish. Since 1987, Memorial athletic trainers have been providing on-site medical care and injury prevention support for student athletes, coaches and parents. These athletic trainers are often among the first to respond when an injury happens. Their presence helps schools identify injuries quickly, guide appropriate treatment and support safe return-to-play decisions. For students and families, that means trusted guidance is available when it is needed most—on the sidelines, in the training room and throughout the recovery process. Where community and care come together Memorial’s commitment to Southwest Louisiana is also reflected in the events, programs and partnerships that bring people together across the region. From health education and safety training to local fundraisers, community celebrations and family-friendly events, Memorial’s outreach efforts are designed to support people where they already live, work, learn and gather. Through programs such as Stop the Bleed training, CPR education, wellness events and health fairs, Memorial helps share practical information that can make a difference before someone ever becomes a patient. These efforts support prevention, early detection and emergency preparedness, while giving individuals and families tools they can use in everyday life. Memorial also supports local walks, runs, fundraisers and familyfriendly events that reflect the heart of Southwest Louisiana. Some raise awareness for important health causes. Others celebrate the music, food, traditions and shared experiences that bring people together. Whether Memorial team members are sharing health information, helping community members prepare for emergencies or supporting local initiatives, the goal remains the same: to be present, helpful and connected to the people of Southwest Louisiana. Scan to hear from local partners about what it means to work alongside Southwest Louisiana’s health system—or visit lcmh.com/community-partnerships.
10 For McNeese State University softball player Alexis Dibbley, her comeback was not one big moment. It was built slowly—through patience, rehab, encouragement and the determination to return to the game she loves. A junior pitcher/outfielder for the Cowgirls, Dibbley wears No. 15 and knows what it means to represent Southwest Louisiana. Before coming to McNeese, she grew up in Moss Bluff and played at Sam Houston High School. Softball had long been part of her life, which made stepping back even harder. A painful back injury During her sophomore season, Dibbley began having back pain that eventually forced her off the field. After seeing several physicians, she was diagnosed with spondylolisthesis, a spinal condition that can cause lower back pain. She missed the rest of the season, sat out the summer and slowly worked her way back in the fall. Back on the field Meet the McNeese Female Comeback Athlete of the Year LEFT: Alexis, pictured with her mother, Jennifer Dibbley, and her father, Alex Dibbley, a certified athletic trainer with Memorial.
lcmh.com 11 “It was really difficult for me, because I love being on the field,” Dibbley says. “It meant taking on a new role for my team and being more of a cheerleader in the dugout.” Even while injured, she stayed close to her team. She dressed out for games, encouraged her teammates and learned to contribute in a different way while working toward her return. The best support Throughout that process, Dibbley credits McNeese athletic trainer Steve Everett, part of Lake Charles Memorial Health System’s sports medicine team, with helping her keep going. “He was honestly the best person that could have been there for me through this comeback,” Dibbley says. That journey earned Dibbley the title of McNeese Female Comeback Athlete of the Year, presented by Lake Charles Memorial Health System. Then her comeback story became even bigger. McNeese softball went on to win the 2026 Southland Conference Championship, and Dibbley delivered a walkoff home run that helped send the Cowgirls to the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Connection and trust bring success Dibbley’s story also carries a hometown connection to Memorial. Her father is one of Memorial’s athletic trainers, supporting high school sports across the region—the same kind of local sports community that helped shape Dibbley from Sam Houston High to McNeese. Her story is a reminder that sports medicine is more than treating injuries. It is about helping athletes trust the process, return safely and step back into the moments they worked so hard to reach. Brian Harrell, MD Family Medicine and Sports Medicine 1525 Oak Park Blvd. Lake Charles, LA 70601 337-494-6767 James Jackson, DO Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine 4345 Nelson Road, Suite 101 Lake Charles, LA 70605 337-480-7942 Logan Soileau, DO Family Medicine and Sports Medicine 4345 Nelson Road, Suite 102 Lake Charles, LA 70605 337-480-7999 Memorial sports medicine physicians From youth sports to