Ochsner Lafayette General

Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center is proud to introduce the Ion robotic-assisted bronchoscopy system to Acadiana. This minimally invasive technology allows doctors to detect lung cancer earlier, providing life-saving treatment sooner. It also allows doctors to reach small, hard-to-access lung nodules with incredible precision, giving patients more answers, options and hope. On March 27, we celebrated this advancement with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking a new chapter in lung cancer care for our community. Learn more at https://ow.ly/xsFg50VpWlT.

Representatives from Ochsner Lafayette General attended the 2025 Louisiana Society of Anesthesiologists (LSA) Meeting in New Orleans on March 21-22. This event was a fantastic opportunity to connect with residents and medical students from across Louisiana, building relationships that will shape the future of anesthesiology at Ochsner Lafayette General. We also enjoyed valuable networking opportunities with industry vendors who showcased the latest anesthesia equipment used in surgery. Pictured below are Morganne Joseph, a recruiter at Ochsner Lafayette General; Julie Broussard, MD, medical director of Ochsner Lafayette General, Louisiana director for the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) and Acadiana regional director for the Louisiana Society of Anesthesiologists (LSA); and Sam Zaunbrecher, manager of anesthesia services at Ochsner Lafayette General. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated in this event!

We were proud to serve as the presenting sponsor of the 2025 State of the Parish address on Wednesday, March 12, where our CEO, Patrick Gandy, reaffirmed Ochsner Lafayette General’s commitment to building a stronger, healthier and more prosperous Acadiana. From expanding healthcare access and training the next generation of physicians to investing in rural hospitals and behavioral health, we are dedicated to improving lives and driving economic growth across the region. Thank you to Mayor-President Monique Boulet for including us in the conversation to shape Lafayette’s future.

Ochsner Lafayette General and Oceans Healthcare are excited to announce that our new behavioral health hospital, Ochsner Behavioral Health Acadiana, is currently under construction. Located at 310 Youngsville Highway in Lafayette, this state-of-the-art facility will be the largest behavioral health center in the region. The facility will provide: ??Inpatient services for adolescents, adults, and geriatric patients ??Outpatient programs addressing mental health and co-occurring substance use disorders As mental and behavioral health continues to be a critical priority for our community, Ochsner Behavioral Health Acadiana is committed to expanding access to exceptional care. Learn more at https://ow.ly/eB3h50V4vyk.

Michael Horaist, MD, and Shantelle Dugas, NP, of Ochsner Lafayette General, have been nominated for the American Cancer Society’s prestigious Spirit of Hope Award. This award celebrates individuals whose stories inspire hope and exemplify the heart of the American Cancer Society’s mission. The nominees will be recognized at the Black and White Gala VIP Announcement Party, hosted by Ochsner Lafayette General, on May 22. The award winners will then be celebrated at the American Cancer Society’s Black and White Gala in Lafayette on Aug. 23. We couldn’t be prouder to have such remarkable individuals representing the Ochsner Lafayette General family. Join us in applauding their incredible achievements and this well-earned recognition.

Congratulations to Shaunda Grisby, MD, on her recognition for her passion, empathy and innovation in her field as one of the "Rising Star Women Leaders in Healthcare for 2025" by Women We Admire! Dr. Grisby is a breast surgical oncologist at Ochsner Lafayette General and associate regional medical director for Lafayette General Medical Doctors Physician Group. She is a fellowship-trained general surgeon specializing in breast surgical oncology. Her expertise includes the advanced treatment of breast cancer, benign breast-related conditions, and managing people at high risk for developing breast cancer. She is a member of the American Society of Breast Surgeons, the Society of Surgical Oncology, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, and the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Grisby is actively involved in research studies on breast cancer and community outreach programs, spreading awareness for breast cancer. In her free time, she enjoys painting, listening to music and spending time with her cockapoos. Learn more about Dr. Grisby’s recognition here: https://ow.ly/RTRU50UVSZK.

Join us in congratulating Al Patin, CEO of Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center, on being named chair of One Acadiana’s board of directors for 2025! Learn more about One Acadiana and its impact on the nine-parish Acadiana region at https://ow.ly/vnnp50UOcs4.

Welcome to the world, Jinx C.! Arriving at 12:34 a.m., weighing 7 pounds and measuring 20 inches long, this little one is the very first baby born this year at Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center.

At Ochsner, we have a clear purpose: to serve and heal others and to make our communities stronger and healthier. In partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana, Ochsner Lafayette General is working to combat hunger in Acadiana. We conducted a food drive, collecting 7,200 pounds of food, which Second Harvest will then distribute to over 700 community partners and programs across 23 parishes. Ochsner also donated $5,000 to Second Harvest to provide food vouchers for those in need to buy food at the Makin’ Groceries Mobile Market that visits our Ochsner University Hospital & Clinics campus monthly. This effort, combined with 1,299 volunteer hours in 2024, underscores Ochsner’s commitment to making a meaningful impact in our community. Together with Second Harvest, we're creating lasting change where it's needed most. Discover more about our impact at https://ow.ly/frhN50UmPgj. #OchsnerServes

At Ochsner Lafayette General, we believe in caring for the whole family, especially during life's most difficult moments. We are proud to have partnered with Healing House to donate Coping Kits for children who have experienced the loss of a loved one. These special grief care packages include a journal, a “feelings doll,” a grief coloring book, self-care items, and helpful resources for caregivers. Our goal is to provide holistic support to families, helping them navigate their grief journey. The Coping Kits are generously donated monthly by the Ochsner Lafayette General Foundation and are available in our hospitals. These are also available at Healing House and other partners. #CommunityCare #HealingTogether