Center for Academic Excellence

15/07/2025

AD: 🚭💡 Did you know that smoking doesn’t just harm your lungs but also your skin? It can lead to wrinkles, dark spots and premature aging by breaking down collagen and elastin.

But there’s good news: Quitting smoking can help improve your skin and prevent further damage! 🌟

👉 Want to learn more? Check out the full breakdown here: https://blog.ochsner.org/articles/top-reasons-why-smoking-causes-wrinkles-and-affects-the-skin/

15/07/2025

Coming soon!

Randy Rossignol, MD, a trusted expert in internal medicine, will join Ochsner Health Center - Lake Terrace this August.

Specializing in adult primary and preventative care, Dr. Rossignol will help his patients take control of their health with care they can count on.

Call us at (504) 846-9646 to learn more or schedule an appointment.

11/07/2025

Enter to win the ultimate New Orleans Saints training camp experience!

This is your chance to get up close and be part of the action with an exclusive Saints experience that puts you right at the heart of it all! Don’t miss your chance to win lunch with New Orleans Saints Coach Kellen Moore in a sweepstakes presented by Ochsner Health!

Enter now: https://ow.ly/JsPg50Woysm

11/07/2025

Meet Ray'Mon Lewis, a dedicated registered nurse at Ochsner Medical Center - New Orleans. During Ray'Mon’s final year of nursing school at Southern University in Baton Rouge, he lost his ability to walk after a near-fatal car accident. He said he found strength in family, friends and the SU School of Nursing administration.

The Ochsner Baton Rouge team also played a pivotal role in Ray'Mon's pursuit of his dream. The team dedicated itself to creating the necessary space and opportunities for Ray'Mon to fully participate in his essential clinicals as a student in a wheelchair. This commitment ensured he received the hands-on experience vital for his nursing education. The adaptations made and the support provided were a clear reflection of Ochsner's commitment to inclusivity and its belief in every individual's potential.

Today, Ray'Mon is a full-time, vital member of the nursing team at Ochsner Medical Center - New Orleans. Thank you, Ray’Mon, for everything you do to support our patients and community!

A determined Southern University nursing student inspires patients with his resilience

10/07/2025

Bringing your newborn home is a beautiful moment, but it can be also filled with questions and adjustments. For first-time mom Elisa, Ochsner Baptist’s Family Connects program was a lifeline of support after welcoming her son, Cooper, into the world.

The Family Connects program is a partnership between Ochsner Baptist and the New Orleans Health Department. This program offers free in-home nurse visits to new families, providing essential care and guidance during those early weeks.

Elisa delivered Cooper on Sept. 22, 2024, under the care of OB/GYN Melissa Jordan, MD. Reflecting on her experience, Elisa said, “The Ochsner Baptist team was tremendous from the first ultrasound to leaving the hospital. They helped me understand perspective, feel seen and normal, and I always felt at ease to ask them truly anything.”

While at the hospital, Elisa opted into the Family Connects program and was paired with registered nurse Jasmine Clayborne. Jasmine’s in-home visits provided not only expert care for Cooper but also much-needed support for Elisa. Elisa said, “My entire experience of carrying, delivering, and caring for Cooper was made exceptional by Ochsner. But nurse Jasmine took it to the next level because in addition to helping us better understand and better care for Coop, she helped me to do so for myself too.”

“Family Connects coming to my home made sure I took care of myself, not just my baby. Nurse Jasmine helped me feel like a priority. She took the shame out of asking for help and helped me find the light during postpartum challenges.”

Elisa credits Jasmine with transforming her postpartum experience: “She’s not only responsible for Cooper’s blossoming health in our fourth trimester but also my physical and mental health too. Angels exist on this side of heaven, and Nurse Jasmine, a founder of this program, is one of them.”

In the photo gallery, Cooper is pictured with nurse Jasmine during one of the home visits.

Since its launch at Ochsner Baptist last year on July 9, 2024, Family Connects has:
💙 Supported 430 families
💙 Connected 198 families to community resources

Elisa’s advice to new parents considering the program: “Yes is the answer. Answer yes.”

Learn more about how Family Connects can support you and your newborn: https://nola.gov/health-department/family-connects/

Alongside Nurse Jasmine, Baylie Williams and Marissa Skipwith are compassionate and dedicated registered nurses who play a vital role in the Ochsner Baptist Family Connects program, providing exceptional care and support to our patients and community.

09/07/2025

Is your disaster kit ready for hurricane season? Whitney Hardy, MD, breaks down exactly what you need to know about building a disaster supply kit for 2025.

A disaster supply kit is your first step to feeling prepared and keeping your family safe in an emergency. Get the full checklist here and start preparing today:

Learn how to build a disaster supply kit with essentials like water, food and first aid supplies. Be prepared for any emergency with these tips.

09/07/2025

Ochsner Health is leading robotic surgery with trusted experience. Across the system, our teams have performed more than 60,000 minimally invasive robot-assisted surgeries.