collegiate competition and active adults, Memorial Sports Medicine helps athletes stay healthy, recover from injuries and return safely to play. Lake Charles Memorial Health System’s sports medicine physicians and athletic trainers provide expert care for a wide range of sports-related injuries, including: • Rotator cuff injuries • Shoulder dislocations • Meniscus injuries • ACL tears • Jumper’s knee • Ankle sprains • Stress fractures Services include injury evaluation and treatment, diagnostic imaging, physical therapy, athletic training support, custom bracing and orthotics, and injury prevention education. Whether on the field, in the clinic or through community partnerships, Memorial Sports Medicine is committed to helping athletes of all ages perform at their best. Care for every athlete, at every level
12 Memorial Medical Milestones • 2026 Issue 2 Most of the time, you probably don’t think about breathing. But with lung disease, breathing can become harder and symptoms may worsen over time. Knowing the warning signs can help you avoid serious illness or even death. Don’t ignore the signs Asthma, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer are some common types of lung disease. Symptoms can be hard to notice at first. Stay alert for: • Chronic cough. If you’ve had a cough for eight weeks or longer, get it checked out, even if it doesn’t seem like a big deal. • Chronic mucus production. If it feels like you have more mucus than usual and it’s been going on for a month or more, it could be lung disease. • Chronic chest pain. Don’t ignore chronic pain in your chest, especially if it hurts worse when you breathe or cough. • Shortness of breath. If you get out of breath even when you aren’t exercising, this is a red flag. Any time you feel that inhaling or exhaling is hard for no reason, it could signal lung problems. • Coughing up blood. This is a clear sign there’s some kind of health problem. The blood could be coming from your lungs or respiratory tract. • Wheezing. When you hear a wheezing sound as you breathe, it means something is blocking the airways in your lungs or making them too narrow. An ounce of prevention Thankfully, there are things you can do to help prevent lung disease. Here are some of the most important: • Don’t smoke. • Exercise. • Do breathing exercises. • Get regular checkups. If you experience any symptoms of lung disease, a healthcare provider can rule out something serious. Source: American Lung Association John Bercier, DO Pulmonology 2770 3rd Ave., Suite 350 Lake Charles, LA 70601 337-284-8443 R. Craig Broussard, MD Pulmonology 2770 3rd Ave., Suite 350 Lake Charles, LA 70601 337-245-2997 Clifford Courville, MD Pulmonology 2770 3rd Ave., Suite 350 Lake Charles, LA 70601 337-245-2996 Fidencio Davalos, MD Pulmonology 2770 3rd Ave., Suite 350 Lake Charles, LA 70601 337-245-2994 Gary Kohler, MD Pulmonology 2770 3rd Ave., Suite 350 Lake Charles, LA 70601 337-245-2989 Know the signs of lung disease Memorial Pulmonary Associates physicians Have questions about lung health? If you’d like to schedule a well exam, make an appointment with one of our providers by visiting lcmh.com/pulmonary or calling 337-245-2984.
lcmh.com 13 RapidAI for stroke care When it comes to treating a patient experiencing a stroke, every minute matters. The team at Memorial, in partnership with Tulane Medical Center, uses RapidAI technology to help care teams identify signs of stroke faster and coordinate the next steps in treatment. RapidAI reviews advanced brain imaging, including CT and CTA scans, to help detect bleeding in the brain and blocked blood vessels that may require urgent treatment. It also supports CT perfusion imaging, which creates color-coded maps that help providers see areas of the brain that may still be saved. This added information helps Memorial’s stroke team make faster, more informed decisions, including when a patient may need medication to dissolve a clot or transfer for a procedure to remove a blockage. By combining advanced imaging, AI support and physician expertise, Memorial is helping to bring timely stroke care to patients in Southwest Louisiana. New tools, same trusted teams Heartflow Analysis: A noninvasive look into your heart’s health Lake Charles Memorial Health System is using Heartflow Analysis to give providers a clearer look at a patient’s heart health without the need for invasive testing. The technology uses images from a coronary CTA (computed tomography angiography) scan to create a personalized 3D model of the coronary arteries. This model shows how plaque buildup may be affecting blood flow to the heart and identifies the amount, location and type of plaque present. For Memorial’s Heart and Vascular team, that information can help paint a more complete picture of a patient’s heart disease risk and guide a treatment plan based on their individual needs. For patients, it can mean a simpler testing experience, clearer answers and a better understanding of what comes next.
