2026 Press Releases

Lafayette, La. – Responding to Louisiana’s growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals, LSU Health Shreveport’s School of Health Professions and Sciences has launched a hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program in Lafayette, the first of its kind in Louisiana. The program was officially unveiled at a ribbon-cutting ceremony, March 2 at the new Lafayette campus site, located at 902 Coolidge Street. Fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), the program will welcome its inaugural class of 24 students in May 2026.

Developed in partnership with Ochsner Lafayette General, the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) through its Healthcare Education Reinvestment Opportunity (HERO) Fund, and Rehab Essentials, the strategic resource for licensure-track health programs, this innovative program expands access to physical therapy education in Southwest Louisiana and addresses critical workforce needs across the state.

“I tell everyone how excited I am to be part of this inaugural class of future physical therapists,” said Camille Fletcher, one of the 24 students who will begin the program in May. “As an Acadiana native, this program from LSU Health Shreveport was my first choice for physical therapy school, and I can’t wait for classes to begin.”

The hybrid model combines online coursework with hands-on clinical education through partnerships with healthcare providers like Ochsner Lafayette General, allowing students to train close to home while gaining the expertise and experience needed to serve patients statewide.

Through this collaboration, LSU Health Shreveport DPT hybrid program - Lafayette joins a select group of universities implementing the enTandem DPT℠ model, a comprehensive framework that extends far beyond curriculum. enTandem DPT℠ integrates academic design, hybrid faculty development, accreditation alignment and long-term operational support.

The Rehab Essentials enTandem DPT℠ model is designed not only to accelerate program launch, but also to sustain excellence, creating clear pathways from classroom to clinical practice and employment. This collaboration allows LSU Health Shreveport to expand its reach in Louisiana while advancing student success and strengthening the healthcare workforce its communities rely on.

“By bringing our Doctor of Physical Therapy program to Lafayette, we are expanding opportunity for students and addressing the healthcare workforce needs of our communities,” said Sharon Dunn, PT, PhD, Dean of the School of Health Professions and Sciences.

Physical therapy plays a vital role in helping individuals recover mobility, manage pain and maintain long-term physical function across their lifespans. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of physical therapists is projected to grow 11% from 2024 to 2034, a rate much higher than the national average of occupations. This will create an anticipated estimate of 13,200 job openings each year, due to growth and replacement needs. Workforce development initiatives like the new hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy program in Lafayette are essential to expanding access to high-quality care and meeting Louisiana’s mounting need for skilled physical therapists.

“This collaboration connects LSU Health Shreveport’s academic excellence with Ochsner Lafayette General’s clinical expertise,” added Daniel Flowers, PT, PhD, Chair of the Department of Physical Therapy. “The hybrid format allows students to stay in their communities while earning a top-quality DPT degree.”

“This program creates new opportunities in Acadiana and ensures our patients have access to well-trained physical therapists,” said Patrick Gandy, Chief Executive Officer, Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center.

“This partnership demonstrates the power of collaboration between academic and healthcare systems to meet Louisiana’s workforce needs,” said Leonardo Seoane, MD, FACP Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer, Ochsner Health.

“Through the innovative HERO fund utilizing public-private partnerships, the Department set out to reduce barriers to healthcare programs that create pipelines into high-demand health careers for Louisiana students. This program is a great example of that goal,” said LDH Secretary Bruce Greenstein.           

ABOUT REHAB ESSENTIALS
Rehab Essentials Inc. is an edTech company dedicated to driving the modernization and optimization of health professions education programs at universities worldwide. By partnering with academic institutions, Rehab Essentials provides innovative, customized solutions to deliver high-quality, scalable health professions education, helping universities meet the continuing demand for increased capacity and steady revenue growth with affordable, accessible programs.

ABOUT enTANDEM DPT℠
enTandem DPT℠ is a ready-to-launch hybrid entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy program—designed to eliminate the time, cost, and complexity of developing a hybrid delivery model alone. It provides a proven academic framework that shortens time to market by up to two years, drives new enrollment and revenue opportunities, and empowers universities to deliver a high-quality program that reflects their mission, values, and academic standards. Learn more at .

ABOUT OCHSNER LAFAYETTE GENERAL
Ochsner Lafayette General has more than 5,500 employees and serves 220,000 patients per year. The organization includes Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center (Ochsner LGMC); Ochsner Lafayette General Orthopedic Hospital; Ochsner Lafayette General Surgical Hospital; Ochsner St. Martin Hospital; Ochsner University Hospital & Clinics (Ochsner UHC); Ochsner Acadia General Hospital; Ochsner Abrom Kaplan Memorial Hospital; Ochsner American Legion Hospital; and a number of clinics, urgent cares and professional centers. Ochsner LGMC is the only Level II Trauma Center in Southwest Louisiana. Both Ochsner LGMC and Ochsner UHC are major teaching hospitals, providing graduate medical education across many disciplines.

