Shreveport, La. – The LSU Health Shreveport Foundation announces the first recipient of the Bradie James Scholarship: LSU Health Shreveport student Phoebe Vi. This scholarship provides vital financial support to exceptional students, recognizing academic excellence while easing the financial burden of their education.
Bradie James was an All-American linebacker at LSU before being drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 2003. His NFL career spanned a decade, during which he became the first player in franchise history to lead the Cowboys in tackles for six consecutive seasons.
Off the field, James has been widely recognized for his service and leadership. He received the POTUS National Service Award in 2010, was named LSU Alumni Association’s Young Alumnus of the Year in 2012 and was inducted into the LSU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2019.
James is also the founder of Bradie James Foundation 56, created in memory of his mother, which supports education, mammogram screenings, diagnostic testing, and social therapy programs for breast cancer patients and survivors.
“As a proud Louisiana native, I’ve seen firsthand how access to quality healthcare can transform lives and uplift entire communities,” said James. “Supporting LSU Health Shreveport means investing in the future of our state, ensuring that families from Monroe to New Orleans receive the care they deserve and that the next generation of healthcare professionals is equipped to lead with compassion and excellence.”
The Bradie James Scholarship benefits students at the School of Health Professions and Sciences, empowering future health professionals to provide exceptional care focused on prevention and wellness to patients in Louisiana and beyond, enhancing the community's healthcare future.
"This scholarship reflects our shared commitment to building a stronger, healthier future for our state,” said Dr. Sharon Dunn, Dean of the School of Health Professions and Sciences. “By supporting our students, we’re cultivating the next generation of healthcare leaders – professionals who will champion wellness and compassionate care in every community they serve."

The impact of the Bradie James Scholarship is already being felt through its first recipient. A native of Abbeville, Louisiana, scholarship recipient Phoebe Vi is a proud first-generation college student. After earning her bachelor's degree at Louisiana State University, she went on to join the Physician Assistant (PA) Class of 2027 at LSU Health Shreveport. Raised in an underserved community by hardworking parents in labor-intensive jobs, Phoebe witnessed the effects of healthcare disparities from an early age. The loss of her father was an incredibly painful experience, but it also inspired her commitment to care for others with compassion and purpose.
For Phoebe, being selected as a Bradie James Scholarship recipient is more than an honor. In her words, “It is a tribute to the resilience, love and sacrifice that have guided my journey thus far. I am deeply grateful for this support as I continue working to become the kind of provider who gives back to the communities that have shaped me."
To learn more or support scholarship opportunities, visit lsuhsfoundation.org/about-scholarships.

Shreveport, La. – The Fifth Annual Heart Health Day took place Saturday at Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport – St. Mary Medical Center, offering free health screenings, physician consultations, and heart-healthy education to members of the community. The event was coordinated by the LSU Health Shreveport Center for Cardiovascular Diseases and Sciences (CCDS) and Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport.
Heart Health Day is designed to improve awareness of cardiovascular disease and provide tools for prevention. Attendees had access to hands-on demonstrations, including CPR training, a cardiac device education station, cooking demonstrations, and exercise activities such as Zumba and yoga. No-cost screenings included EKG testing, cholesterol and glucose checks, BMI, ankle-brachial index (ABI), blood pressure and echocardiograms. Cardiologists from Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport were on site to review screening results and answer patient questions.
“This is an annual event to increase awareness of heart disease and how to prevent heart disease and make our community better and healthier,” said Kalgi Modi, MD, Professor of Cardiology at LSU Health Shreveport. “About 80 to 90 percent of heart disease is preventable, and how can you prevent it? By knowledge.”
Dr. Modi emphasized the importance of knowing personal risk factors and supporting healthy habits. “Events like this help people know their numbers, like blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, eating lifestyle and family history. We want to promote prevention and make our Louisiana community healthier, happier, and living longer.”
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in Louisiana, the United States, and worldwide. Heart Health Day aims to make preventive care more accessible locally by bringing clinical resources directly into the community.

Shreveport, La. – 90 LSU Health Shreveport medical students presented their summer research projects this week, during the annual Medical Student Research Program (MSRP) poster session held in the Center for Medical Education.
The event marked the culmination of five weeks of mentored research, during which students worked directly with LSU Health Shreveport faculty for at least 10–12 hours each week. The MSRP provides medical students with early exposure to research, encourages scientific inquiry and helps strengthen lab skills that are valuable for future physicians as they prepare for the National Residency Match Program.
Each project represented original work in either basic science or clinical research. Students presented their findings to faculty, peers and visitors, with awards given to top-scoring projects in both categories. First place in this year’s competition was awarded to medical student Claire Brescher.
“Participation in a research project is so important for LSU Health Shreveport medical students,” said R. Ellen Friday, PhD, Associate Professor – Research at LSU Health Shreveport. “It’s important for their education, and their development as teachers, learners and future physicians.”
Second-year medical student Theresa Schauer presented her project examining public awareness and attitudes toward childhood obesity in Louisiana. “Louisiana has the third-highest rate of childhood obesity in the country,” Schauer said. “It’s important to understand what parents know about obesity so that we can better disseminate educational resources.”
Schauer said the opportunity to conduct independent research was a highlight of her medical education. “Medical research gives us the chance to dive into our own interests, learn from our mentors, and collaborate with classmates,” she said. “It teaches us critical thinking skills that will translate into our ability to work independently with patients in the future.”
The MSRP is sponsored by the Dean’s Office at LSU Health Shreveport’s School of Medicine and aims to foster a strong foundation in research for future physicians.

Shreveport, La. – Dr. Cherie-Ann Nathan, Chair and Professor of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery at LSU Health Shreveport, was named a recipient of the LSU Presidential Laurel, one of the highest academic honors within the LSU System. She is the first faculty member from LSU Health Shreveport to receive this distinction.

The award recognizes exceptional academic, creative and research accomplishments by faculty across LSU’s eight institutions. Honorees are selected by the body of LSU Boyd Professors, the university system’s most distinguished academic rank, based on the merit and exclusivity of their achievements. Dr. Nathan is one of three professors across the LSU System selected for the honor this year.

“Dr. Nathan is recognized internationally for her commitment and contribution to patient care, humanitarianism and mentorship,” said Dr. Lester Johnson, Interim Chancellor of LSU Health Shreveport. “She has positively impacted LSU Health Shreveport and all of LSU for the better.”

Dr. Nathan is a surgeon-scientist who balances a full clinical practice treating patients with oral, head and neck cancer, thyroid, parathyroid, salivary gland tumors and skin cancer at Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport’s Feist-Weiller Cancer Center, while leading an active, federally funded research team.