14 Memorial Medical Milestones • 2026 Issue 2 Mike and Racquel Edmond know the importance of finding the right support at the right time. Through their organization, Once Was Inc., the couple helps connect veterans with resources that often go unused or unknown. For veterans who live far from a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital or outside a traditional military community, benefits can be difficult to navigate. Mike and Racquel’s mission is to help these veterans become anchored back into the communities they served to protect. That mission is personal. Mike is a Navy veteran, and he and Racquel have built their work around service, hospitality and helping others find connection. An allergy becomes an emergency During a recent visit to Lake Charles, Mike and Racquel found themselves on the other side of that support. The couple was at a local restaurant when Mike began experiencing a serious allergic reaction. His symptoms escalated quickly, and Racquel knew he needed emergency care fast. As a disabled veteran with servicerelated health concerns, Mike’s healthcare needs can become urgent rather quickly. Confidence in a moment of crisis How one emergency visit showed Mike and Racquel the strength of local care
lcmh.com 15 Local emergency medical services responded and transported Mike to Lake Charles Memorial Hospital, where the emergency department team began treating him right away. Calming communication For Racquel, the experience stood out from the beginning. She remembers Jason Hagen, MD, explaining what was happening, reassuring her that Mike was receiving the care he needed and making sure she was kept informed every step of the way. At one point, Racquel stepped away from the room to get some water. While she was out of the room, Dr. Hagen had an update. Instead of waiting or moving on, he gave her a call. “He made sure that when he had information, I had information,” Racquel says. That moment stayed with her. In the middle of a frightening medical emergency, compassionate communication brought calm. Racquel felt that the team was not only treating Mike’s symptoms, but also caring for her as a person trying to understand what was happening to someone she loved. Brothers in service The experience became even more meaningful when Dr. Hagen shared that he was a veteran too. He reassured Racquel that Mike was in good hands and even referred to him as his brother. “I was his brother’s wife,” Racquel says. “That’s all he saw.” That connection reflected something Mike and Racquel understand well through their work with veterans: People feel safer when they feel seen. In that emergency room, they felt seen, heard and supported. Mike is a Navy veteran, and he and Racquel have built their work around service, hospitality and helping others find connection. Trust matters “We live in Houston, where the options for medical care are endless,” Racquel says. “But options don’t always mean opportunity.” At the time of Mike’s emergency, the couple were considering a move to Southwest Louisiana. They knew what it meant to have access to big-city healthcare resources. But after Mike’s emergency visit, their opinion of the care available in Lake Charles became crystal clear. For Racquel, the difference was not only the availability of care at Memorial, it was the way care was delivered—with clear communication, urgency, compassion and respect. The experience helped give the couple confidence that Lake Charles Memorial could support Mike’s healthcare needs. It also reinforced what they already believed: Access matters, but trust matters just as much. For Mike, the visit was another reminder of the bond veterans often carry with one another. For Racquel, it was the reassurance of knowing that in a crisis, the local emergency team responded with skill and genuine concern. Confidence in local care Through Once Was Inc., Mike and Racquel help veterans find resources, support and a stronger sense of belonging. After their experience at Memorial, Lake Charles became part of that story for them too. In a moment they never expected, they found confidence in local care—care that measured up not because it was in a larger city, but because it was personal, responsive and present when they needed it most. As they look toward the future, Mike and Racquel continue helping veterans become anchored in the communities they call home. And now, when they talk about Lake Charles, they talk about more than opportunity. That confidence is especially meaningful as they prepare to make Lake Charles home, knowing quality care is close by if they need it. They talk about trust. They talk about connection. And they talk about the emergency care that helped them feel supported when it mattered most.
