It’s more than a sponsorship, it’s an innovative partnership designed to produce improved health data that could impact all of our lives. What is this relationship? It’s the recently announced collaboration between Our Lady of the Lake and LSU Athletics. On this episode of The Doctor Will Hear You Now, we speak with Catherine “Katie” Smith O’Neal, MD about this historic partnership with LSU and what it means for sports medicine and all medical research.

Football and all sports are beloved in our region, but there are many things about the human body that can be learned from studying the health and well-being of student athletes. Dr. O’Neal explains how this partnership will work and gives us a sneak peek at some of the research ahead for the program.

- From our blog—Investing in Louisiana's Health: Our Lady of the Lake's Historic Collaboration with LSU

- Learn about our partnership with LSU: https://fmolhs.org/about-us/lsu-sports

- Geaux Tigers!

The Doctor Will Hear You Now is a podcast of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System. Make an appointment with one of our physicians here. Find an FMOLHS doctor here. Login to MyChart here. Do you have an idea for an episode of The Doctor Will Hear You Now? Email us: podcast@fmolhs.org. 

It’s a tough pill to swallow—heart disease is the number one killer of Americans (and in fact is the leading cause of death for people worldwide.) This is why understanding how the heart works and what we all can do to maintain a healthy heart are such important topics.

Safi Haq, MD, cardiothoracic surgeon with Our Lady of Lourdes Health, joins us on this episode of The Doctor Will Hear You Now.  Dr. Haq explains how our hearts work, how they change as we age, and what health choices we can all make to improve our heart health.

Listen and hear Dr. Haq’s passion for his patients’ cardiovascular health, and his practical tips for healthy living. Your heart will thank you!

- From our blog—read Strengthen Your Heart: Understanding Cardiovascular Health

The Doctor Will Hear You Now is a podcast of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System. Make an appointment with one of our physicians here. Find an FMOLHS doctor here. Login to MyChart here. Do you have an idea for an episode of The Doctor Will Hear You Now? Email us: podcast@fmolhs.org. 

Sepsis is the number one killer of people presenting in hospital emergency departments. Sepsis occurs when the immune system overreacts to a serious infection, attacking more than just the infection itself and damaging tissue and vital organs. Sepsis is particularly troublesome as it may go overlooked as an emergency room team works to address the original cause of why a person came into the emergency room in the first place.

On this episode of The Doctor Will Hear You Now, we’re joined by two physicians who have been closely involved in innovative sepsis research and developments that have taken place at Our Lady of the Lake in recent years.

Hollis “Bud” O’Neal, MD, medical director of research at Our Lady of the Lake Health and critical care physician at LSU Health Sciences Center, and Christopher Thomas, MD, medical director of quality and patient safety for Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System and critical care physician at LSU Health Sciences Center, join us on the show to share about an innovative partnership between Our Lady of the Lake Health and LSU.

- Read more from Dr. Thomas and Dr. O’Neal on our blog post, From Research to Real Life: Fast, Effective Sepsis Test Saves Lives.

- Read more about the IntelliSep test and partnership between Our Lady of the Lake Health and Cytovale.

The Doctor Will Hear You Now is a podcast of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System. Make an appointment with one of our physicians here. Find an FMOLHS doctor here. Login to MyChart here. Do you have an idea for an episode of The Doctor Will Hear You Now? Email us: podcast@fmolhs.org. 

Most of us don’t want to dwell on death—thinking about our loved ones passing away or the end of our own lives—even though we are aware it’s part of life. But when it comes to our or our loved ones’ medical decisions at the end of our lives, it’s good to have wise and caring counsel to help us understand our situation and our options. 

Mary C. Raven, MD, is Board Certified in both internal medicine and hospice and palliative care. Dr. Raven joins Ben and Lexi on The Doctor Will Hear You Now to talk about caring for patients (and their families) at the end of life. Dr. Raven explains how there are practical considerations—like an advance care directive and healthcare power of attorney—plus relational considerations, including assessing a patient’s wishes and quality of life.

With many years of experience in hospice and palliative care, Dr. Raven knows how to discuss these topics with clarity and compassion, all while carefully listening to the needs of her patients. We’re confident you will leave this conversation well informed and comfortable with a sometimes difficult topic.  

- Our health system offers an advance care directive booklet you can download here: https://fmolhs.org/assets/documents/acp/acp-book-7_21-proof.pdf

-Learn more on our blog: Tips on Making a Living Will Because Peace of Mind is Planning Ahead and Listening to Patients During End-of-Life Care

- Healthcare power of attorney paperwork is available here: https://fmolhs.org/assets/documents/acp/hcpoa_form.pdf

- Read more about advance care planning here: Advance Care Planning for Patients

- What is palliative care? How is it different than hospice care?

- Where can I get an advance care directive or a healthcare power of attorney?

- How does my age or stage of life impact how I think of advance care planning?

- Who makes the decisions about the end of my life?

- Thinking about death makes me upset. Why should I spend time and energy thinking about end of life care? 

- How do my personal values come into play when thinking about end of life care? 

The Doctor Will Hear You Now is a podcast of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System. Make an appointment with one of our physicians here. Find an FMOLHS doctor here. Login to MyChart here. Do you have an idea for an episode of The Doctor Will Hear You Now? Email us: podcast@fmolhs.org.  

Our health system is proud to be a part of the legacy of Catholic healthcare throughout our region, but what does that look like in our everyday care of patients and our mission? Social determinants of health is a phrase growing in popularity that captures the factors—often unseen or taken for granted—that can impact the success of health outcomes for a person. If someone is more vulnerable—experiencing poor access to food or transportation; being homeless or without a social network; or facing similar challenges—the health outcomes they experience may be different than someone who does not face those same challenges.