Earlier this year, Dr. Nathan was inducted into the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery’s Hall of Distinction as a “Living Legend.” She has published more than 280 peer-reviewed articles, delivered more than 255 invited national and international lectures and serves in numerous leadership roles that include Past President of the American Head and Neck Society and President of the Association of Academic Departments of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery.

"I am extremely honored and humbled to receive this award,” said Dr. Nathan. “I am incredibly grateful to all my collaborators in the basic science departments at LSU Health Shreveport and my colleagues in the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery who have made this possible."

Born in Mumbai, India, Dr. Nathan decided in third grade to pursue a career in cancer medicine. She earned her medical degree in India before completing a post-doctoral fellowship at Johns Hopkins University, where she began her research career. She completed her residency and fellowship at the University of California, San Diego.

Dr. Nathan joined LSU Health Shreveport in 1995. In her 30 years with the institution, she has received numerous honors, including the Athena Award, Leonard Tow Humanism Award, AAO-HNS Distinguished Service Award, and the Margaret Butler Outstanding Mentor of Women in Head & Neck Surgery Award.

Shreveport - LSU Health Shreveport has launched a new pilot program, the HEART Program for Caddo Parish Middle Schoolers. HEART stands for Humility, Empathy and Respect Training. It is a collaboration between the Association of American Medical Colleges and LSU Health Shreveport.
The HEART Program introduces Caddo Parish middle school students to qualities that support, not only healthcare careers, but success in school and relationships. Through monthly visits to different campuses, LSU Health Shreveport faculty, residents and staff engage with 6th-8th graders to highlight the importance of developing soft skills such as kindness, respect, compassion and empathy. These traits are essential for building strong physician-patient relationships.
The program’s first session was held at Shreveport’s AMI Kids Middle School, where LSU Health Shreveport leaders held an interactive panel discussion with live demonstrations. Participating physicians included:
• Dr. Wendy Bernstein, Chair of Anesthesiology
• Dr. Dani Zoorob, Chair of Obstetrics & Gynecology
• Dr. Bharat Guthikonda, Chair of Neurosurgery
• Dr. Amos Sit, Associate Professor of Surgery
• Dr. Harterica Hines, former Pediatrics Resident
• Dr. Derrick Smith, Psychiatry Resident
The session included skits where students role-played everyday injuries, such as a bike accident or a fall during basketball. They then received a first-hand look at how LSU Health professionals offer care with humility, empathy and respect.
LSU Health Shreveport Psychiatry Resident and Shreveport native Dr. Derrick Smith emphasized the program’s impact:
“Nothing is more important than speaking into our youth, being able to change the future and affect the future through them. This was a great opportunity to show them skills that make great doctors, but also great people.”

Shreveport - LSU Health Shreveport has been awarded a five-year, $7.5 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish a new Center for Post-Transcriptional Regulation. Led by Oren Rom, PhD, RD, Senior Associate Dean for Basic and Translational Research and Wayne Orr, PhD, Vice Chair for Pathology and Director of the Center for Cardiovascular Diseases and Sciences, this award represents the first, and largest, NSF-funded center grant in the history of LSUHS. 

The Center for Post-Transcriptional Regulation will focus on how cells regulate metabolism, the process by which the body uses and converts nutrients into energy. Researchers will study the role of RNA molecules and protein modifications in controlling these processes, using advanced technology like CRISPR gene editing, stem cell models, high-powered sequencing and metabolomics combined with machine learning. Data outcomes from the grant could open doors to new biotechnological advances and provide insights relevant to conditions such as diabetes, obesity and liver disease. 

Beyond scientific discovery, the center will provide research opportunities for students at every level, from high school and undergraduate students through postdoctoral training, as well as professional development for faculty. By combining hands-on training with nationally funded research, the center will strengthen North Louisiana's research capacity and broaden career pathways in science and medicine. This significant federal investment in North Louisiana not only strengthens LSU Health Shreveport but the North Louisiana economy. 

“This new NSF Center is going to open doors for students across North Louisiana by giving them hands-on experience in research fields like metabolomics and machine learning,” said A. Wayne Orr, PhD, LSUHS Vice Chair for Pathology and Director of the Center for Cardiovascular Diseases and Sciences. “It’s an exciting step forward for growing our regional research workforce and strengthening the scientific and economic future of the state.”

“This is a transformative step for Shreveport and North Louisiana, showcasing LSU Health Shreveport’s exceptional faculty, state-of-the-art facilities and unique ability to lead nationally competitive science,” said Oren Rom, PhD, RD, LSUHS Senior Associate Dean for Basic and Translational Research. “The Center for Post-Transcriptional Regulation directly advances LSU Health Shreveport’s mission and long-term strategic goals by strengthening our research capacity and accelerating growth in metabolic research, a key priority for LSU’s system-wide strategy. This award reflects the extraordinary teamwork of our faculty and staff, and we are deeply grateful for the unwavering support from our leadership and the LSU Health Shreveport Foundation. Together, we are building a stronger future for biotechnological discovery and workforce development in our region.”

The Center for Post-Transcriptional Regulation will fund advanced research programs led by Drs. Tarek Magdy, Arif Yurdagul, and Nirav Dhanesha, innovative new Core Facilities directed by Drs. Magdy, Nobel Bhuiyan, and Hyung Nam, and new student training initiatives led by Dr. Karen Stokes.

Shreveport, LA - Radiance Technologies (Radiance), an employee-owned leader in defense and intelligence solutions, has been awarded a prime Other Transaction (OT) contract valued up to $5.85 million over 18 months by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Biological Technologies Office (BTO). The contract supports the Simulating Microbial Systems (SMS) program, where Radiance will lead a groundbreaking partnership with Louisiana State University (LSU) Health Shreveport and Louisiana Tech University to develop whole-cell modeling and simulation capabilities for Escherichia coli (E. coli).

This marks Radiance’s first collaboration with DARPA BTO and establishes North Louisiana as an emerging hub for cutting-edge biotechnology research. The project, named "Crowded, Heterogeneous, Intracellular, and Multi-Scale Environments for Revolutionary Bio-Applications (CHIMERA)," aims to create a next-generation simulation system capable of predicting bacterial behavior under various conditions. This technology could transform national security, healthcare, and biotechnology applications.

With CHIMERA, researchers and the Department of Defense will be able to virtually test how bacterial cells respond to various environments, including exposure to antibiotics or conditions relevant to bio-manufacturing, before conducting physical experiments. This predictive capability could aid in preventing antibiotic resistance, optimizing microbial production processes, and understanding how pathogens behave in battlefield conditions.

