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Tag: Ochsner Health

  • Ochsner MD Anderson First in Louisiana to Use CAR T cell Therapy to Treat Cancer in Adults

    Ochsner MD Anderson First in Louisiana to Use CAR T cell Therapy to Treat Cancer in Adults

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    Newswise — NEW ORLEANS, La. – Ochsner MD Anderson Cancer Center at The Gayle and Tom Benson Cancer Center in New Orleans is proud to be the first institution in Louisiana to use CAR T cell therapy in adults, the revolutionary treatment for certain types of blood cancers.

    A New Orleans adult patient received CAR T cell therapy in June, with a complete response and no evidence of cancer in late July, putting them in full remission. The patient is being treated under the guidance of Clark Alsfeld, MD, hematologist/oncologist and cellular therapy specialist at Ochsner MD Anderson.

    CAR T cell therapy, also known as Chimeric Antigen Receptor T cell therapy, is an innovative, personalized form of immunotherapy treatment that harnesses the patient’s immune system to target and destroy cancer cells.

    How does CAR T cell therapy work?

    The patient’s own T cells, a type of white blood cell, are extracted from their blood. These T cells are then genetically modified in a laboratory to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) on their surface.

    These CARs are designed to recognize specific proteins, known as antigens, that are present on the surface of cancer cells. Once the T cells are modified and expanded in number, they are infused back into the patient’s bloodstream. The engineered CAR T cells then seek out and bind to the cancer cells, leading to their destruction.

    CAR T cell therapy is particularly effective against certain types of blood cancers, such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), certain types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and multiple myeloma. Patient eligibility depends on the type of cancer and prior treatment—some must have already gone through multiple unsuccessful standard treatments. However, recent studies have even shown a benefit for CAR T cell therapy in certain patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma after one line of therapy. Given this success, clinical trials at Ochsner MD Anderson and MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston are evaluating CAR T cell therapy as first-line treatment in non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

    The success of CAR T cell therapy is very promising, with significant remission rates observed in patients who have not responded to standard cancer treatments, as evidenced by Ochsner

    MD Anderson’s first patient. CAR T cell therapy represents a momentous advancement in cancer treatment and has the potential to revolutionize the way certain types of cancers are managed. Ongoing research and development are focused on expanding its use to other cancer types, including solid tumors, and improving its safety and efficacy.

    “While a patient’s cancer journey can be challenging, CAR T cell therapy empowers the immune system to rise as a force against cancer cells—paving the way for advancements in ending cancer,” said Dr. Alsfeld. “At Ochsner MD Anderson, we are continuously striving to treat our patients with some of the latest and most effective treatment options to give them more good days with their families. We are thrilled that our first CAR T cell patient’s treatment was successful and look forward to helping more people.”

    Since Ochsner MD Anderson’s first CAR T cell patient’s therapy in June, its Bone Marrow Transplant and Cellular Therapy team has begun the CAR T cell treatment process on one additional patient and is currently evaluating three others, with more patients to receive the treatment this fall.

    For more than 80 years, Ochsner has been dedicated to cancer research and new cancer therapy development, bringing innovations to treatment with more clinical trials than anywhere else in Louisiana. It is accredited by the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the American College of Radiology, the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (Bone Marrow Transplant) and the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers.

    In June 2023, Ochsner Health announced a partnership with The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to create Ochsner MD Anderson Cancer Center in southeastern Louisiana, providing the region’s patients with access to cancer treatments among the most advanced in the nation. Through this collaboration, Ochsner is the first and only provider in Louisiana with a fully integrated cancer program based on MD Anderson’s standards and treatment plans.

    Cancer care at Ochsner is recognized by U.S. News & World Report, ranking as high performing in leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma treatment and colon, lung and prostate cancer surgeries. Ochsner’s ear, nose and throat specialty is also ranked by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 program in the country, which includes head and neck surgical oncology. The Ochsner Cancer Institute treats more than 40,000 patients each year and has cared for patients from all 50 states and 28 countries. Each patient’s care team can include as many as 20 multidisciplinary cancer specialists working together to provide high-quality treatment. In 2022, more than 300,000 preventive cancer screenings were performed at Ochsner facilities across its system.

    To learn more about Ochsner MD Anderson Cancer Center and the treatment options available to patients, please visit ochsner.org/cancerservices.

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    About Ochsner Health

    Ochsner Health is an integrated healthcare system with a mission to Serve, Heal, Lead, Educate and Innovate. Celebrating more than 80 years of service, it leads nationally in cancer care, cardiology, neurosciences, liver and kidney transplants and pediatrics, among other areas. Ochsner is consistently named both the top hospital and top children’s hospital in Louisiana by U.S. News & World Report. The not-for-profit organization is inspiring healthier lives and stronger communities through its Healthy State initiative, a bold and collaborative plan to realize a healthier Louisiana. Its focus is on preventing diseases and providing patient-centered care that is accessible, affordable, convenient and effective. Ochsner Health pioneers new treatments, deploys emerging technologies and performs groundbreaking research, including 4,000 patients enrolled in 685 clinical studies in 2022. It has more than 37,000 employees and over 4,700 employed and affiliated physicians in over 90 medical specialties and subspecialties. It operates 46 hospitals and more than 370 health and urgent care centers across Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and the Gulf South; and its cutting-edge Connected Health digital medicine program is caring for patients beyond its walls. In 2022, Ochsner Health treated more than 1.4 million people from every state and 62 countries. As Louisiana’s top healthcare educator of physicians, Ochsner Health and its partners educate thousands of healthcare professionals annually. To learn more, visit https://www.ochsner.org/.

