Leonard J. Chabert Medical Center

11/14/2025

Join us in welcoming Amira Moujir, PA-C, to the Ochsner Medical Complex - Clearview team!

Moujir provides comprehensive preventive care and treats both acute and chronic conditions. She enjoys taking the time to connect with her patients to ensure they receive attentive and personalized care while feeling heard.

Before becoming a physician assistant, Moujir served the community as a clinical dietitian at Ochsner Rehabilitation Hospital for two years. She earned her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Xavier University of Louisiana.

Originally from Brooklyn, New York, she also speaks Arabic and Spanish.

Learn more or schedule an appointment with Amira Moujir: https://ow.ly/2FMp50XoGbR

11/14/2025

For patients living with lymphedema, a condition where fluid builds up in the body’s tissues and causes swelling, there’s new hope close to home.

Dr. Alejandro Gimenez, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Ochsner Medical Center, New Orleans, offers advanced microsurgical procedures that help restore comfort, mobility and confidence for patients living with lymphedema.

Dr. Gimenez explains that offering this surgery at Ochsner allows patients to stay close to their support systems while receiving seamless follow-up care from a coordinated team of specialists. “It’s incredibly rewarding to help patients regain control of their lives,” he says. “Seeing their progress reminds me why I chose this field.”

Through innovative techniques and compassionate care, Ochsner Health continues to lead the way in improving quality of life for patients with lymphedema across the Gulf South region.

Learn more about Dr. Gimenez by visiting: https://ow.ly/J88a50Xq86u

11/13/2025

Your safety is our top priority. Numerous Ochsner Health hospitals and partners have earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group for fall 2025! 🏆

This top score acknowledges our team's commitment to preventing errors and ensuring your safety. It’s a reflection of the high-quality, compassionate care our teams provide every day. We are honored to be your trusted healthcare partner. 💛

Congratulations to our teams at:

🔷 Leonard J. Chabert Medical Center
🔷 Ochsner Medical Center - Kenner
🔷 Ochsner Medical Center - West Bank
🔷 Ochsner Medical Center - Hancock
🔷 Ochsner St. Mary Hospital
🔷 Ochsner Medical Center - Baton Rouge
🔷 Ochsner University Hospitals & Clinics
🔷 St. Bernard Parish Hospital
🔷 Ochsner American Legion Hospital
🔷 Ochsner LSU Health - Monroe Medical Center
🔷 Ochsner LSU Health - St. Mary Medical Center

Learn more about what this achievement means for you and our community.

Read the full announcement here: https://news.ochsner.org/news-releases/ochsner-facilities-earn-a-hospital-safety-grades/

11/13/2025

After nearly seven years of smoking and three attempts to quit, Anissa H. finally found the support she needed through Ochsner’s Smoking Cessation Program.

“I have definitely tried to quit in the past. I would say I tried three good times,” she said. “Addiction is a lonely experience. Overcoming addiction, it is somehow lonelier. Having my counselor has helped me not feel alone. I was not alone.”

What made the difference this time? For Anissa, it was the accountability and support of her counselor, Bridget Easaw, a to***co cessation specialist.

“Bridget supported me in many ways. Bridget supported me by showing up, not just physically but also mentally. Bridget was present in our sessions and showed that she was invested in my success and well-being.”

Anissa said that Bridget was “a fantastic cheerleader. “She literally has pom poms in her office.’’

Most importantly, Anissa said, “Bridget has a tremendous amount of expertise on addiction and recovery. I found her knowledge about the deep psychological and social dynamics of addiction to be grounding. Bridget wasn’t just there to monitor my usage; she was there to help me develop my long-term success plan.”

Anissa was surprised to discover just how capable she was.

“The most surprising thing I learned in the program was that everything I needed to succeed was already inside of me. It was surprising how capable I was.”

The program’s flexibility and virtual meetings were another key to her success.

“Having regular meetings was great. Also, the flexibility of having the meetings virtually was so convenient. The program gives an opportunity to share the weight of quitting,’’ Anissa said. “Having Bridget allowed me to share that weight and often release some of that fear and dread.”

Now smoke-free, Anissa has found a new sense of strength and freedom.

“I definitely struggled along the way. Bridget never judged me for the mistakes I made along the way. It was Bridget who reminded me that trying was the strongest thing I could do. The program not only helped me move away from smoking, it helped me move closer to habits and activities I enjoy."

For anyone hesitant about quitting, Anissa offers this advice:

“The moment you decide you want to quit is the best time to act on it. I would say the decision to quit has to be your own. It’s a commitment. Like going back to school or getting married. Similar to these commitments, your chances of success increase tremendously when you make that decision for yourself, not when someone tells you it needs to happen.”

Anissa’s journey is proof that quitting is possible with the right support.

“I have found so much strength within myself since I joined the program. Take the chance to find something that works for you. We take chances every day. Take the chance to feel relieved. I gave it an honest chance and it was the best choice I have made for myself so far in my life.”

Start your journey today at https://ow.ly/Gpjj50XpmKz.

11/13/2025

Your immune system works hard to keep you healthy, but it needs your support to function at its best. Michael Bank, MD, explains the facts on how stress, aging and diet can affect your body's natural defenses. Learn how simple lifestyle changes can make a powerful difference in your well-being.

Learn how to support your immune system with facts on stress, aging and diet. Get answers to common immunity questions here!

11/13/2025

We are excited to sponsor this family holiday event! It will be 🔥🔥🔥

🔥✨ A Westbank holiday tradition like no other returns this December! ✨🔥

Experience the 2025 Algiers Bonfire & Concert — the biggest holiday celebration on the Westbank and the only bonfire in New Orleans lighting up the Mississippi River!