“This partnership represents exactly the kind of innovative collaboration that drives real breakthroughs,” said Radiance CEO Bill Bailey. “It's exciting to see North Louisiana becoming a real player in advanced biotech research.”

Leveraging the unique strengths of each institution, this joint initiative will tackle complex scientific challenges that no single organization could address alone. Radiance brings advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning expertise to interpret extensive biological data. LSU Health Shreveport contributes state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure, including transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics facilities. Louisiana Tech University adds expert microscopy and computational analysis capabilities.

Dr. Jason Comer, Associate Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at LSU Health Shreveport and Director of the BSL-3 Research Facility, emphasized the collective nature of the effort: “This is a bold new chapter in research for North Louisiana. Each partner in this collaboration brings something unique to the table. Together, we are forming a true research corridor along I-20.”

"We're excited to contribute our interdisciplinary expertise in microscopy and computational analysis to CHIMERA, driving innovative solutions at the intersection of biology and technology," said Dr. Mark DeCoster, Professor of Biomedical Engineering and leader of Louisiana Tech's research efforts for the project.

“CHIMERA has the potential to revolutionize how we understand and engineer microbial systems, delivering real-world benefits for national security and beyond,” said Dr. Andrew Gardner, Principal Investigator of the SMS program at Radiance Technologies.

Together, Radiance, LSU Health Shreveport, and LA Tech are pushing scientific boundaries in ways that couldn’t be accomplished alone.

Shreveport, LA - LSU Health Shreveport proudly announces that Qihui “Jim” Zhai, MD, FACP, Professor and Chair of Pathology and Translational Pathobiology, has been inaugurated as the 39th president of the College of American Pathologists (CAP.) CAP is the largest organization of board-certified pathologists in the world.

This distinction places LSU Health Shreveport at the center of national and global conversations about the future of pathology. Dr. Zhai’s leadership within CAP reflects the strength and vision of our Department of Pathology and Translational Pathobiology, further elevating LSU Health Shreveport’s role in advancing education, research and patient care in Louisiana and beyond.

In his inaugural remarks at CAP25 on September 13th, Dr. Zhai shared a personal story of biking across China as a medical student, an experience that taught him to seek opportunity, face uncertainty and to keep moving forward. “Only when moving can one maintain one’s balance,” he said, quoting Albert Einstein, emphasizing the resilience and innovation that will guide his tenure as CAP president.

As CAP president, Dr. Zhai has outlined a bold vision to:

· Connect pathologists across subspecialties, practice settings and generations to strengthen collaboration and advocacy.

· Inspire growth through mentorship, advocacy and global engagement.

· Embrace innovation, including artificial intelligence and digital tools, to ensure pathologists remain central to patient care.

“Pathologists are central to every diagnosis and treatment decision,” said Dr. Zhai. “Leading CAP provides an extraordinary opportunity to champion their role in delivering high-quality, evidence-based care. I’m committed to growing our profession, mentoring future pathologists, expanding our impact, and embracing innovation without losing sight of what matters most: the patients we serve.”

Dr. Zhai joined LSU Health Shreveport from the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science in Jacksonville, Florida, where he served as Professor of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology and founded the FISH and Molecular Laboratory. An internationally renowned surgical pathologist, Dr. Zhai has authored over 200 peer-reviewed manuscripts, edited nine major pathology textbooks, and is a frequent national and international lecturer.

He is recognized for his expertise in head and neck, thyroid, genitourinary pathology, and diagnostic immunohistochemistry. His research integrates morphology, immunohistochemistry, and liquid biopsy to bring molecular advances directly into clinical practice. Dr. Zhai’s distinguished career also includes leadership roles on multiple CAP committees, the American Board of Pathology, and the Florida Society of Pathologists.

Shreveport, La. - The LSU Health Sciences Foundation (LSUHS Foundation) hosted the 14th annual An Evening for Healers on Thursday, September 11, at the Shreveport Convention Center. The event raises essential funds to help LSU Health Shreveport (LSUHS) to recruit top-tier faculty, invest in cutting-edge equipment, and enhance student programs and scholarships across its three schools. Over the past 14 years, the event has raised more than $3.5 million to support LSU Health Shreveport’s greatest needs.

An Evening for Healers also honors the lifesaving work of Shreveport-Bossier community's first responders, physicians, nurses, allied health professionals, and other healthcare providers who have made a lasting impact on patients at Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport.

This year’s event honored more than 50 first responders and health care professionals and told their patients’ stories through inspiring documentaries.

In November 2024, Clint Bickham suffered a severe spinal injury after falling from a tree while hunting in the woods. Unable to move his legs, he called for help and was rescued by the Caddo Parish Fire Department with assistance from friends. Bickham was transported to Ochsner LSU Health, where he underwent emergency spinal surgery to stabilize shattered vertebrae and relieve pressure on his spinal cord. Following inpatient rehabilitation, he returned to Shreveport to continue therapy at the LSU Health Shreveport School of Health Professions and Sciences Faculty Rehabilitation Clinic.

“I’m so thankful for the care I received. Without the teams at Ochsner LSU Health and the rehabilitation clinic, I wouldn’t be able to play with my kids, I wouldn’t be able to go to work, and spend time with my family,” said Bickham. “Because of them, I’m able to enjoy life again. I wouldn’t be here without them.”

In 2022, Temper and Xavier Williams faced heartbreak and hope when they lost one twin at 14 weeks and fought to save the other. At just 22 weeks, Temper delivered baby Jubilee via emergency c-section at Ochsner LSU Health St. Mary Medical Center. Weighing only 14 ounces, Jubilee was rushed to the NICU, where she spent nearly four months. Today, she’s thriving at home—thanks to the expert care and swift action of the Ochsner LSU Health team.

“Ochsner LSU Health really exceeded expectations with saving my daughter and helping her be who she is today,” said Jubilee’s father, Xavier Williams. “I will be forever grateful for all that they did –– and continue to do –– for our family.” 

Healthcare remains a key sector that drives the economy in north Louisiana. LSUHS has a direct economic impact of $600 million annually in the Shreveport region. Combined with the economic impact of our practicing alumni ($2.4 Billion), LSUHS overall has a total economic impact of over $3 billion annually on North Louisiana.

“LSU Health Shreveport is humbled and grateful by the continued financial support of An Evening for Healers,” stated Dr. Lester W. Johnson, Interim Chancellor of LSU Health Shreveport. “The funds raised at this event allow LSUHS to pursue time sensitive opportunities which have and will continue to be instrumental in the strengthening of our health sciences center.”