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  • Ochsner Health Names New Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

    Ochsner Health Names New Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

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    Newswise — NEW ORLEANS, La. – Ochsner Health has named Jim Molloy as the organization’s next Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. A leader at Citi bringing decades of extensive experience in healthcare finance, Molloy will oversee the organization’s accounting, financial planning and analysis, reimbursement and revenue cycle functions, as well as managed care contracting and treasury. He will also play a pivotal role in the continued development and execution of Ochsner’s strategy as the health system builds on its clinical excellence and spirit of innovation to evolve the future of healthcare delivery.

    In his current role as the Managing Director and Head of Municipal Banking at Citi, Molloy has been a key advisor to Ochsner for several years and has spent more than 16 years overseeing banking for all municipal-related activity, including public finance, healthcare, higher education and public-private partnerships.

    “I’ve had the great fortune to work with Ochsner Health for more than 20 years in various strategic and financial advisory roles and have always been awed by their dedication to providing high-quality care to millions of patients and families. I look forward to being able to dedicate all of my future efforts to help Ochsner further expand its impact on the communities it serves and am honored to have the opportunity to join such an amazing team of clinicians and employees,” said Molloy.

    Molloy brings 30+ years of healthcare experience, working with some of the largest health systems in the country. He has expertise in capital structure and strategic planning and has led the promotion of transparency and communication between non-profit health systems and the investor community. Prior to joining Citi, Molloy worked in senior positions in the consulting division of a Big 6 accounting firm and a rating agency.

    Molloy will join Ochsner in July 2023 and work side-by-side with Ochsner’s current CFO, Scott Posecai, who will retire as CFO in December 2023, following a 36-year career with Ochsner. Through a variety of financial and leadership roles, Posecai has been instrumental in Ochsner’s ability to serve more patients across the Gulf South region. The leaders will work together through the end of the year to ensure a seamless transition.

    “We are so excited to welcome Jim to the Ochsner family. He is the right person to lead Ochsner Health from a financial perspective as we work to transform healthcare for the communities we serve. We are confident our organization will benefit from his talents, expertise and passion for our mission,” said Ochsner Health Chief Executive Officer Pete November. “We also want to express our profound gratitude for Scott Posecai’s decades of leadership at Ochsner as the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, in addition to his impactful work to advance Ochsner’s value-based care initiatives through insurance product development, risk-based contract performance, Ochsner Health Network support and the recent start-up of the Ochsner Health Plan.”

    About Ochsner Health

    Ochsner Health is an integrated healthcare system with a mission to Serve, Heal, Lead, Educate and Innovate. Celebrating more than 80 years of service, it leads nationally in cancer care, cardiology, neurosciences, liver and kidney transplants and pediatrics, among other areas. Ochsner is consistently named both the top hospital and top children’s hospital in Louisiana by U.S. News & World Report. The not-for-profit organization is inspiring healthier lives and stronger communities through its Healthy State by 2030 initiative, a bold and collaborative plan to realize a healthier Louisiana. Its focus is on preventing diseases and providing patient-centered care that is accessible, affordable, convenient and effective. Ochsner Health pioneers new treatments, deploys emerging technologies and performs groundbreaking research, including 4,000 patients enrolled in 685 clinical studies in 2022. It has more than 37,000 employees and over 4,700 employed and affiliated physicians in over 90 medical specialties and subspecialties. It operates 46 hospitals and more than 370 health and urgent care centers across Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and the Gulf South; and its cutting-edge Connected Health digital medicine program is caring for patients beyond its walls. In 2022, Ochsner Health treated more than 1.4 million people from every state and 62 countries. As Louisiana’s top healthcare educator of physicians, Ochsner Health and its partners educate thousands of healthcare professionals annually. To learn more, visit https://www.ochsner.org/.

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  • The University of Queensland-Ochsner Health Medical Program Celebrates High Residency Match; See Ochsner’s Full Match Day Results for 2023

    The University of Queensland-Ochsner Health Medical Program Celebrates High Residency Match; See Ochsner’s Full Match Day Results for 2023

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    Newswise — NEW ORLEANS, La. – The University of Queensland-Ochsner Health (UQ-Ochsner) Doctor of Medicine (MD) program and Ochsner Graduate Medical Education on March 17 celebrated Match Day 2023 – a rite of passage in which applicants from around the globe learn who has been selected for which U.S. residency program to start the next chapter of medical training.

    This year, 78 medical graduates from UQ-Ochsner’s Class of 2022 entered the match and received a 96% match rate through the National Residency Match Program (NRMP) –- one that exceeded the national match rate for U.S. medical schools.

    Leonardo Seoane, MD, FACP, Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer at Ochsner Health said, “Match Day is the culmination of years of dedication and hard work, and we are so proud of our graduates on this milestone day. Our medical school’s consistently high match rate is a testament to the academic excellence of our MD program, as well as to the stellar work of our students, faculty, and staff.”

    Since 2009, UQ and Ochsner Health has provided the opportunity for medical students who are United States citizens to obtain an integrated, global medical education. Students complete two years in Brisbane, Australia and in the third and fourth years, students attend the UQ-Ochsner Clinical School at Ochsner Health where they pursue their clinical rotations, guided by a clinical faculty that has been training medical students, residents, and fellows for more than 75 years. Ochsner Health is one of the largest independent academic medical centers in the United States.

