Ochsner Health Center - Welsh

10/04/2025

Meet Griffin and Dixon, a whippet and greyhound, spreading joy through the Visiting Pet Program with their humans, Michael Soileau and Alison Soileau, system vice president for patient experience and service excellence at Ochsner Health. 🐶

They bring smiles and comfort everywhere, from emergency rooms to our children’s hospital, visiting both patients and employees alike. While on the job, Griffin and Dixon also wear ID badges — just like their humans — so you know they’re ready to be petted!

Their enthusiasm is obvious; they jump with excitement the moment they see their humans put on their Visiting Pet Program logo shirts, ready for another day of lifting spirits. 🐾

Getting into pet therapy isn’t easy, as certification takes over a year. As Michael and Alison emphasize, the dog’s happiness comes first. They must love their job to truly shine.

Thinking about joining a pet therapy program? Learn more about it here: https://ow.ly/HLFv50X6hS1

https://ow.ly/kHnJ50X6hT8

For over two decades, Alison and Michael Soileau have dedicated their time and hearts to giving back. As part of the Visiting Pet Program, they and their dogs have volunteered to provide emotional support to countless people, showing firsthand the incredible impact therapy dogs can have on those in....

10/04/2025

We recently celebrated the launch of Lifesaver 6, the newest addition to our fleet of bloodmobiles! 🚐

The Ochsner Blood Bank continues to grow to meet the ongoing need for blood in our community. But we can’t do it alone and we rely on local blood drives to make a difference.

You can host a blood drive at your organization, school, business or community event. Wherever there are people ready to donate, we’ll bring Lifesaver 6 or one of our other bloodmobiles to you!

Sign up to host a blood drive or learn more: https://ow.ly/4P8G50X5iPE

10/03/2025

Ochsner Health is delighted to be a sponsor of Gretna Fest 🎉 Friday–Sunday (Oct. 3-5). Need medical care? Ochsner’s first aid tent ⛑️ is located near the ferry landing.📍 And if you’re looking for healthy fest food 🥗, look for the Ochsner Eat Fit seal at select vendors in the Gretna Fest Food Court 🍴.

Gretna Fest’s new Kids Activity Center by Playful Pelican and presented by Ochsner Children’s will be located inside the ferry landing on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 4 and 5. Kids can enjoy giveaways, face painting 🎨, dinosaur activities 🦖, and opportunities to meet authors and artists.🖌️

10/02/2025

Looking for a primary care doctor in the New Orleans area? Look no further.

Meet Cornelius Jamison, MD, a primary care physician and health researcher at the Ochsner Center for Primary Care & Wellness in New Orleans, who provides comprehensive care for adults.

His clinical expertise is complemented by his research, which focuses on advancing sexual health equality and accessibility by finding new ways to prevent sexually transmitted infections, especially among Black teens and young adults.

At Ochsner, Dr. Jamison is looking forward to making a real difference in our community.

Learn more or schedule your appointment today: https://ow.ly/gkOw50X4WUz

10/01/2025

Just 13 days after she joined Ochsner Health as a security officer, Kimberly H. was diagnosed with Stage 3 triple negative breast cancer — one of the most aggressive forms of the disease.

Her journey took a hopeful turn at Ochsner MD Anderson Cancer Center.

"I don't know if y'all have ever heard that saying, 'The Lord put you at the right place at the right time,'" Kimberly said. "Well, Ochsner had just started a study for triple negative breast cancer patients."

Under the expert care of hematologist oncologist Lingling Du, MD, Kimberly participated in a groundbreaking clinical trial that combined chemotherapy with advanced immunotherapy. This innovative treatment played a key role in her remarkable journey from diagnosis to becoming cancer-free.

Learn more about Ochsner MD Anderson Cancer Center at https://www.ochsner.org/services/cancer-care/cancer-services/

10/01/2025

Stay ahead of flu season with insights from Dr. Mary Hoang! Learn about the causes, symptoms and prevention tips to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Learn how to identify flu symptoms, prevent the flu and protect your health this flu season with these expert prevention tips.

09/29/2025

Meet Tamara Fryer, a physical therapist with over 25 years of experience, who enjoys helping people with chronic pain restore mobility, build strength, and improve quality of life.

Her expertise led to the creation of impactful programs like the Healthy Back Program, supporting those with persistent back and neck pain.