Ochsner Health is the presenting sponsor for An Evening for Healers. Ochsner Health and LSU Health Shreveport will celebrate seven years of their partnership this year. The Ochsner LSU Health System of North Louisiana was launched in 2018 with a vision to improve access to care and patient care quality, upgrade facilities, expand patient-centered technology, support the medical school and expand research. Together, they have accomplished that and more.

“Over the past seven years, the partnership between Ochsner and LSU Health Shreveport has transformed healthcare in North Louisiana," said David Callecod, chief executive officer of Ochsner LSU Health. "By combining our strengths, we’ve not only improved access to quality care but also advanced medical education, research and innovation. This collaboration exemplifies how our community benefits when organizations share a vision for healthier communities and a brighter future.”

This year, a portion of the funds raised will support the purchase of a piece of equipment for the NICU at Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport, a Giraffe Warmer. These advanced pieces of medical equipment provide a stable, warm and carefully controlled environment for newborns, particularly premature or critically ill infants, who cannot regulate their own body temperature. With their open design, Giraffe Warmers also allow care teams to maintain immediate access to the baby while delivering lifesaving interventions.

“LSU Health Shreveport plays an essential role in advancing healthcare and medical education in north Louisiana,” said Kevin Flood, President & CEO of the LSU Health Sciences Foundation. “When we support LSUHS, we’re helping to recruit exceptional faculty, foster groundbreaking research, and contribute to high-quality care for our community—today and for generations to come.”

More information can be found at www.lsuhsfoundation.org/healers or by calling the LSU Health Sciences Foundation at 318-861-0855.

Alexandria, La. - Louisiana State University of Alexandria (LSUA) has partnered with LSU Health Shreveport (LSUHS) to launch an accelerated 3+3 degree pathway in Occupational Therapy. This innovative collaboration allows students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Biology or Kinesiology from LSUA and a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) from the LSUHS School of Health Professions and Sciences in approximately six years, significantly reducing the traditional time required to complete both degrees.

Students in LSUA’s 3+3 Occupational Therapy Program spend their first three years at LSUA completing 85–90 credit hours, including all the prerequisite courses needed for the OTD program at LSUHS. After completing at least 60 credit hours and meeting all eligibility requirements, students are guaranteed an interview for the OTD program. Once accepted, they begin their doctoral studies in year four at LSUHS. The credits earned in this first year of graduate school transfer back to LSUA so that students are officially awarded their bachelor’s degree. They then spend two additional years completing the OTD program at LSUHS. Throughout the process, students receive personalized faculty advising to support their academic progress and career goals.

“This accelerated 3+3 partnership demonstrates LSUA’s commitment to innovative educational opportunities and our responsiveness to critical healthcare workforce needs in Louisiana,” said Jeff Langston, LSUA’s Dean of the College of Health & Human Services. “We’re proud to collaborate with LSU Health Shreveport’s School of Health Professions and Sciences, ensuring our students receive a streamlined education that prepares them to thrive in one of the nation’s fastest-growing healthcare fields.”

Sarah Walters, Occupational Therapy Program Director and Clinical Assistant Professor at LSU Health Shreveport, noted, “The Doctor of Occupational Therapy program is proud to collaborate with LSUA on the launch of this accelerated 3+3 OTD pathway. This initiative reflects our shared commitment to expanding access to high-quality healthcare education across Louisiana, with a particular focus on Central Louisiana. Students from LSUA have consistently been well-prepared and motivated, making this collaboration a natural fit. By offering an accelerated pathway, we’re not only streamlining the route to a doctoral degree—we’re also introducing students to the occupational therapy profession earlier in their academic journey, which helps foster deeper engagement and long-term commitment to the field. This is a meaningful step toward meeting the growing healthcare needs of communities across our state.”

Ryan Riche, Director of Rehab Services at Rapides Regional Medical, said, “The services of an occupational therapist are vital to the rehabilitation of many types of patients. I am pleased to see this partnership between LSUA and LSU Health Shreveport move forward. By helping students complete their Occupational Therapy graduate program more efficiently, this collaboration will strengthen the pipeline of skilled therapists in Central Louisiana — supporting the needs of Rapides Regional and healthcare providers throughout the region.”

According to recent labor data, employment of occupational therapists is projected to grow 11 percent between 2023 and 2033—much faster than the average for all occupations—with approximately 9,800 new job openings expected each year. Factors driving this strong demand include a rapidly aging population requiring therapy to maintain independence, increased awareness of occupational therapy's effectiveness, a growing emphasis on non-invasive treatments for long-term conditions, and an expanding scope of practice for OTs in schools, mental health facilities, and community-based settings.

Occupational therapists (OTs) are healthcare professionals who help individuals of all ages develop, regain, or maintain the skills necessary for daily living and participation in meaningful activities. They assist patients impacted by injury, illness, disability, or developmental challenges by assessing their physical, cognitive, and emotional capabilities, designing tailored therapy plans, recommending adaptive equipment, and educating patients and caregivers to enhance independence and quality of life.

Shreveport, La. – LSU Health Shreveport is proud to announce a record-breaking year for its research enterprise in Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25), marked by unprecedented growth in funding, faculty recruitment, national partnerships, and innovation. Under the leadership of Dr. Oren Rom, Senior Associate Dean for Basic & Translational Research; Dr. John Vanchiere, Senior Associate Dean for Clinical Research; and Dr. Ramey Banfield, Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, LSU Health Shreveport has reached new milestones that are propelling scientific discovery and expanding its impact across Louisiana and beyond.

Key accomplishments in FY25 include:

• Over $24 million in external research funding was secured, representing a 13.3% increase over the previous year and the largest year-over-year growth since FY18. This is particularly notable given nationwide reductions in federal funding in FY25.
• Recruitment of 14 new research faculty from top-tier institutions across the U.S., bringing over $20 million in new NIH funding to North Louisiana and significantly expanding the institution’s research capacity.

• 200 grant proposals submitted to more than 30 funding agencies, showcasing broad engagement across diverse funding opportunities.
• Selection as the newest site for the U.S. Department of Defense’s National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) Pilot Program. A Congressionally authorized program led by the National Center for Disaster Medicine and Public Health (NCDMPH).
• Rebuilding the innovation pipeline through the Office for Innovation and Commercialization, with renewed focus on strategic partnerships, commercialization pathways, and cross-campus collaboration to strengthen LSU’s system-wide innovation ecosystem.