    “We are honored to offer a medical program that spans two continents, providing students with a unique global perspective as they train to be medical professionals,” Dr. Seoane said. “This valuable experience in a health system in Australia and the United States prepares them to thrive professionally and with compassion in today’s dynamic healthcare industry.”

    The 96% match rate marks the twelfth consecutive year that the school’s match rate has been 90% or above. Overall, more than 856 UQ-Ochsner graduates have successfully matched into US ACGME-accredited programs in nearly every state and every specialty. For the Class of 2022, more than 65% of UQ-Ochsner graduates matched in their top three choices for residency.

    This year the graduates matched into residency training programs at many prestigious institutions across the country, including Ochsner Health, University of Texas-Houston, Oregon Health Science Center, University of California Davis, University of California Los Angeles, University of California San Francisco, Mayo Clinic, Harvard University, and the Lahey Clinic, to name a few. Students also matched at the in-state programs at Tulane University, LSU New Orleans, and Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport. These matches span a variety of specialties including Anesthesia, Emergency Medicine, Family and Internal Medicine, General Surgery, Vascular Surgery, Neurology, OB/GYN, Otolaryngology, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, and Radiology.

    Of the UQ-Ochsner medical graduates matched this year:

    • 38% are remaining in Louisiana for their residency
    • 62% matched outside of Louisiana for medical training

    Our newly matched graduates will start their residency training programs in July 2023. 

    To match with a residency program, medical students enter the NRMP during their final months of medical school. Throughout the fall and into the early winter, students apply and interview with residency programs as they complete their programs. From January to February, candidates and residency programs submit a preference list to the NRMP, which then uses a computerized mathematical algorithm to match programs and applicants. The final placement results are revealed each year on Match Day. For more information about the National Residency Match Program, visit www.nrmp.org.

    For more information on the UQ-Ochsner Doctor of Medicine program, visit https://ochsner.uq.edu.au/.

    Graduate Medical Education at Ochsner

    Graduate Medical Education at Ochsner filled:

    • 100% of positions to students from across the globe participating in this year’s match
    • 38% of positions were matched with students from within Louisiana
    • 52% of positions were matched with students from outside of Louisiana

    “We are thrilled that, once again, all positions offered by our Graduate Medical Education Office were filled in this year’s match. Ochsner offers high-quality programs, and our high fill rate record is a testament to our excellence,” said Ronald Amedee, MD, Dean of Medical Education for Ochsner Health and Head of University of Queensland Ochsner Clinical School. “We are excited to welcome residents and fellows from nationally-renowned medical schools in Louisiana and across the country.”

    The Ochsner Department of Graduate Medical Education offers 31 ACGME (Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education) accredited residency and fellowship programs in a variety of specialties, including anesthesiology, emergency medicine, internal medicine and more.

    Ochsner Graduate Medical Education sponsors programs that are properly structured, monitored, and evaluated to improve quality of care for our patients. GME provides programs that emphasize personal, clinical, and professional development for over 1,000 trainees at our campuses each year.

    For more information on Ochsner Graduate Medical Education, visit https://education.ochsner.org/gme.

     

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    About Ochsner Health

    Ochsner Health is an integrated healthcare system with a mission to Serve, Heal, Lead, Educate and Innovate. Celebrating 80 years in 2022, it leads nationally in cancer care, cardiology, neurosciences, liver and kidney transplants and pediatrics, among other areas. Ochsner is consistently named both the top hospital and top children’s hospital in Louisiana by U.S. News & World Report. The not-for-profit organization is inspiring healthier lives and stronger communities. Its focus is on preventing diseases and providing patient-centered care that is accessible, affordable, convenient and effective. Ochsner Health pioneers new treatments, deploys emerging technologies and performs groundbreaking research, including 4,000 patients enrolled in 685 clinical studies in 2022. It has more than 38,000 employees and over 4,600 employed and affiliated physicians in over 90 medical specialties and subspecialties. It operates 48 hospitals and more than 370 health and urgent care centers across Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and the Gulf South; and its cutting-edge Connected Health digital medicine program is caring for patients beyond its walls. In 2022, Ochsner Health treated more than 1.4 million people from every state and 62 countries. As Louisiana’s top healthcare educator of physicians, Ochsner Health and its partners educate thousands of healthcare professionals annually. To learn more, visit https://www.ochsner.org/.

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  • Xavier University of Louisiana and Ochsner Health Partner to Create College of Medicine and Pursue Health, Educational Equity

    Xavier University of Louisiana and Ochsner Health Partner to Create College of Medicine and Pursue Health, Educational Equity

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    Newswise — New Orleans, La. – Xavier University of Louisiana (Xavier) and Ochsner Health (Ochsner) today announced an agreement to establish a joint College of Medicine. The two institutions will create a strong physician pipeline that addresses longstanding inequities within the nation’s health care system and builds the health care workforce of the future. By anchoring their partnership with a College of Medicine, Xavier and Ochsner affirm their legacy of advancing health care excellence and education for the next generation, bringing new opportunities to marginalized populations in Louisiana and the United States.

    To launch the College of Medicine, Ochsner and Xavier will form a nonprofit corporation, create a new curriculum and use facilities, personnel, and administrative processes of both institutions. The new College of Medicine will be governed by a board of directors nominated by Ochsner and Xavier, with each institution appointing an equal number of directors.