“This program focuses not only on relieving discomfort but also on empowering participants with tools and strategies for long-term well-being,” she said.

Tamara helped bring Empowered Relief, a Stanford-accredited cognitive therapy tool, to greater New Orleans.

“This evidence-based program provides practical strategies to help patients manage pain and improve their overall quality of life,” she said.

Outside work, Tamara enjoys hiking, running, birdwatching and spending time with friends and family. These activities highlight her love for movement and connection.

Tamara’s approach ensures her patients receive guidance to return to the activities they love most.

This Pain Awareness Month, we honor the great providers, like Tamara, who make a difference every day. Thank you, Tamara, for all you do!

Learn more about Tamara Fryer here: https://ow.ly/vyjr50X2tcc

09/25/2025

Meet Stephen Schmidt, a nurse in our Emergency Department and recipient of September’s STEM Ambassador of the Month honor. 🎉 Even after long night shifts, he volunteers his mornings to support K-12 students, leading hands-on activities that help them explore the musculoskeletal system.

In just over a year at Ochsner, Stephen has already volunteered at six events, making a real difference in our community.

What drives him? Stephen says his favorite part is “the look of excitement and enthusiasm I see on so many of the children’s faces.” He believes these experiences can “help younger generations learn about careers they may know nothing about or have even considered.”

Thank you, Stephen, for your commitment to inspiring the next generation of health care leaders and supporting Ochsner Education Outreach’s mission. 🌟 Please join us in congratulating Stephen for his contributions!

09/23/2025

Smiles, sunshine, and the spirit of aloha! 🌺🌊 Our Golden Opportunity members experienced unforgettable moments on the recent Hawaii cruise.

The Golden Opportunity program, offered by Ochsner Health, is designed for people 50 and older. It helps members stay healthy, active and independent.

Together, members explored the history of Pearl Harbor, celebrated at luaus, and enjoyed stunning waterfalls and volcanic landscapes, as well as spotting dolphins.🐬🌋

If you’re ready for life’s next great adventure, we invite you to learn more about the Golden Opportunity program: https://ow.ly/Fwef50X0hy0

09/23/2025

Meet Amy Orgeron, NP, a compassionate healthcare provider on our pain medicine team at Ochsner Health Center - Baptist Napoleon Medical Plaza who finds joy in helping patients overcome their pain.

“It sounds simple, but I love helping people feel better! I enjoy showing people that they can overcome pain and embrace their lives again,” Amy said.

Amy’s career path was inspired by her own family’s struggles with chronic pain. She chose this field to make a difference, and her dedication shines through in her patient-centered approach.

“The most rewarding part is when a patient tells me that I have listened and made a difference. Hearing ‘Thank you’ is such a gift!” she said.

Amy is passionate about the holistic side of pain management, which she practices through the Functional Restoration Program and Empowered Relief Program.

“I believe in looking at the whole person. Pain impacts both our physical and mental health, and both areas need to be addressed at the same time. We also work on all the daily impacts of health: diet, sleep and exercise,” she said.

Her work in these programs has transformed lives.

“I have seen both Functional Restoration Program and Empowered Relief do great things for patients! They are empowered to strive through pain. I have seen patients lose significant weight, go back to work and have better relationships. Empowered Relief has so much research behind it that shows what a difference it can make. I have personally used these behavioral strategies to manage stress with benefit!”

This Pain Awareness Month, we honor our providers, like Amy, who make a difference every day. Thank you, Amy, for all you do!

Learn more about Amy Orgeron here: https://ow.ly/inYk50WUaY9

09/22/2025

This week, we’re celebrating our advanced practice providers (APPs) at Ochsner during National APP Week! 🎉

To our nearly 1,800 APPs, including certified nurse midwives, nurse anesthetists, clinical nurse specialists, nurse practitioners and physician assistants, thank you for the care, compassion and expertise you bring to our patients. 💙

You are the heart of what we do, and we’re so grateful for you. Drop a comment below to help us show some love for our APPs! 🎊

09/22/2025

It's Sep. 22, the first day of fall ... even if it doesn't feel like it! 🍂 This recipe will help you get in an autumn frame of mind. Plus, it's delicious and nutritious!

Harvest Chicken Casserole Recipe makes a great fall dinner.