With the continued growth in research faculty and funding comes the need for additional space. As previously announced, LSUHS, in partnership with the LSUHS Foundation, plans to transform the former Sears property located at Mall St. Vincent into a state-of-the-art research facility. The project is currently in its initial planning and due diligence phase.

“This record-breaking year reflects the resilience, determination, and talent of our research community, setting the stage for even more growth and greater discovery” said Oren Rom, PhD, RD, Senior Associate Dean for Basic and Translational Research. “We are building a research enterprise that not only withstands national funding cuts but continues to grow and lead. Through bold recruitment, interdisciplinary collaboration, and unwavering focus on innovation, LSU Health Shreveport is advancing science that saves lives—across Louisiana and far beyond.”

Looking ahead, LSU Health Shreveport plans to continue investing in research infrastructure, interdisciplinary initiatives, and early-career investigators to maintain its upward trajectory and building a research team that wins for Louisiana and beyond.

Shreveport, La. – Louisiana students now have a faster, more affordable way to launch a healthcare career thanks to a new partnership between LSU Shreveport (LSUS) and LSU Health Shreveport (LSUHS). This new academic pathway creates a 2+2 program that allows students to complete their first two years at LSUS before transferring seamlessly to LSUHS to graduate with a degree in one of these programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Cardiovascular Technology
• Bachelor of Science in Cardiopulmonary Science
• Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science

The institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Friday, July 25th, at LSU Health Shreveport’s Center for Medical Education building. This MOU agreement allows students to complete two years of pre-professional coursework at LSUS before transferring seamlessly to LSU Health Shreveport to finish the degree program. The signing ceremony, held at the LSUHS School of Health Professions and Sciences, marked a milestone in collaborative efforts to grow Louisiana’s healthcare workforce and make degree completion more efficient for students seeking to enter critical healthcare fields.

These degrees lead to high-demand, high-impact careers such as a respiratory therapist, cardiovascular technologist or a medical laboratory scientist. These are roles that are vital to modern medicine and urgently needed across the state of Louisiana.

Dr. Sharon Dunn, Dean of the School of Health Professions and Sciences at LSUHS, calls the partnership “an exciting step forward” for students and families in the region.

“This new agreement is exciting because it facilitates a fast-track, seamless route to three hot health professions. Students will begin their bachelor’s degree at LSUS to complete the general education and prerequisite requirements for these professional programs, then finish with us at LSUHS-SHPS with a mechanism for guaranteed acceptance into these programs. We believe this will be an attractive option for students looking to reduce overall education costs and get into the workforce quickly in careers that are making a real difference.”

Video Text Transcript

LSUS Provost Dr. Helen Taylor emphasized the student-centered mission behind the effort:

“We want to make a seamless pathway from the first two years of general education at LSU Shreveport to the health professions programs at LSUHS without students even noticing they’ve been at two different institutions. It’s a natural partnership with a focus on helping students get the credentials they need. I have to really compliment the faculty at both institutions – Dr. Elisabeth Liebert at LSUS and Dr. Madeline Barclay at the LSU Health Sciences Center – who refined the process and eliminated as many barriers for students as possible.”

Dr. Sharon Dunn also added, “Completion of any one of these bachelor’s programs results in qualifications, credentials, and licensure eligibility to join exciting healthcare fields that are in high demand across our region and state.”

The bachelor's degree programs included in this 2+2 pathway lead to well-paying careers in healthcare that are vital to patients across Louisiana and the nation. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for respiratory therapists (Cardiopulmonary Science graduates) is projected to grow 13% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the national average, with approximately 8,200 openings per year nationwide. Similarly, demand for cardiovascular technologists and technicians is expected to grow 11% over the same period, with about 9,400 job openings per year nationally. Meanwhile, medical laboratory scientists are essential to diagnostic medicine, collecting, analyzing and delivering test results to physicians. That career field faces an extreme shortage of workers as well. All these careers combine technical skill, patient care and stability, making the new pathway a timely investment in both workforce development and student success.

Local high school students are spending part of their summer exploring careers in healthcare as a part of the LSU Health Shreveport School of Allied Health Professions AHEAD Program. Now in its fifth year, the AHEAD (Allied Health Education and Discovery) Program is a free, five-day summer program that gives students hands-on experience in eight fields, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, nursing, respiratory therapy, physician assistant studies, public health and medical laboratory science.

“AHEAD is a summer program for high school students to come learn and do immersive experiences in eight different academic health programs,” said Madeline Barclay, Assistant Dean of Student Affairs at LSU Health Shreveport’s School of Allied Health Professions. “What’s special is we show them the pathway. We talk about admissions requirements, tips to be successful in college, so that they will be competitive applicants when it’s time to go to a health professions school.”

The program is competitive. This year, 193 students applied for just 50 spots. This month’s session includes 24 students from 15 different high schools across Northwest Louisiana.

One of them is Reece Fulton, a recent Northwood High School graduate heading to LSU Baton Rouge this fall. He hopes to become a physical therapist.

“We’ve gotten to do a lot of cool things I never thought I’d get to do in my life,” said Fulton. “Today, we’re going to do a driving simulator. I’m excited to do that when I get the chance.” Fulton said the program gave him clarity about his career path and opened his eyes to other options. “This program has shown me things I didn’t even know existed. It’s made me have Plan A, B, C and D,” he said. “It makes me want to do it more.”

Barclay says that is the goal: to help students find the right fit and see what is possible in healthcare, here in Northwest Louisiana. “You do not need to leave Shreveport if you want to have a healthcare career,” she said. “There are so many opportunities here. This is just the beginning of the journey with these students.”

At its most recent commencement ceremony, LSU Health Shreveport recognized three standout faculty members with the university system’s most prestigious teaching honor in Medicine, the Allen A. Copping Excellence in Teaching Award.

This annual award, established in 1997 is named after the late Dr. Allen A. Copping, former Chancellor of LSU Medical Center and President of the LSU System. These awards celebrate the educators who are uniquely gifted in imparting knowledge, possess a lifelong quest for discovery and who lead by example in fostering a sense of caring and compassion into the next generation of healthcare providers. These recipients represent the very best of LSU Health Shreveport’s three schools: Medicine, Graduate Studies and Allied Health Professions. All were nominated by students and are chosen by a committee of colleagues and students strictly based on their academic teaching. The award is a hallmark of the LSU System, awarded annually at both LSU Health Shreveport and LSU Health New Orleans.