    This initiative builds on a long-standing partnership between Ochsner and Xavier that dates to the early 1980s, when Ochsner and Xavier’s College of Pharmacy came together to offer more clinical training sites for pharmacy students. Xavier’s College of Pharmacy is the oldest in Louisiana and has for years been among the top in the nation in producing African American graduates with Doctor of Pharmacy degrees.

    “Our work with Ochsner and other partners who hold close to their hearts a vision of healing a broken world is a testament to Xavier’s mission to promote a more just and humane society,” said Dr. Reynold Verret, President of Xavier University of Louisiana. “Xavier was bestowed that mission by our founders St. Katharine Drexel and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament almost a century ago. Our dedication to preparing more Black health care professionals in our fight against health inequity is our answer to the call of our nation’s critical need and makes their legacy proud.”

    XULA and Ochsner: A Legacy of Collaboration

    In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic ravaged the world and disproportionately affected people of color, highlighting health disparities faced by historically marginalized communities. Ochsner Health and Xavier again forged partnerships to improve health equity through new graduate programs in health sciences and the establishment of the Ochsner Health and Xavier University Institute for Health Equity and Research (OXIHER). A few years before, Xavier and Ochsner also worked to improve diversity within the health sciences through a memorandum of understanding to establish a new Physician Assistant (PA) Program. In May 2022, Ochsner and Xavier celebrated the first graduating class of 37 students in the full-time graduate PA Program, which leads to a master’s degree in health sciences and trains the next generation of providers to make a meaningful impact on health care.

    “Ochsner has a long and rich history of excellence in medical education, and we are honored to continue our work with Xavier to improve the health of our state and region,” said Pete November, CEO of Ochsner Health. “The Xavier medical students will get outstanding clinical training in our integrated health care system, and this significant expansion of our partnership with Xavier demonstrates our commitment to training the next generation of health care providers to solve the critical shortage of physicians in the United States and meet the needs of the diverse communities we serve.”

    In 2022, Xavier became an integral advisory board partner for Healthy State by 2030, an ambitious plan to lift Louisiana off the bottom of national health rankings. Collectively, partners across multiple sectors and industries from across the state are committed to comprehensive public health initiatives, education, and outreach.

    “Investing in education, training and workforce development is critical to building a healthier state and stronger communities. Our partnership with Xavier furthers our Healthy State mission of enhancing diversity among health care providers, which has been linked to better care for diverse communities of our region and throughout the nation,” said Dr. Leonardo Seoane, MD, FACP, Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer for Ochsner Health. “We must work together to solve the challenges faced in our health care workforce and ensure communities across the country have access to the highest quality of care.”

    Closing the National and Local Workforce Gap

    For decades, Xavier University of Louisiana has produced more African American students and students of color who achieve medical degrees and doctorates in the health sciences than any other higher education institution in the nation. Ochsner, the largest academic health care system in Louisiana, has a long history of training medical students, residents, and fellows. Ochsner is invested in excellent health care, workforce development and education of communities throughout the Gulf South. The institutions are uniquely positioned to co-lead efforts in closing the health care workforce gap.

    “With their historic agreement to establish a College of Medicine at one of the nation’s top HBCUs, Xavier and Ochsner have heeded the call to shape the health of the state, the country, and the world for generations to come,” said Dr. Anne McCall, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost of Xavier University of Louisiana.

    Research shows an urgent need for an HBCU College of Medicine now, as demand for doctors is expected to grow. Louisiana is projected to rank third nationally for a shortage of physicians by 2030, according to a Human Resources for Health analysis. Representation of African Americans within medicine lags, as they comprise 5% of the nation’s physicians — although Black and African American populations account for 13% of U.S. residents. A new College of Medicine with Xavier, a high-ranking HBCU, and Ochsner, a high-performing academic health system with experience in training medical students, will result in representation among medical practitioners with excellent health care training, which is critical to bettering health outcomes by increasing quality of care, access, and patient trust in their health care providers.

    To learn more, please visit www.xula.edu and www.ochsner.org.

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    About Xavier University of Louisiana

    Xavier University of Louisiana, America’s only historically Black and Catholic University, is ranked among the top three HBCUs (historically Black colleges and universities) in the nation. Recognized as a national leader in STEM and health sciences, Xavier produces more African American students who graduate from medical schools each year than any other university in the United States. Additionally, Xavier’s College of Pharmacy is also among the top producers of African American pharmacists in the country.

    Established in 1925, by Saint Katharine Drexel and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament as a place for African American and Native Americans to receive quality education, Xavier has since expanded its programs in art, business, education, biological sciences, chemistry, pharmacy and political science. More recent additions in robotics, bioinformatics, engineering, data science, neuroscience and genetics, in addition to new STEM-based master’s programs, have provided Xavier students (2815 undergraduates and 787 graduates) an unbeatable combination of traditional classroom study, hands-on research, service-learning opportunities and life experiences. Xavier students collaborate with world-renowned faculty, who are experts in their fields, to produce award-winning research and notable work. The winning Xavier formula is to provide students with a well-balanced curriculum and an environment that nurtures their intellect and feeds their souls, thereby facilitating a more just and humane society for all. For more information about Xavier University of Louisiana, visit us online at www.xula.edu or contact Regi Reyes at (504) 520-5240 or [email protected].