Shreveport, La. – Supporters of the Ochsner LSU Health – Feist-Weiller Cancer Center (FWCC) gathered at the Scottish Rite Cathedral on Thursday, February 12, 2026 for the annual Life Savers gala. Life Savers is a celebration and opportunity to raise vital funds for North Louisiana’s only academic cancer center. FWCC serves an area with immense need and some of the highest incidences of cancer in the nation.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will support renovations to the McDade House, a hospitality home that will provide FWCC patients who must travel for their cancer treatment a comfortable space to receive outpatient care.

The impact of the McDade House extends beyond out-of-town patients. By adding dedicated hospitality housing, FWCC can continue expanding advanced therapies — such as cellular therapies including CAR-T— helping ensure more patients across the Shreveport-Bossier region can receive cutting-edge care without leaving their community.

“As the only academic cancer center in North Louisiana, we tackle some of the highest cancer incidence rates in the country. The renovation of the McDade House isn't just a building project; it is a vital clinical resource,” said Dr. Richard Mansour, Director of Feist-Weiller Cancer Center. “By removing the barrier of travel and lodging, we allow our patients to focus entirely on their recovery while we provide them with the most advanced cellular therapies available today.”

In attendance at this year’s event was author, television personality and philanthropist Monyetta Shaw-Carter. A Shreveport native and recent breast cancer survivor, Monyetta brings a deeply personal connection to FWCC’s mission and a powerful voice for patients and families navigating cancer.

“Being back in my hometown of Shreveport to support this mission is incredibly personal for me,” said Shaw-Carter. “After my own battle with breast cancer, I understand that healing requires more than just medicine; it requires a support system. The McDade House will be that support system for so many, offering a place of peace and comfort during the hardest fight of their lives.”

During the event, FWCC honored Dr. Gary Burton and Dr. Glenn Mills, who each mark 40 years of service to Feist-Weiller Cancer Center. Their leadership and commitment to patient care and education have left a lasting impact on our institution and the many physicians they have mentored.

“Dr. Burton and Dr. Mills have been the heart and soul of this cancer center for four decades,” said Dr. Mike Sewell, Professor and Chair of Internal Medicine at LSU Health Shreveport. “Their dedication has not only saved countless lives but has also shaped the careers of every physician they’ve mentored, myself included. It is only fitting that as we celebrate their 40 years of service, we continue their legacy by investing in the McDade House and the future of patient-centered care at Feist-Weiller Cancer Center.”

This year, Life Savers raised more than $200,000 dollars thanks to the generosity of sponsors and patrons. All the proceeds will be directed to Feist-Weiller's $2.1M capital campaign to restore the home and bring it back into operation. The McDade House has been closed for several years, and the campaign to renovate the building will provide much-needed updates.

Life Savers 2026: Golden Age Gala is generously sponsored by Genentech. A special thank you to additional sponsors is extended to BRF; Cancer Focus Fund; SWEPCO Foundation; Drs. Furqan Akhtar, Scott Boniol, Neelima Chintapalli, & Deepika Ralla; Argent Financial Group; Dr. Scott & Kristin Barrilleaux and Dr. Dani Zoorob; Drs. Beedupalli, Devarashetty, Gaddam, & Ramadas; Susan B. Berry; Dr. Gary Burton & Dr. Glenn Mills; Apoorva Cheeti & Shashank Cingam; Daiichi Sankyo; Srinivas Devarakonda; The Koticha Family; Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry; LSU Health Shreveport Department of Orthopaedic Surgery; Dr. and Mrs. Mansour; Dr. & Ms. Robert Muldoon; Ochsner LSU Health; Lynn & Armand Roos and Connie & Donald Posner; RoseStone Wealth Advisors; Dr. Guillermo & Andrea Sangster; Shed It! Weight Loss & Wellness; and, Somdal Associates.

Shreveport, La. – The LSU Health Sciences Foundation and Ochsner LSU Health announced today the launch of a new grateful patient philanthropy program. This collaboration is designed to streamline the philanthropy process, providing a clear pathway for patients and families to support the healthcare system and the North Louisiana communities it serves.

The Grateful Patient Giving program provides patients an opportunity to express appreciation for the care they received through philanthropic donations. These contributions will directly support Ochsner LSU Health, including patient care initiatives, the acquisition of advanced technology, and the expansion of community health programs.

“Grateful patient philanthropy is about more than just fundraising; it’s about providing a meaningful way for our patients and their families to heal while impacting the future of healthcare in our region,” said David Callecod, chief executive officer of Ochsner LSU Health. “This partnership exemplifies how our community benefits when organizations share a vision for healthier communities and a brighter future.”

As the philanthropic arm of Ochsner LSU Health, the LSU Health Sciences Foundation will build and steward lifelong relationships with patients and families, raise critical philanthropic support, and dedicate resources directly to Ochsner LSU Health. The Foundation will continue to engage with donors to support the research and academic missions of LSU Health Shreveport. This new program will assist North Louisiana’s academic health center in continuing to improve our region’s health and well-being for years to come.

“The Foundation has been working with grateful patients since our founding in 1997, and we’re excited to continue to support Ochsner LSU Health and the community through philanthropy,” said Kevin Flood, President and CEO of the LSU Health Sciences Foundation. “This program strengthens the bridge between the world-class clinical care provided at Ochsner LSU Health and LSU Health Shreveport’s critical mission of health care education and medical research.”