Glenn Mills, MD - School of Medicine Recipient

Dr. Glenn Mills, Professor of Internal Medicine in the Division of Hematology Oncology and Emeritus Director of Feist-Weiller Cancer Center, was recognized for transforming the way students see medicine and life. One student nominator wrote, “His passion for travel and zest for life showed us that being a doctor could be an adventure, not just a profession. The explanation of intricate concepts was delivered with such simplicity that even the most challenging subjects became understandable.” Dr. Mills is widely regarded as a master clinician and educator whose influence at LSU Health Shreveport spans decades, shaping cancer care and internal medicine training across the region.

Kevin S. Murnane, PHD - School of Graduate Studies Recipient

For Dr. Kevin Murnane, Associate Professor of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Neuroscience, as well as Associate Professor of Psychiatry, the classroom is just the beginning. “One of the hallmarks of his teaching is his ability to engage students with a thoughtful manner at the level of the student,” a student nominator shared. “His teaching philosophy is centered on the belief that education extends beyond the classroom. As Director of Basic Science Research for the Louisiana Addiction Research Center, Dr. Murnane fuses cutting-edge science with compassionate teaching to help us firmly grasp the concepts being taught and their impact in caring for our patients.”

Sandra Hayes, SLPD, CCC-SLP - School of Allied Health Professions Recipient

Dr. Sandra Hayes, Program Director and Clinical Associate Professor of Communication Disorders, is known for her deep compassion and unparalleled commitment to her students. “It’s obvious that she loves her job, her students and her clients,” stated one of her student nominees. “She is kind, she listens intentionally, and she is eager to guide others in how to be the best clinician they can be.” Her influence reaches far beyond lectures. As a leader in speech-language pathology, Dr. Hayes is molding clinicians who are not only technically skilled but also cognizant of the importance of their personal approach to delivering care.

For more information on the Allen A. Copping Excellence in Teaching Award.

LSU Health Shreveport (LSUHS) has received continued accreditation with no citations from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). The ACGME is an independent organization that sets and monitors professional education standards essential in preparing physicians to deliver safe, high-quality medical care and oversees the accreditation of residency and fellowship programs in the United States. Residency and fellowship, or graduate medical education (GME), refers to the period of education and training in a particular specialty or subspecialty after a physician’s graduation from medical school.

The ACGME requires institutions to comply with regulations such as providing residents and fellows with financial compensation, supportive training services and a collaborative work and education environment where residents and fellows engage with patient care, quality improvement, supervision, accountability and more. Institutions must meet these requirements annually and those that do not meet the provided standards may receive citations or lose accreditation.

James D. Morris, MD, FACG, FACP, AGAF, FASGE, Designated Institutional Official expresses the following statement: “Thank you to all who teach, heal, and discover to train our residents and fellows in graduate medical education, the formative years of training following medical school.  Thank you to the staff in the GME Office, Program Directors, and Program Administrators for their commitment to ensuring a quality training environment for our trainees.”

LSU Health Shreveport has 44 ACGME accredited programs as well as the soon-to-be separately accredited Family Medicine/Emergency Medicine Residencies. There are more than 600 residents and fellows for the 2024-2025 academic year. There are also more than 5,000 LSUHS resident and fellow alumni. LSU Health Shreveport is the largest provider of graduate medical education in North and Central Louisiana. In the 2023-2024 academic year, the ACGME accredited 13,393 residency and fellowship programs of which 5,866 were specialty programs (which includes medically related programs) and 7,527 were subspecialty programs. There were 905 sponsoring institutions housing accredited programs and 162,644 active residents and fellows in ACGME accredited programs.

Shreveport, La. – LSU Health Shreveport (LSUHS) is set to host its largest commencement in the institution’s history with 242 students receiving a Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD or Doctorate degree. Commencement for the Schools of Allied Health Professions, Graduate Studies and Medicine will take place in a combined ceremony held at the Municipal Auditorium on Saturday, May 10 at 10 a.m. Esperanza “Espe” Moran, a member of the LSU Board of Supervisors, will assist in the conferring of degrees at the school’s 52nd commencement. With many of the graduates staying to train, practice and continue their research in Louisiana, these doctors, scientists and allied health professionals are supporting and enhancing Louisiana’s healthcare and research workforce.

Here is an in-depth look at the degrees earned:

• Doctor of Medicine: 155
• Doctor of Philosophy in Basic Science: 4
• Doctor of Physical Therapy: 34
• Doctor of Occupational Therapy: 12
• Master of Medical Science: 11
• Master of Biomedical Science: 1
• Master of Communication Disorders or Public Health: 10
• Master of Public Health: 1
• Master of Physician Assistant Studies 4
• Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory: 6
• Bachelor of Cardiopulmonary Science: 3

LSU Health Shreveport alumnus and faculty member, Steven Conrad, MD, PhD, MS, MSE, MBA, MSST, MSc will serve as the commencement speaker. Dr. Conrad graduated from LSU Health Shreveport’s School of Medicine, then known as the Louisiana State University School of Medicine in Shreveport in 1978. He completed his residency here, training in Internal Medicine. He currently serves as a Professor of Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Surgery and Pediatrics. He holds the Ike Muslow Endowed Chair in Healthcare Informatics, is the Division Chief of Clinical Informatics and the Director of Extracorporeal Life Support Program. Dr. Conrad has led or contributed to a long list of clinical trials that have resulted in the approval of numerous therapies that have gone on to benefit patients locally, nationally and internationally.

“I celebrate alongside these graduates who have achieved a key milestone in their career preparation. I have enjoyed my time tremendously in serving as the Chancellor and Dean of the School of Medicine at LSU Health Shreveport and look forward to continued involvement with LSUHS as I transition to my new role as Chief Research Officer for the LSU Enterprise.” stated David Guzick, MD, PhD.

LSU Health Shreveport’s 2025 Commencement will be live streamed at https://www.youtube.com/@LSUHealthShreveport/streams.

LSU Health Shreveport (LSUHS) in partnership with the LSU Health Sciences Foundation hosted the inaugural Rasberry Lecture on Thursday, May 1, 2025 featuring visiting lecturer Michael A. Curran, PhD, a Professor of Immunology from MD Anderson Cancer Center. Through the generosity of W. Clinton “Bubba” Rasberry and his family, the Rasberry Family Endowed Lecture Series was created in 2024. It aims to bring world-renowned biomedical leaders to LSU Health Shreveport to share the latest medical knowledge, science and technology with our community.

The lecture series was born out of a desire to showcase the new Center for Medical Education’s state-of-the-art auditorium, which has been named the Rasberry Auditorium in Bubba’s honor. A special ceremony was held ahead of the lecture to recognize the Rasberry family and former state Senator Greg Tarver, another longtime supporter and LSUHS advocate.