     

    About Ochsner Health

    Ochsner Health is an integrated healthcare system with a mission to Serve, Heal, Lead, Educate and Innovate. Celebrating 80 years in 2022, it leads nationally in cancer care, cardiology, neurosciences, liver and heart transplants and pediatrics, among other areas. Ochsner is consistently named both the top hospital and top children’s hospital in Louisiana by U.S. News & World Report. The academic not-for-profit organization is inspiring healthier lives and stronger communities. Its focus is on preventing diseases and providing patient-centered care that is accessible, affordable, convenient and effective. Ochsner Health pioneers new treatments, deploys emerging technologies and performs groundbreaking research, including over 700 clinical studies. It has more than 36,000 employees and over 4,600 employed and affiliated physicians in over 90 medical specialties and subspecialties. It operates 47 hospitals and more than 370 health and urgent care centers across Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and the Gulf South; and its cutting-edge Connected Health digital medicine program is caring for patients beyond its walls. In 2021, Ochsner Health treated more than 1 million people from every state and 75 countries. As Louisiana’s top healthcare educator, Ochsner Health and its partners educate thousands of healthcare professionals annually. Ochsner has 31 ACGME accredited residency and fellowship program training over 330 doctors annually. Ochsner for the past 14 years has had been a clinical medical school in partnership with the University of Queensland graduating over 750 medical students. Ochsner’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion empowers the Ochsner team to drive innovation and excellent outcomes through cultural competence. We focus our efforts in key areas that correlate back to our core values of Patient First, Compassion, Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork, and Inclusivity. To support the needs of every individual on the Ochsner team, the healthcare system supports ten resource groups that represent key interests across our organization, including African Americans Building and Leading Equality. Ochsner Resource Groups are voluntary, employee-led groups that focus on the patient experience, community outreach, mentoring, recruitment, and education. To learn more, visit www.ochsner.org.

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  • 70 Doctors-in-Training at The University of Queensland Ochsner Clinical School Receive White Coats

    70 Doctors-in-Training at The University of Queensland Ochsner Clinical School Receive White Coats

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    Newswise — NEW ORLEANS – On Saturday, January 7, 2023, The University of Queensland Ochsner Clinical School held its 13th annual White Coat Ceremony, a rite of passage for medical students held to emphasize the importance of compassionate patient care from the start of medical training. During the event, 70 physicians-in-training received their white coats and were honored with Humanism in Medicine pins – a visual symbol displayed on the lapel of each white coat to remind students to keep empathy at the center of clinical practice.

    Yolangel (Yogi) Hernandez Suarez, MD MBA FACOG, Senior Associate Dean for Student Affairs at FIU Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, served as the keynote speaker. Dr. Hernandez Suarez, a healthcare leader in Miami for over 20 years, has held positions in private, public, academic, and hospital settings. She spent her career building value for patients, providers, and learners through public- private partnerships, inclusive practice models, and community relationships.

    The ceremony concluded with a recitation of the Ochsner Clinical School Oath, which serves as the official start to the second phase of the UQ Ochsner Medical Degree program focused on clinical experiences.

    “The white coat is a symbol used to express and affirm a fundamental belief in a caring, professional medical system,” said Ronald Amedee, MD, Dean of Medical Education, Director of The University of Queensland Ochsner Clinical School. “Many patients now view the white coat as a ‘cloak of compassion’ and a symbol of the caring and hope they expect to receive from their physicians. The University of Queensland Ochsner Clinical School is proud to carry on this tradition and share in this momentous occasion as our students continue their journeys to become physicians.”

    Medical students from UQ Ochsner Clinical School who received their white coats are encouraged to participate in community projects facilitated by the Ochsner Medical Student Association (OMSA). Programs include Walk with a Future Doc, a national non-profit that encourages healthy physical activity in people of all ages; Ochsner’s “Save-A-Voice” ALS Voice Banking team, made up of students who volunteer their time to help patients with newly diagnosed ALS record their voice; and The UQ STAR mentorship program, in which the UQ Ochsner Clinical School students mentor a select cohort of high school seniors by teaching clinical examination skills and other medical knowledge.

    The modern-day White Coat Ceremony was revolutionized by Arnold P. Gold, MD, a teacher and pediatric neurologist at Columbia University for more than 40 years. Dr. Gold believed the symbolic gesture of handing white coats and reciting the Hippocratic Oath after four years of medical school was happening too late. He advocated for well-defined guidelines for expectations and responsibilities appropriate for the medical profession prior to the first day of training. This belief inspired the creation of the Arnold P. Gold Foundation, a nonprofit he began with his wife, Sandra Gold, EdD, and the expansion of what has become known as the White Coat Ceremony around the globe.

     

    A Unique Approach to Global Medical Education

    Established in 2009, the UQ Ochsner Clinical School is a unique four-year training, academic and clinical experience. Students gain exposure to global health concepts by experiencing both the Australian and American healthcare systems.  

    The first two years of medical school curriculum take place in Brisbane, Australia at UQ, which ranks among the world’s top 50 universities by U.S. News Best Global Universities Ranking. The final two years of clinical study are completed with the Ochsner Health – one of the largest independent academic medical centers in the United States – located in New Orleans, LA.

    Last year, UQ Ochsner Clinical School achieved a record 98% match rate through the National Residency Match Program. UQ Ochsner Clinical School students have moved on to train in every specialty at prestigious institutions across the country such as Johns Hopkins, Mayo Clinic, University of Pennsylvania, and University of Chicago.