Philanthropic support through the Foundation has recently funded equipment for the NICUs at Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport and Monroe, and an additional transesophageal echocardiogram machine to support the trauma, burn and ICU departments.

To learn more or make a gift online, visit www.lsuhsfoundation.org/grateful-patient

Shreveport, La. – LSU Health Shreveport’s Center for Brain Health will host a free Community Forum on Parkinson’s Disease on Saturday, Feb. 21, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Center for Medical Education Building, located at 1634 Jennings Street in Shreveport. The event is open to the public and designed to educate and uplift individuals living with Parkinson’s disease, caregivers, family members, healthcare providers and anyone seeking to better understand the condition.

Parkinson’s disease affects an estimated 2% of people over the age of 65 in Northwest Louisiana, a prevalence that experts say underscores the need for education, early detection and access to specialized care.

“Part of the challenge with Parkinson’s disease is that people don’t always realize they have it,” said Elizabeth Disbrow, PhD, Professor of Neurology and Director of the Center for Brain Health at LSUHS. “Someone may notice a tremor and think it’s just part of aging, but there’s actually a huge amount we can do to improve quality of life if people seek care early.”

The day-long forum will feature presentations from neurologists, researchers and national experts, including representatives from the Michael J. Fox Foundation, who will share updates from international Parkinson’s research studies. Topics will include disease prevention, environmental risk factors, advances in treatment, caregiving support, new local resources, and opportunities for community members to participate in local clinical research.

“We’re learning so much more about the environmental factors that impact Parkinson’s disease, and that’s very exciting,” said Disbrow. “We’re also excited to share results from large-scale genetic studies that many people in our community have already contributed to. The findings so far are incredibly interesting and give us real hope for more personalized treatments in the future.”

In addition to medical advances, the forum will address the often-overlooked realities of Parkinson’s caregiving, supported by a keynote address from Terri Pease, PhD, author of the book “Love, Dignity and Parkinson’s: from Care Partner to Caregiver.”

“Parkinson’s caregiving is unique and doesn’t get the attention it deserves,” Disbrow said. “Dr. Pease is an author and former caregiver who brings a powerful, personal perspective on what support really looks like for families living with this disease.”

The Community Forum on Parkinson’s Disease is free to attend, and questions for the presenters are encouraged. There are options to attend both in-person and virtually. Lunch is included for those who attend in-person and register in advance.

Learn more, and pre-register online at https://www.lsuhs.edu/PDforum

A Caddo Parish student has been named the first recipient of a newly established scholarship supporting first-generation college students at LSU Health Shreveport. The LSU Health Sciences Foundation announced that Macey Duncan, a Physician Assistant Studies student at LSU Health Shreveport’s School of Health Professions and Sciences, has been awarded the inaugural Margaret Shehee Cole Endowed Scholarship for First-Generation Students. The scholarship was created to help ease the financial burdens of graduate school, allowing LSU Health Shreveport students to focus on becoming the best healthcare providers possible.

The scholarship is named for Margaret Shehee and David Cole, long-time supporters of LSU Health Shreveport. Margaret’s husband, David, has received physical and occupational therapy at the Faculty Rehabilitation Clinic in the School of Health Professions and Sciences. As a show of gratitude for the care he has received, Margaret and David decided to create an endowed scholarship that would provide a pathway for students to pursue a degree in health professions.

“David and I are profoundly honored to establish this scholarship and play a part in Macey Duncan’s journey, as well as the journeys of future first-generation students,” said Margaret. “Witnessing the exceptional care David has received at LSU Health Shreveport inspired us to give back, ensuring that aspiring healthcare professionals, regardless of their background, can realize their dreams. It is our hope that this scholarship lifts financial burdens and empowers these talented students to focus on their education and become the compassionate, skilled providers our community needs.”

“The path to this point has not always been easy, especially with financial strain constantly in the background, but those challenges have shaped me and made my journey more meaningful,” said Macey. “Receiving the Shehee Cole Endowed Scholarship for First-Generation Students is an honor that will make a lasting impact on my education and future as a PA. This scholarship is a powerful reminder that my hard work and dreams are seen and valued, and I am immensely grateful for the lasting impact this scholarship will have on my education and the future provider I will become.”

The Shehee Cole Endowed Scholarship was the first endowed scholarship for the School of Health Professions and Sciences.

“We are incredibly grateful to Margaret Shehee and David Cole for their generosity, which directly supports our most deserving students,” said Dr. Sharon Dunn, Dean of the School of Health Professions and Sciences. “This gift ensures our students can dedicate themselves fully to their demanding studies and emerge as the highly skilled, compassionate healthcare professionals that LSU Health Shreveport is known for, and that our community truly needs.”

To learn more or support scholarship opportunities, visit LSUHS Foundation Scholarships.

Laurie Priftis, Director of Marketing & Communications, LSU Health Sciences Foundation - Shreveport
LPriftis@lsuhsfoundation.org | 318-861-0855

Mark Klein, Public Relations Coordinator, LSU Health Shreveport
Mark.Klein@lsuhs.edu | 318-675-8789