"Our family is honored to support LSU Health Shreveport in bringing world-class biomedical leaders to our community,” said Rasberry. “We believe that knowledge drives innovation, and innovation saves lives. It is our hope that the Rasberry Lecture Series will inspire future breakthroughs and foster meaningful discussions that lead to better healthcare outcomes for all."

More than 100 attendees arrived on campus to hear Dr. Curran’s lecture: “Cancer Immunotherapy: Today’s Breakthroughs, Tomorrow’s Possibilities.”

Dr. Curran earned his PhD in Immunology from Stanford University, receiving the McDevitt prize for best graduate thesis.

As the first recipient of the American Cancer Society Levy Fellowship, he pursued postdoctoral studies under Dr. James P. Allison at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, where he pioneered research on T cell co-inhibitory receptor blockade—laying the foundation for today’s most effective FDA-approved immunotherapy. Now a Professor at MD Anderson Cancer Center, he leads research on immune resistance in “cold” tumors like pancreatic and prostate adenocarcinoma and glioblastoma. In 2019, he founded ImmunoGenesis, Inc., a clinical-stage biotech company developing novel immunotherapies to improve treatment for these difficult-to-target cancers.

“Thanks to the generosity of the Rasberry family, we are bringing world-class biomedical leaders to Shreveport, inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals and researchers,” said Oren Rom, PhD, RD, Associate Dean for Basic and Translational Research at LSU Health Shreveport. “Dr. Curran’s groundbreaking work in cancer immunotherapy embodies the spirit of discovery that drives our mission, and we look forward to the profound impact this series will have on the future of medicine."

LSU Health Shreveport (LSUHS) has been selected as the newest site of the DoD National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) Pilot Program. A Congressionally authorized program led by the National Center for Disaster Medicine and Public Health (NCDMPH) in an effort to enhance interoperability and expand capability and capacity within the National Disaster Medical System. LSUHS is one of only eight strategically located pilot sites in the United States and one of the two sites in the southern U.S.

The selection of LSUHS was based on numerous factors including strategic location, proximity to Barksdale Air Force Base and serving as a regional academic medical center. Also contributing to the LSU Health Shreveport’s selection as a Pilot site is the institution’s robust research, technology and educational capabilities, along with expert faculty and staff, established partnerships throughout the community and state, and strong motivation and community support.

The NDMS Pilot Program will be conducted over five years and will address the requirements of a large-scale combat operation (LSCO) or catastrophic event. To achieve this goal, LSU Health Shreveport will be focused on establishing new partnerships while strengthening existing partnerships with public and private organizations to include healthcare providers, all of which will be in coordination with the National Center for Disaster Medicine and Public Health which is the Office of Primary Responsibility for the program.

The inaugural planning meeting occurred April 14-16 with community stakeholders and leadership of the Uniformed Services University, National Center for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, Veterans Health Administration Office of Emergency Management.

 “LSU Health Shreveport is honored to have been selected as a site for the NDMS Pilot Program. We take this privilege and responsibility seriously and will work tirelessly to prepare and execute a disaster response which delivers an optimal outcome for those injured in a war or natural disaster,” John Vanchiere, MD, PHD.

LSU Health Shreveport is also a member of the National Center’s Joint Disaster Medicine and Public Health Ecosystem, a national resource comprised of leading organizations across the U.S. that have demonstrated excellence in disaster medicine and public health. LSUHS was one of the first Ecosystem partners and the only partner in Louisiana.

More information about the NCDMPH and the NDMS Pilot Program can be found at ncdmph.usuhs.edu/ndms-pilot.

Today, 152 LSU Health Shreveport School of Medicine students learned where they will go to complete their residency training during the annual Match Day celebration. Each year, on the third Friday in March at 12 p.m. ET, all fourth-year medical students throughout the United States discover where they have “matched” to for their residency training. For applicants, Match Day signals the transition from undergraduate to graduate medical education.

LSU Health Shreveport is proud to announce that 96.1% of the School of Medicine’s applicants matched through the National Resident Matching Program® (NMRP®) proving that LSUHS remains a strong competitor at the national level.

Of the 2025 class, 44% have matched in primary care residencies comprised of Internal Medicine, OB/GYN, Pediatrics, Family Medicine and Medicine-Pediatrics.

22% will be staying at LSU Health Shreveport for their residency with a total of 46% of the 2025 graduates staying in Louisiana. 76% of those staying in Louisiana for a residency will be doing so at an LSU medical school. Retaining students in Louisiana for their residency is critical for addressing Louisiana’s projected physician shortfall. According to the American Medical Association, Louisiana is projected to have the third-worst physician-shortage ratio in the U.S. by 2030, with an undersupply of 100 doctors for every 100,000 people.

The five-year match rate for the LSUHS School of Medicine is 98.24%.

LSU Health Shreveport medical students matched to highly competitive residencies and will train in prestigious programs around the country including Stanford, University of Alabama-Birmingham, UT Southwestern, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Baylor, University of Tennessee/Memphis and several others. The LSU Health Shreveport Class of 2025 will receive their Doctor of Medicine degrees on Saturday, May 10.

“We are pleased that so many of our students achieved the milestone of matching allowing them to progress in their goal of becoming practicing physicians. I offer these students my heartfelt congratulations. I also want to express deep appreciation to our faculty and staff who invested in these future physicians as their guidance and support are essential to student success.” stated David Guzick, MD, PhD, Chancellor & Dean of the LSUHS School of Medicine.

Match Day also reveals the number of newly minted physicians coming into the Shreveport-Bossier area to begin their post graduate training. The LSU Health Shreveport School of Medicine successfully filled all 138 residency positions. This new group of trainees (residents and fellows) will be warmly welcomed to Shreveport in July, where they will train at Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport - Academic Medical Center, St. Mary Medical Center, Monroe Medical Center, and Rapides Medical Center along with other partner hospitals.

View the livestream recording of the Match Day event at www.lsuhs.edu/matchday.

Shreveport, La. – The Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME), the official accrediting body for MD programs in the United States, has granted full accreditation to the LSU Health Shreveport School of Medicine. The next accreditation review will occur in academic year 2029-2030.

Accreditation by the LCME is a rigorous, multi-year process that evaluates medical schools based on comprehensive standards in areas such as curriculum quality, faculty qualifications, student support services, and institutional infrastructure. Full accreditation ensures that students receive a high-quality education that prepares them for a successful residency match and career in medicine.

“Receiving full accreditation from LCME is a testament to the dedication of our faculty, staff and students,” shared David Guzick, MD, PhD, Chancellor of LSU Health Shreveport and Dean of the School of Medicine. “I offer special thanks to Kelly Pagidas, MD, Senior Associate Dean for Medical Education and Administration, for her tireless efforts and passion in providing an exemplary educational experience for our students.”