    “The focus on global education is critically important for the future of medicine, and we are privileged to have this international partnership,” said Leonardo Seoane, MD, FACP, Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer, Ochsner Health. “At Ochsner, the patient is at the center of everything we do, so underscoring the importance of compassionate care to the next generation of doctors is crucial to helping communities here in Louisiana and beyond.”

    For more information on the UQ Ochsner Clinical School, visit https://ochsner.uq.edu.au. 

     

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    About Ochsner Health

    Ochsner Health is an integrated healthcare system with a mission to Serve, Heal, Lead, Educate and Innovate. Celebrating 80 years, it leads nationally in cancer care, cardiology, neurosciences, liver and heart transplants and pediatrics, among other areas. Ochsner is consistently named both the top hospital and top children’s hospital in Louisiana by U.S. News & World Report. The not-for-profit organization is inspiring healthier lives and stronger communities. Its focus is on preventing diseases and providing patient-centered care that is accessible, affordable, convenient and effective. Ochsner Health pioneers new treatments, deploys emerging technologies and performs groundbreaking research, including over 700 clinical studies. It has more than 36,000 employees and over 4,600 employed and affiliated physicians in over 90 medical specialties and subspecialties. It operates 47 hospitals and more than 370 health and urgent care centers across Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and the Gulf South; and its cutting-edge Connected Health digital medicine program is caring for patients beyond its walls. In 2021, Ochsner Health treated more than 1 million people from every state and 75 countries. As Louisiana’s top healthcare educator, Ochsner Health and its partners educate thousands of healthcare professionals annually. To learn more, visit www.ochsner.org.

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  • Ochsner Health CEO Announces Executive Leadership Team Promotions and Appointments

    Ochsner Health CEO Announces Executive Leadership Team Promotions and Appointments

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    Newswise — New Orleans, La. – Today, Ochsner Health’s new CEO Pete November introduced the promotions and appointments of several leaders to the Ochsner system executive team. Ochsner’s executive leadership team is responsible for serving Ochsner’s workforce of more than 36,000 people, supporting the physicians, providers and caregivers who treat Ochsner’s more than one million patients and establishing the organization’s strategic direction.  

    November, who stepped into Ochsner’s chief executive role on Nov. 1 after a decade serving in various executive leadership positions, shared these changes to reflect the strong management team that continues to lead the organization successfully into the future. These promotions and appointments enhance alignment with Ochsner’s strategic plan and commitment to serving Ochsner’s workforce, patients, physicians and communities.

    “I’m honored to lead Ochsner with an exceptional team of leaders,” said Pete November, CEO, Ochsner Health. “Our executive team brings a wealth of talent and knowledge to our organization with a mix of longstanding Ochsner leaders bringing a combined 150 years of service at Ochsner to the team, and professionals who recently joined our team with decades of expertise from the nation’s leading healthcare, insurance and digital health organizations. This is a team that has a proven track record of success and a commitment to servant leadership, inclusivity and teamwork. I could not be prouder to work with this team.”

    November continued, “I do want to specifically congratulate Dr. Robert Hart and Mike Hulefeld on their appointments. Dr. Hart will serve as our chief physician executive and president of Ochsner Clinic and Mike Hulefeld will serve as our president and chief operating officer. Dr. Hart and Mike have provided over 52 years of outstanding leadership at Ochsner. Both Dr. Hart and Mike are strong leaders who work every day to support our physicians, and caregivers in their efforts to provide the highest quality and most accessible healthcare possible. In their expanded roles they will continue to strengthen our commitment to those at Ochsner who every day prioritize the interests and wellbeing of their patients first.”

    Andy Wisdom, Chair of the Ochsner Board of Directors stated, “On behalf of the entire board of directors I want to express our full support for this executive team and for Pete’s position as CEO. As a board, we have seen this team help lead the organization for many years, and we have complete confidence in their vision, capabilities and commitment to Ochsner and the communities we serve. We are also incredibly proud that the team has seamlessly prepared for this transition and has continued to move the organization forward. This is a true team that combines the best of each individual and places the organization above themselves.” 

    Meet Ochsner Health’s Executive Team:

    • Robert Hart, MD, Chief Physician Executive, Ochsner Health, and President, Ochsner Clinic
      • A member of Ochsner’s team since 1994, Dr. Hart will lead Ochsner’s more than 4,500 employed and affiliated physicians and focus on building and growing world-class healthcare programs for patients across the Gulf South. Dr. Hart will also be instrumental in leading all aspects of our clinical and other operations to ensure we provide the highest quality care in the best environment for our physicians and providers. Dr. Hart began his career at Ochsner as a pediatrician and internist and most recently served as chief medical officer.
    • Mike Hulefeld, President and Chief Operating Officer, Ochsner Health
      • As Ochsner’s president and COO, Hulefeld will lead the system’s clinical operations that include 47 hospitals and over 370 clinics and will now also oversee corporate functions including information services (IS), as well as managing Ochsner’s North Louisiana region. Hulefeld has been instrumental in Ochsner’s success since he joined the team in 1998. He’s served in many leadership positions, most recently as Ochsner’s system chief operating officer.
    • Tracey Schiro, Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer, Chief Administrative Officer, Ochsner Health
      • Schiro leads all aspects of human resources for Ochsner’s team of more than 36,000 employees, driving programs including talent acquisition, compensation and benefits, employee development and learning and employee wellbeing. Schiro will continue building scalable workforce programs and advancing an innovative diversity, equity and inclusion strategy. Tracey also oversees Ochsner’s risk functions including compliance and legal. Schiro previously served as EVP, chief risk and human resources officer and joined Ochsner’s team in 2007.
    • Scott Posecai, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, Ochsner Health
      • As executive vice president and chief financial officer, Posecai will once again assume responsibility for the system’s accounting, financial planning and analysis, reimbursement, and revenue cycle functions. He will also maintain his duties as Treasurer and continue leading managed care. Posecai began his work at Ochsner in 1987 and most recently served as executive vice president, insurance partnerships and treasurer, Ochsner Health. Scott’s 35 years at Ochsner make him an invaluable resource as he steps back into the chief financial officer position. He previously served as chief financial officer for Ochsner for 20 years.
    • Denise Basow, MD, Executive Vice President and Chief Digital Officer, Ochsner Health
      • As Ochsner’s first chief digital officer, Dr. Basow will continue to grow Ochsner’s expanding suite of digital programs including those associated with innovationOchsner, virtual care, remote patient monitoring and chronic disease management. Dr. Basow will expand her role to, among other things, lead Ochsner’s physician medical information officers who work to improve the lives of our physicians and transform the delivery of healthcare through digital technology. Dr. Basow will also help lead Ochsner’s effort to be the most consumer-friendly organization for patients and their family members. Dr. Basow joined Ochsner’s team in early 2022 and has more than 25 years’ experience in global healthcare innovation.
    • Leonardo Seoane, MD, Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer, Ochsner Health
      • Seoane will lead Ochsner’s continuum of education including undergraduate, graduate and continuing medical education programs as well as all research initiatives. Additionally, he will oversee Ochsner’s partnership with the University of Queensland Ochsner Clinical School and will continue serving as interim chief executive officer of Ochsner LSU Health System in North Louisiana. Dr. Seoane also serves as the executive leader for Ochsner’s Healthy State initiative which was formed to improve the health of the communities we serve. Dr. Seoane, who is board certified in four specialties, joined Ochsner’s physician team in 2001 and has served in many leadership roles throughout his time with the organization.
    • David Gaines, Executive Vice President and Chief External Affairs Officer, Ochsner Health
      • As executive vice president and chief external affairs officer, Gaines continues his transformative work on the Ochsner leadership team by serving as the voice and liaison with critical organizations and individuals including donors, media, elected officials and community leaders. Under his leadership, Ochsner has successfully drafted and secured laws to improve the safety and well-being of healthcare professionals and secured critical funding to support Ochsner’s mission. Gaines and his team have been instrumental in advancing Ochsner’s brand locally, regionally and nationally, as well as leading strategic system communications.
    • Deborah Grimes, RN, JD, System Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer, Ochsner Health
      • As system vice president and chief diversity officer, Grimes is critical in leading workforce and employee strategy for Ochsner and further developing policies and practices that promote focused attention to diversity and inclusion matters including recruitment, retention, workforce planning and career development. Grimes is also responsible for managing and implementing Ochsner’s health equity strategy in collaboration with Dr. Eboni Price-Haywood. Grimes joined Ochsner in 2020, following a 33-year career at University of Alabama – Birmingham Hospital.

     Joining the Executive Team:

    • Corwin Harper, Senior Vice President and Chief Growth Officer, Ochsner Health
      • As Ochsner’s first chief growth officer, Harper brings together growth-focused initiatives, allowing Ochsner to find new and nurture existing partnerships and business ventures. Harper began working with the Ochsner team in 2021 as the CEO of Ochsner’s Northshore and Mississippi Gulf Coast Region after more than 25 years of experience with Kaiser Permanente Health in California. Harper was recently honored by the National Association of Health Services Executives for outstanding leadership and his dedication to creating equity, diversity and inclusion in healthcare.
    • Jeffrey Fernandez, Senior Vice President, Population Health and Chief Executive Officer, Ochsner Health Plan
      • Fernandez joins Ochsner’s executive team with more than 20 years of managed care leadership experience. He currently serves as CEO of the Ochsner Health Plan, and prior to joining the organization served as senior vice president at Humana, where he was responsible for Medicare Advantage operations across 17 states and over one million lives. Jeff will oversee the Ochsner Health Network, our non-Louisiana based Ochsner 65 plus clinics, the Ochsner Health Plan as well as the performance of our value-based Medicare Advantage products.

     

    Headshots can be viewed and downloaded here: https://ochsner.imagerelay.com/sb/ebf93865-9021-45c0-979e-f377969e1c7a/ochsner-health-executive-team-headshots_11-2-22.

     

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    About Ochsner Health

    Ochsner Health is an integrated healthcare system with a mission to Serve, Heal, Lead, Educate and Innovate. Celebrating 80 years in 2022, it leads nationally in cancer care, cardiology, neurosciences, liver and heart transplants and pediatrics, among other areas. Ochsner is consistently named both the top hospital and top children’s hospital in Louisiana by U.S. News & World Report. The not-for-profit organization is inspiring healthier lives and stronger communities. Its focus is on preventing diseases and providing patient-centered care that is accessible, affordable, convenient and effective. Ochsner Health pioneers new treatments, deploys emerging technologies and performs groundbreaking research, including over 700 clinical studies. It has more than 36,000 employees and over 4,600 employed and affiliated physicians in over 90 medical specialties and subspecialties. It operates 47 hospitals and more than 370 health and urgent care centers across Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and the Gulf South; and its cutting-edge Connected Health digital medicine program is caring for patients beyond its walls. In 2021, Ochsner Health treated more than 1 million people from every state and 75 countries. As Louisiana’s top healthcare educator, Ochsner Health and its partners educate thousands of healthcare professionals annually. To learn more, visit https://www.ochsner.org/.