16 Memorial Medical Milestones • 2026 Issue 2 Robotic-assisted gynecology Helping women feel better, faster As robotic technology becomes more common in everyday life—cleaning our floors, delivering groceries and even mowing our lawns—it’s also transforming something far more important: women’s healthcare. At Lake Charles Memorial Health System, roboticassisted gynecologic surgery is helping women across Southwest Louisiana access advanced surgical care close to home. It offers reduced recovery times while improving precision and outcomes for a range of conditions that can significantly impact quality of life. Hope for troublesome symptoms For many women, conditions such as fibroids, endometriosis, chronic pelvic pain and heavy menstrual bleeding can quietly interfere with daily life for years. Symptoms can affect work, sleep, family responsibilities and emotional well-being, yet many women delay treatment because they worry about large incisions, long hospital stays or extended recovery periods. That’s where robotic-assisted surgery is changing the conversation. Robotic-assisted technology serves as a tool that allows surgeons to operate with enhanced precision, using high-definition 3D visualization and instruments that move with greater range of motion and flexibility than the human hand. The surgeon remains in complete control throughout the procedure, while the robotic platform allows for a minimally invasive approach that can lead to smaller incisions, less pain and faster recovery times compared to traditional surgery. Removing obstacles to care For many women, the thought of a long surgical recovery can become a barrier to care. Many women delay treatment because stepping away from work, parenting and daily responsibilities can feel impossible. As a working mother herself, Jessica Cole, MD, says robotic-assisted surgery not only helps treat often-overlooked women’s health conditions, but also helps women return to their lives more quickly. “Women have a reputation of putting everyone else first,” Dr. Cole says. “When they’re dealing with chronic pelvic Frequently asked questions QWill robotic-assisted gynecologic surgery affect fertility? Robotic-assisted surgery has no greater adverse effect on fertility than traditional surgery. In many cases, minimally invasive surgery can help preserve fertility, depending on the condition being treated. Patients should always discuss surgical and family planning goals with their surgeon and OB/GYN. QIs robotic-assisted surgery used only in cancer treatment or hysterectomies? No. The da Vinci robotic technology can be used for a wide range of gynecologic procedures, including treatment for fibroids, endometriosis and pelvic floor dysfunction. Patients should discuss all available treatment options with their care team to determine the best approach for their individual needs. QHow painful is robotic-assisted surgery? Pain levels vary by patient and procedure, but minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgery often results in less postoperative pain and shorter recovery times compared to traditional open surgery. Following your surgeon’s recovery instructions is important for the best possible outcome.
lcmh.com 17 pain or heavy bleeding, it can affect every aspect of their lives. Robotic-assisted surgery allows us to offer effective treatment options with smaller incisions and faster recovery times.” Gentler surgical options According to Clay Maraist, MD, robotic-assisted surgery can also play an important role in treating conditions that become more common during and after menopause. As women age, changes in hormones and pelvic support structures can lead to conditions that may require surgical treatment. “Robotic-assisted gynecologic surgery can help treat conditions such as pelvic organ prolapse, abnormal bleeding and hysterectomy-related conditions while allowing women to receive minimally invasive care with shorter recovery times,” Dr. Maraist says. Joseph Semien Jr., MD, a specially trained pelvic floor dysfunction specialist, highlights the benefits roboticassisted surgery can provide for women dealing with urinary incontinence and pelvic floor disorders—conditions that can significantly affect daily life. “Urinary incontinence affects millions of women,” says Dr. Semien. “It keeps women from playing with their kids, Jessica Cole, MD OB/GYN 1890 W. Gauthier Road, Suite 145 Lake Charles, LA 70605 337-245-2988 Clay Maraist, MD OB/GYN 1890 W. Gauthier Road, Suite 135 Lake Charles, LA 70605 337-245-2986 Joseph Semien Jr., MD Gynecology 1890 W. Gauthier Road, Suite 135 Lake Charles, LA 70605 337-245-2985 Make an appointment Memorial Obstetrics and Gynecology providers Discover the benefits Scan the QR code to learn more about robotic-assisted gynecologic surgery at Lake Charles Memorial. exercising or fully enjoying everyday activities. Too many women suffer in silence from conditions that can often be treated quickly and effectively.” Convenient access to care The da Vinci surgical system, by Intuitive Surgical Inc., is part of a broader investment in robotic-assisted care at Lake Charles Memorial Health System. Memorial continues to expand access to robotic-assisted platforms across multiple specialties and for a variety of procedures, bringing advanced surgical technology closer to where patients live and work. For women in Southwest Louisiana, that means they no longer have to travel far from home to access innovative surgical care. Instead, they can receive advanced treatment from physicians they know and trust—and get back to enjoying their lives sooner. “At the end of the day, this technology is about improving people’s lives,” Dr. Maraist says. “It’s about helping women feel better, recover faster and get back to the moments that matter most.”