With the recent addition of the advanced Intuitive da Vinci 5 surgical system, we continue to redefine what’s possible in minimally invasive care. These systems are transforming surgeries in orthopedics, urology, gynecology, thoracic and general procedures, pushing the boundaries of precision, efficiency and patient care results.

Using the da Vinci system, a surgeon uses an advanced set of instruments to perform robotic-assisted surgery. The surgeon performs the procedure – not a robot. Da Vinci translates the surgeon’s hand movements in real time to perform the procedure.

Ochsner Medical Center - New Orleans and Ochsner Medical Center - Baton Rouge were the first hospitals in Louisiana to offer this next generation of surgical technology. This achievement reflects our dedication to innovation and unwavering commitment to empowering our patients and communities with the most advanced healthcare options.

Together, with our care teams, we’re shaping the future of medicine.

Learn more about robotic surgery at Ochsner Health here: https://ow.ly/jwcN50Wn3jI.

07/07/2025

Meet Keelin Nares, an X-ray technologist and patient access representative at Ochsner Urgent Care & Occupational Health - Metairie.

Originally from upstate New York, Keelin moved to New Orleans and began her career at Ochsner Baptist as an X-ray technologist. She quickly fell in love with her work, her team and the vibrant Louisiana culture. “At that point, I felt like New Orleans was my home and accepted a full-time position with Ochsner,” Keelin shared.

Today, Keelin brings that same passion and dedication to her role in Metairie. Keelin said she loves the variety and unpredictability of urgent care. “Every day is different; you learn something new every day. You never know who or what is walking through the door, and that’s the magical part about it,” she said.

Keelin finds inspiration from her dad. “He passed away about three years ago, and it’s something I bring to work every day. I strive to treat my patients how I want my family to be treated. You never know what others are going through, so kindness and patience matter.”

For anyone considering a healthcare career, Keelin offers words of encouragement and advice: “Do it! There are so many different pathways and avenues to explore in healthcare. Don’t be afraid to shadow different departments and ask questions!”

Keelin, thank you for bringing your warmth and expertise to everything you do. Louisiana is lucky to have you!

Learn more about Ochsner Urgent Care & Occupational Health services and find a clinic near you here: https://ow.ly/e0ge50WkswO.

Ochsner urgent care clinics provide immediate care with convenient walk-in services across Louisiana and Mississippi, including New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Covington.

04/07/2025

Ochsner Urgent Care is here for you on the Fourth of July! Today is a time for fun, family and celebration, but accidents can happen.

Whether it’s a minor burn from fireworks, a slip by the pool or a grilling mishap, we are ready to help!

Our clinics are open regular hours, so you can enjoy peace of mind knowing care is close by if you need it. 💙

Find your nearest location at https://ow.ly/AOKM50WjcY9.
Wishing you a safe and happy Independence Day!

04/07/2025

When shooting fireworks, it’s important to be responsible. Blake Denley, MD, emergency medicine physician at Ochsner, shares his top safety tips to keep your holiday injury-free:

🎉 Buy only from authorized, reputable dealers.
🎉 Be prepared: Wear safety glasses, avoid loose clothing and keep a bucket of water or fire extinguisher nearby.
🎉 Set a clear boundary line for kids and make sure they stay behind it.
🎉 Fireworks marketed for kids are not kid-friendly. Even sparklers can cause accidents.

Better yet, find a local fireworks show and enjoy the view without the risk!

Watch the full segment here: https://ow.ly/uNxv50Wksvb

If an accident happens, Ochsner’s emergency departments are ready 24/7: https://ow.ly/t0p850Wksva

Have a safe and sparkling Fourth of July!

03/07/2025

In preparation for the Fourth of July, Olawunmi Akinsilo, MD, medical director of occupational health, shares her expert tips on how to celebrate safely and responsibly:

🎆 Protect your vision: Wear safety goggles when handling fireworks.
🎆 Supervise sparklers: These can burn at high temperatures, so keep them in trusted hands to prevent burns and injuries.
🎆 Stay safe at home: Light fireworks far from your house and never indoors.
🎆 Dispose properly: If something doesn’t ignite, soak it with in before discarding.

For the safest experience, Dr. Akinsilo recommends enjoying the show put on by professionals.

If accidents do happen, our urgent cares are operating under regular hours on the Fourth of July. You can find a location here: https://ow.ly/pyrM50Wkssi

See the rest of the tips here: https://ow.ly/3voj50Wkssh

Dr. Olawunmi Akinsilo, Medical Director of Occupational Medicine with Ochsner Health, joins us with tips to help keep you safe this 4th of July.

03/07/2025

As you fire up the grill this Independence Day, make sure safety is on the menu! Joshua Vallelungo, MD, and Jayesh Madrecha, DO, shares their five top tips for a fun and accident-free cookout.

From preventing burns and avoiding food contamination to staying hydrated in the summer heat, these expert-approved precautions will help you become a grill master! https://ow.ly/b1GT50Wje0U

If you or someone else needs medical care after a grilling injury, find the nearest urgent care location here: https://ow.ly/vQiR50Wje0T

Master the art of barbecuing with essential grill safety tips. Learn how to prevent burns, avoid food contamination and enjoy your summer cookouts safely.