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  • Ochsner Eat Fit Brings Sophistication to Zero-Proof Cocktails

    Ochsner Eat Fit Brings Sophistication to Zero-Proof Cocktails

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    Newswise — New Orleans, La. – Ochsner Eat Fit and Pelican Publishing together announce the release of Craft: The Eat Fit Guide to Zero-Proof Cocktails. This latest book from author Molly Kimball, registered dietitian and nutrition journalist, will be available for purchase on November 1. In collaboration with bar expert Ethan Skaggs and executive editor Melanie Warner Spencer, with stunning photography by Hope Fruge and ample inspiration from Ochsner Eat Fit restaurant partners, Craft allows readers to explore the fast-growing world of zero-proof cocktails through elegant recipes that can be made at home. Craft: The Eat Fit Guide to Zero-Proof Cocktails features more than 50 recipes, along with guides for barware and glassware, DIY bitters and shrubs, and everything needed to create thoughtful, zero-proof cocktails.

    Inside Craft:

    • 50+ cocktail recipes inspired by talented bar staff at dozens of Eat Fit restaurant partners.
    • Well-balanced and sophisticated concoctions, designed to delight – and also to keep sugar in check.
    • A unique glimpse behind the art and science of developing elegant zero-proof cocktails.
    • Every home mixologist’s guide to barware, bitters, glassware, bitters, shrubs and much more.

    “Gone are the days of fruity, sugary drinks traditionally know as mocktails. Through Craft, we are making a push to retire the term, which we feel fails to describe a thoughtful, elegant cocktail,” said Kimball. “Our book gives the reader a fun and exciting venture away from soda spritzers and dated mocktails, to zero proof drinks with little or no added sugar. We were inspired by the artistry of our Eat Fit partners and by the commitment of thousands of people who have participated in Alcohol Free for 40 over the years. Craft is fun, well-balanced, and sophisticated.”

    “New Orleans is known for festivals, parades, crawfish boils, and parties where alcohol is customary.” said Kimball. “However, when you’re choosing not to drink alcohol, whatever the reason may be, Craft provides fresh alternatives. You can create remarkable cocktails using zero-proof distilled spirits, fresh herbs, and alternatives to sugar that will be enjoyable to even the savviest cocktail connoisseur.”

    Craft: The Eat Fit Guide to Zero-Proof Cocktails is available for sale online at www.CraftZeroProof.com and various retailers across the state. Visit the website to find a store near you.

    Interviews and photos are available upon request. Please contact [email protected] for more information.

    For more information about Ochsner Eat Fit, please visit OchsnerEatFit.com.

    Photo Credit: Hope Fruge

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    About Ochsner Health

    Ochsner Health is an integrated healthcare system with a mission to Serve, Heal, Lead, Educate and Innovate. Celebrating 80 years in 2022, it leads nationally in cancer care, cardiology, neurosciences, liver and heart transplants and pediatrics, among other areas. Ochsner is consistently named both the top hospital and top children’s hospital in Louisiana by U.S. News & World Report. The not-for-profit organization is inspiring healthier lives and stronger communities. Its focus is on preventing diseases and providing patient-centered care that is accessible, affordable, convenient and effective. Ochsner Health pioneers new treatments, deploys emerging technologies and performs groundbreaking research, including over 700 clinical studies. It has more than 36,000 employees and over 4,600 employed and affiliated physicians in over 90 medical specialties and subspecialties. It operates 47 hospitals and more than 370 health and urgent care centers across Louisiana, Mississippi and the Gulf South; and its cutting-edge Connected Health digital medicine program is caring for patients beyond its walls. In 2021, Ochsner Health treated more than 1 million people from every state and 75 countries. As Louisiana’s top healthcare educator, Ochsner Health and its partners educate thousands of healthcare professionals annually. To learn more, visit https://www.ochsner.org/.

     

    About Ochsner Eat Fit 

    Eat Fit is a nonprofit initiative of Ochsner Health, designed to help the community live their healthiest, strongest lives possible. The team of Eat Fit dietitians works closely with local restaurants, markets and other foodservice establishments to identify and develop dishes that meet the Eat Fit nutritional criteria. These items are identified directly on the menu with the Eat Fit seal of approval, making the healthy choice the easy choice when dining out. 

    Free to all restaurants and foodservice partners, Eat Fit encourages nutritious choices whether an individual is looking to lose weight, feel better or look better, as well as help to manage health issues including diabetes, cholesterol and high blood pressure. 

    With nearly 600 partners, Eat Fit has expanded across the state to include Eat Fit Northshore, Eat Fit BR, Eat Fit Acadiana, Eat Fit Shreveport and Eat Fit Monroe.   

    The Eat Fit team connects deeply within the Eat Fit communities, serving as a resource for all things wellness. Download the Eat Fit smartphone app to find participating restaurants with full nutrition facts of Eat Fit menu items, as well as recipes, community wellness resources, and to connect with a health professional in your area. In addition to Craft, the Eat Fit team also offers recipes for the home with The Eat Fit Cookbook, a compilation of 125 recipes from 40 Eat Fit partners, at www.EatFitCookbook.com. 

    Follow Eat Fit on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and visit www.OchsnerEatFit.com for more information about Eat Fit in your region.

     

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