Rob Tasman, vice president of mission integration, and Bently Senegal, director of community services, both with Our Lady of Lourdes Health, join us on The Doctor Will Hear You Now to discuss how these social determinants of health fit into the mission of the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System, and what is being done to improve the lives of patients in need.

- Read more about social determinants of health on our blog: Addressing Social Determinants of Health: A Mission-Driven Approach to Community Care

- Learn about Social Determinants of Health and our community here: https://fmolhs.org/social-determinants-of-health/

- Support the work of our foundation by making a gift here:
https://lourdesrmc.com/ways-to-give/foundation/

The Doctor Will Hear You Now is a podcast of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System. Make an appointment with one of our physicians here. Find an FMOLHS doctor here. Login to MyChart here. Do you have an idea for an episode of The Doctor Will Hear You Now? Email us: podcast@fmolhs.org. 

Sure, no one looks forward to a colonoscopy, but this effective and important screening is far easier to deal with than colon cancer. This is the overall message of Kelly Finan, MD, and Asif Talukder, MD, Board Certified colon and rectal surgeons with Our Lady of the Lake Health. On this episode of The Doctor Will Hear You Now, Dr. Finan and Dr. Talukder share why they are passionate about the work they do, and why they are optimistic about the future of colorectal health, especially in our region.

Dr. Finan and Dr. Talukder both understand some of the feelings that may come up when considering colorectal health and speak openly and honestly on this episode about how they try to make the uncomfortable as comfortable as possible. Our region is a hot spot for colon and rectal cancers, and our doctors are sensitive to the impact of these diseases for our communities. On this episode, you’ll hear lots about how colorectal cancers are treated as well as lots of information about prevention.

- Learn when you should be tested for colorectal cancer. Take the colorectal cancer risk assessment online here.

- At what age should people get a colonoscopy? Read up on the changing ages for recommended colorectal screenings here. (Hint: 45 is the new 50.)

- Read more about your options for comprehensive colon and rectal care on our blog here.

The Doctor Will Hear You Now is a podcast of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System. Make an appointment with one of our physicians here. Find an FMOLHS doctor here. Login to MyChart here. Do you have an idea for an episode of The Doctor Will Hear You Now? Email us: podcast@fmolhs.org. 

It might make you a bit squeamish or you may want to avoid the topic, but colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in the U.S., according to the American Cancer Society. Colon and rectal surgeon at Our Lady of Lourdes Health Matthew Boudreaux, MD knows most people would rather talk about something other than colorectal issues, but that’s exactly why he’s joining us on The Doctor Will Hear You Now to discuss prevention, treatment options, the importance of screening, and the future of colorectal health. Dr. Boudreaux shares his love of our region and an understanding of its people and lifestyle— and what factors may contribute to high levels of colorectal cancer in our area.

- What are some colorectal cancer risk factors?

- Does colorectal cancer have symptoms?

- How important is colorectal screening?

- Are there any alternatives to a colonoscopy?

- At what age should I consider getting a colonoscopy?

- What are some small changes that I can make to reduce risk of colorectal cancer?

- Read more about Dr. Boudreaux and learn what to expect at a colonoscopy on our blog

- Why is the suggested age for colonoscopies changing? Read our article here

- Learn about a large scale study conducted on the prevalence of colorectal cancer in Acadiana

The Doctor Will Hear You Now is a podcast of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System. Make an appointment with one of our physicians here. Find an FMOLHS doctor here. Login to MyChart here. Do you have an idea for an episode of The Doctor Will Hear You Now? Email us: podcast@fmolhs.org.

Miraculous. Our guest today had a stroke when she was only 36 years old. Lauren and Jeremy Pogue share their powerful story of surviving a stroke, and what it’s like to receive treatment at a comprehensive stroke center. On our last episode, we met Ruth K. Fredricks, MD, a neurologist and neuro-oncologist who is co-medical director of St. Dominic Hospital’s Comprehensive Stroke Center and Amber Herron, the center’s program manager. Both professionals provided care for Lauren after her stroke.

Hosts Ben and Lexi hear Lauren’s story, with help from Lauren’s husband who recounts much of the story from his perspective as a flight paramedic. Lauren’s story on The Doctor Will Hear You Now podcast will inform you and inspire you as you hear an incredible story of hope after devastating illness.  

B – Balance. Having trouble walking or with coordination?

E – Eyes. Seeing double or experiencing vision issues?

F – Face. Try to smile. If the smile is crooked, with one side of the face drooping, it may be a stroke.

A – Arms. Raise both arms in the air. If the arms are uneven and one can’t be held up for long, it may be a stroke.

S – Speech. Attempt to repeat a simple phrase. If speech sounds odd or slurred, it may be a stroke.

T – Time. Don’t waste another second. Call 911 immediately.

- Remember, if you suspect a stroke, dial 911—EMS can start treatments immediately when they get to you

- Read more of Lauren's story, see a photo of her back on her horse and a picture of the painting she mentions at: https://health.fmolhs.org/about-us/patient-stories/mom-of-3-young-girls-shares-her-miraculous-stroke-recovery/

- Learn more about the Comprehensive Stroke Center at St. Dominic’s website

The Doctor Will Hear You Now is a podcast of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System. Make an appointment with one of our physicians here. Find an FMOLHS doctor here. Login to MyChart here. Do you have an idea for an episode of The Doctor Will Hear You Now? Email us: podcast@fmolhs.org.