18 Memorial Medical Milestones • 2026 Issue 2 Did you know? Memorial by the numbers Since opening its doors, Lake Charles Memorial Health System has grown with the people of Southwest Louisiana. What began as a community-built hospital has become a regional health system shaped by local leadership, advanced care, education, outreach and a continued commitment to meeting the needs of the region. By the numbers $300M in community benefit provided in 2025 These funds support access to care, community health, outreach, education and services that strengthen the region. Nearly 3,000employees Memorial is one of the largest not-for-profit employers in SWLA. 450 physicians 35 specialties Providers offer care across a wide range of services, clinics and hospital-based programs. 65% of graduates have stayed in Louisiana This helps strengthen access to family medicine and primary care across the state. family medicine physicians graduate each year The Memorial/LSUHSC Family Medicine Residency Program has graduated seven family medicine physicians each year since 1995.
144 miles 490 miles lcmh.com 19 Heart care legacy A major chapter in Memorial’s heart care history began with William “Randy” Condos, MD. While training at Brooke Army Medical Center in the 1980s, Dr. Condos learned from Richard A. Schatz, MD, one of the developers of the first coronary artery stent approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). That experience became a gift he would bring home to Lake Charles Memorial, helping shape the future of cardiac care in Southwest Louisiana. Birmingham Lake Charles Advanced cancer care LCMHS is home to Varian Edge Linear Accelerators, advanced radiation technology designed to deliver highly precise cancer treatment. Memorial is the only health system with this technology between Houston, Texas, and Birmingham, Alabama. Maternal and infant care • The first baby delivered at Memorial was born on Oct. 18, 1952, five days before the hospital officially opened its doors. • On June 8, 2026, two sets of triplets were born at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital for Women on the same day. This is the first known time in Southwest Louisiana that two sets of triplets were delivered at the same hospital on the same day. Hyperbaric wound care LCMHS was the first in Lake Charles to offer hyperbaric oxygen therapy for wound care. Today, Memorial offers this treatment at two convenient locations. SANE program • Lake Charles Memorial is home to one of only two Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) programs in Southwest Louisiana and offers the region’s most comprehensive SANE program. • Memorial has the longeststanding SANE program in Louisiana, serving the community for 26 years. First in the nation Firsts, onlys and local legacy Memorial’s Heart & Vascular program was the first in the nation to be recognized by the American College of Cardiology for expertise and commitment in treating patients receiving transcatheter aortic valve repair and replacement procedures. Houston National recognition Lake Charles Memorial Hospital was the only hospital in Louisiana to earn a 5-star rating on Forbes’ Top Hospitals list in 2026.
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 Finding a primary care provider should not mean waiting weeks to be seen. At Lake Charles Memorial Health System, primary care appointments are available in under two weeks, giving patients faster access to trusted care close to home. Primary care is an important part of long-term health. From annual wellness visits and preventive screenings to medication management, new health concerns and ongoing conditions, a primary care provider gets to know your health history and helps guide your care over time. Memorial’s network of physicians and nurse practitioners makes it easier to start that relationship with flexible scheduling and online appointment requests. Schedule at your convenience Scan the QR code to learn more and schedule your first appointment! Or call 800-494-LCMH (800-494-5264). Primary care that fits your schedule
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