🎶 Live Music & Performances
🛍️ Local Vendors & Holiday Market
🍴 The Best of Algiers Food Scene
🔥 A 30-foot Bonfire Lighting Ceremony

📅 Saturday, December 6, 2025
📍 Algiers Batture, 200 Morgan St., New Orleans, LA 70117
🕓 4:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
🎟️ FREE & Open to All

Presented by Ochsner West Bank Campus and sponsored by community partners including Fifth District Savings Bank, Ochsner Children’s, OnPath Foundation, NOTCF, and more.

👉 VENDORS: Showcase your food, art, or goods — email info@algierseconomic.com to reserve your spot.

✨ Learn more: algierseconomic.com/AlgiersBonfire
✨ RSVP: shorturl.at/UgVsM

11/12/2025

Join us in welcoming Ivy Cass, DO, to the Ochsner Health Center - Baptist Napoleon Medical Plaza family medicine team!

Dedicated to providing comprehensive primary care, Dr. Cass cares for patients with both chronic and acute conditions. She is passionate about women's health, contraception management and harm reduction, focusing on continuous care for every individual.

Dr. Cass earned her medical degree from the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2022 and completed her family medicine residency at the Maine-Dartmouth Family Medicine Residency in 2025. Originally from California, she recently moved to New Orleans from Maine with her husband, children and dogs.

Learn more or schedule an appointment with Dr. Cass: https://ow.ly/M1RC50XoFQZ

11/12/2025

Learn more about a swallowing problem called dysphagia, what causes it, and how it's treated in this blog by primary care physician Mona Jodari-Karimi, MD.

Many factors may cause a swallowing problem called dysphagia, and most are temporary and non-life-threatening.

11/11/2025

On Veterans Day, we honor the people who have served our country. Today, one of the people we honor is one of our own, Clayton Runfalo, MD.

Dr. Runfalo served for 10 years in the Army National Guard, six years as a military police officer in Michigan and four years as a mechanized infantry in Louisiana. Going into the military was his way of giving back to his family, neighbors and country.

“I have always been drawn to some type of public service. After I left the military, I served as a volunteer firefighter for a couple of years. There was never a real transition; it has just always been a part of my life,” he said.

His approach to patient care stems from lessons he learned during his military experience, including a pivotal moment after having taken a combat lifesaver class, that made him realize his calling.

“My most vivid memory was when one of my fellow squad members collapsed from heat exhaustion. I could see the fear and uncertainty in his eyes because of the way he felt during the episode. That was all I needed to rise to the occasion, start an IV and get him taken care of. You could watch his demeanor change as the fluids entered his body. I think about that moment quite often. It was probably the moment I realized that these are not just patients, but people we are caring for.”

Dr. Runfalo values how his service taught him “how to do a lot with a little,” recalling that they often had to get creative, or ‘field expedient’ as they called it, as they had few supplies, tools or resources. It is something that has shaped his compassionate approach to patient care.

“Perseverance and persistence were other big lessons and values. My service taught me patience and how to stay calm in tough situations,” Dr. Runfalo said.

Dr. Runfalo said: “Veterans or current service members have a unique skill set and mindset. It goes far beyond their job training. They can accomplish anything they put their mind to.”

That’s why he advises any military personnel considering a career in healthcare to look for the advantages available through the VA or current duty station.

On Veterans Day, Dr. Runfalo would like to express gratitude of his own: “I served in the Army National Guard. My dad was a Marine. Many of my friends also served at one time or another. I do not seek thanks, nor gratitude, for anything I have done. On Veterans Day, I give thanks to all of those who came before me in service of our country.”

Thank you, Dr. Runfalo, and all of our nation’s veterans, for your dedicated service.

Learn more about Dr. Runfalo here: https://www.ochsner.org/doctors/clayton-runfalo/

11/10/2025

Blood test results are powerful tools for understanding and managing your health. Cornelius Jamison, MD, breaks down common tests such as the complete blood count and comprehensive metabolic panel, explaining what your results mean.

Learn what your blood work can reveal and feel empowered to discuss your results with your doctor.

Confused by your blood test results? Learn how to understand some common blood test results and take an active role in your wellness.

11/07/2025

Meet Joe Dardis, a regional account manager at Ochsner Occupational Health - Elmwood, where he helps patients and providers navigate the workers’ compensation system.

For Joe, helping others is more than a job.

"I have had the privilege of caring for patients for over 34 years, and it continues to be a deeply rewarding aspect of my professional life," he said.

Since joining Ochsner in 2017, Joe has become a partner for patients and providers navigating the complex workers’ compensation system. He is committed to ensuring everyone gets timely access to the care and service they need.

His advice to the next generation of healthcare professionals reflects his dedication: "Love what you do, every day and you will never have a bad day."

Learn more about how Ochsner can help with your occupational health needs here: https://ow.ly/ORCM50XngHz

11/06/2025

Meet Michael Voorhies, MD, a pain medicine doctor at Ochsner Health Center - Belle Meade.

Dr. Voorhies takes a thoughtful approach to pain medicine, focusing on what matters most to his patients. He explains, “Pain means different things to different people, however, it is always disruptive to the person experiencing it. My job gives me the opportunity to help them reach more enjoyable and functional levels.”

For Dr. Voorhies, the most rewarding part of his job is building relationships while helping each patient regain their functional abilities to live life fully.

“The best part of my job is the people I interact with every day. It is very fun and rewarding to work with my coworkers and my patients towards a common goal,” he said.

Learn more about Dr. Voorhies and his approach to care: https://ow.ly/NAEN50Xm7mK

03/28/2022

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