This accreditation milestone reaffirms LSU Health Shreveport’s commitment to excellence in medical education and strengthens its ability to attract top-tier students and faculty. It also assures current and prospective students that their education meets the highest national standards.

“Preparing for an LCME site visit is a process that requires countless hours of planning and teamwork at every level. The substantive changes made to our curriculum coupled with the opening of the new Center for Medical Education and bolstered student services resulted in dramatically improved scores in every measured aspect of student satisfaction. While we are very pleased with our continued accreditation, our goal has never been to meet the LCME standards, but to exceed them,” stated Guzick.  

For more information about LSU Health Shreveport and all the institution’s program accreditations, visit www.lsuhs.edu/about/accreditations. A full list of LCME-accredited programs in the U.S. can be found at lcme.org/directory/accredited-u-s-programs/.

LSU Health Shreveport Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery residents earned top honors at The Triological Society’s 2025 Combined Sections Meeting recently held in Orlando, Fla., winning first place in the Resident Bowl that was held at the annual meeting. Dr. Mallory Peters, Dr. Joel Badders and Dr. Mark Landry made up the resident trivia team that represented LSUHS in the competition.

The Resident Bowl, a signature event of the Triological Society’s annual meeting, is a quiz bowl style game that showcases the clinical knowledge, quick thinking, and teamwork of otolaryngology (ENT) residents from programs across the country. Twelve teams from across the country to include representation from prestigious universities participated in this year’s Resident Bowl. This victory highlights the exceptional training and dedication of LSU Health Shreveport's residents and faculty in advancing excellence in the field of Otolaryngology.

The Triological Society is one of the most respected and prestigious organizations in Otolaryngology, and its annual meeting serves as a platform for innovation, education, and collaboration within the specialty. Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery faculty members and residents, as well as several LSU Health Shreveport medical students, attended this year’s meeting and had the opportunity to present their clinical and research posters as a part of the scientific program.

On Wednesday, January 22, LSU Health Shreveport hosted North Louisiana Area Health Education’s (AHEC) “Day with Doctors” program for 50 high school students from Caddo and Bossier parishes that have a 3.0 GPA and above and have expressed an interest in pursuing a medical career. Hosting the program at LSU Health Shreveport allows participants to experience the medical field firsthand by touring the campus and learning suturing, clinical skills, splinting, intubation, and more. LSUHS faculty, staff, and medical students volunteered to help teach these skills to the participants, providing an opportunity to give advice about applying to medical school in the future.

The purpose and mission of the North Louisiana AHEC program is to improve health status, increase access to care, and ensure that the future and current health care workforce is properly trained for medically underserved communities. This is done through community-based training, recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals and workers, developing and implementing continuing education programs to meet the needs of healthcare professionals in rural and underserved areas and to plan and respond to community health needs through population-based health system development and public education. “Day with the Doc­tors” is jointly sponsored by North Louisiana AHEC, Central Louisiana AHEC and the AHEC program office at LSU Health Shreveport.

LSU Health Shreveport has named Ashley Krukowski as the Executive Director of Sponsored Programs and will lead the newly established Office of Sponsored Programs, where she will play a critical role in supporting the research goals and ambitions for the institution and facilitate how the office manages grant awards funded by external sources. Prior to coming to LSU Health Shreveport, Ashley served as the Associate Vice President for Research Administration at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. She was previously a Grant and Contract Officer and Assistant Director of the Grants Team at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University. Ashley earned her Bachelor of Arts in Leadership in the Public Sector from North Carolina State University and completed her Master of Public Administration degree at Valdosta State University in Georgia. She completed the New Leadership Development program at the University of Oklahoma in 2022 and is credentialed by the Research Administrators Certification Council as a Certified Research Administrator. She participates in a variety of professional organizations, such as the Federal Demonstration Partnership and the Society for Research Administrators International.

Krista Queen, PhD, has been named as the Executive Director of Regulatory Affairs. The Office of Regulatory Affairs encompasses research compliance, research integrity, export controls and data sharing, post approval monitoring, and administrative oversight of the institutional assurance committees. With this role, Dr. Queen also serves as the Responsible Official for the Federal Select Agent Program and the Research Integrity Officer for the institution. She received her Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from LSU Shreveport. She completed her PhD in Microbiology and Immunology and her Postdoctoral Fellowship at LSU Health Shreveport. Dr. Queen went on to be an ORISE Fellow for five years with the Pathogen Discovery and Detection Team in the Gastroenteritis and Respiratory Viruses Lab Branch of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD)/Division of Viral Diseases (DVD) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. She then went on to be a Microbiologist with the Genomics and Discovery Team in the Respiratory Viruses Branch of DVD/NCIRD at the CDC before returning to LSUHS in 2021 to join the Center of Excellence for Emerging Viral Threats as the Director of Viral Genomics and Surveillance.

LSU Health Shreveport is pleased to announce Wendy K. Bernstein, MD, MBA, as the new Chair of the Department of Anesthesiology. Dr. Bernstein comes to Shreveport from the Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, where she was a Clinical Professor of Anesthesiology, Vice Chair of Academic Affairs, and Director of Faculty Development.

In addition to being a dedicated educator and seasoned clinician, Dr. Bernstein brings extensive leadership and team building experience. Highlights of her distinguished career in academic medicine include serving as a Professor and Vice Chair of Education at the University of Rochester, where she developed new training opportunities for residents and fellows, including the creation of a new Acute Pain Fellowship and a rural residency tract for the anesthesiology residency program. She also served as the Division Chief for Cardiac Anesthesia and Program Director for the Cardiac Anesthesia Fellowship Program at the University of Maryland for 18 years, where she played a pivotal role in expanding the cardiac service line and increased the fellowship program from 2 to 3 fellows. Dr. Bernstein demonstrated her expertise in multidisciplinary simulation and team training, for which she is nationally recognized, at the University of Maryland through the creation of simulation program. She is a Fellow of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (FASA) and a Fellow of the American Medical Women's Association (FAMWA).

She has made numerous contributions to anesthesiology, reflected by the publication of more than 60 peer-reviewed articles, 19 book chapters, and 54 invited presentations at national and international conferences. Dr. Bernstein has also served in leadership roles for national organizations, including two terms on the Board of Directors for American Medical Women’s Association, an American Board of Anesthesiology examiner for the APPLIED Exam, and several terms on the Editorial Board for the American Society of Anesthesiologists Computer Based Education Program.