Ochsner Transplant Institute

11/17/2025

We are excited to welcome Dr. Peter Sawyer, our new pediatric and adult liver and kidney transplant surgeon, to Ochsner!

Dr. Sawyer brings a wealth of expertise in transplant surgery, having completed his fellowship in pediatric and abdominal transplant and hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles and the University of Southern California.

Dr. Sawyer earned his Doctor of Medicine degree and a Master’s in Genomic Medicine from the University of Miami in Miami, Florida and completed his general surgery residency at Ochsner Health in New Orleans. He holds board certification from the American Board of Surgery and actively participates in the American Society of Transplant Surgeons and the American College of Surgeons.

Before pursuing medicine, Dr. Sawyer studied economics, volunteered as a firefighter and spent five years in international journalism, focusing on global health. A native of Tallahassee, Florida, he enjoys sailing, backpacking, woodworking and reading in his free time.

Please join us in giving Dr. Sawyer a warm welcome as he begins helping patients with liver and kidney transplants at Ochsner Health!

Learn more about Dr. Sawyer here: https://ow.ly/NAMi50XqJAg.

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

Meet Ashley Parker, a registered nurse on the Ochsner Medical Center - New Orleans transplant unit who’s been part of the Ochsner family for six years!

Born and raised in Kenner, Louisiana, Ashley graduated from Archbishop Chapelle High School and earned her nursing degree from Chamberlain University in New Orleans. When she’s not caring for patients, you can find her cheering on her son at the baseball field, reading or spending time with her family.

For Ashley, nursing, and transplant medicine in particular, is truly in her blood. She shares, “My grandmother, Mary, was a nurse on this floor for years before she passed. My aunt, Celeste, has worked here for more than 25 years, and my mom, Michelle, is an apheresis nurse who performs transplant rejection treatments. I always say transplant medicine is in the Parker blood.”

Ashley says the most rewarding part of her job is watching patients get a new chance at life through organ transplantation. “We form connections with our patients as they are usually under our care on and off prior to and for at least a year after transplant. It is so rewarding to see these patients get a new chance at life by receiving a lifesaving organ," she said.

She also loves the team she works alongside every day: “Our unit feels like family. We’re always willing to help each other, and I’ve made lifelong friends here.”

Ashley is passionate about spreading awareness of the power of donation, something she knows firsthand. In 2015, she donated stem cells to a young woman battling cancer. “My gift of donation gave her more time on this earth with her family,” Ashley shared.

💚 Thank you, Ashley, for all you do each day!

Learn more about organ donation here: www.ochsner.org/save9

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

10/29/2025

Every day, thousands of people across the country wait and hope for the call that a liver is available. 💚

“Between 15% and 20% of patients die while waiting for a liver transplant,” said Dr. John Seal, transplant surgeon. “Living donation gives patients another chance. It’s the best tool we have to help them get better faster.”

Unlike traditional liver transplants, living donor liver transplantation can happen as soon as a suitable donor meets all the requirements. That means no anxious waiting for an organ and no risk of becoming too sick for surgery. Doctors schedule and plan the operation, giving both the donor and recipient time to prepare physically and emotionally.

For anyone considering becoming a living donor, Dr. Seal emphasizes that donor safety always comes first. “We screen donors to make sure the operation is safe for both the donor and recipient,” he said. “The liver regenerates to a normal size, so there’s no long-term concern with liver function. Donors can return to a normal life after recovering from surgery. The bond with the recipient is powerful, unique and lasts a lifetime. I have the highest respect and admiration for living donors who literally give a part of themselves to save a life.”

Many people don’t realize that the liver is the only organ in the body that can regenerate. Within weeks, both the donor’s and recipient’s livers grow back to full size. The results speak for themselves. Ninety-five percent of living donors say they would do it again.

Living donation changes two lives, the one who gives and the one who receives. 💛

👉 Sign up to become a living liver donor today and give someone the ultimate gift, a second chance at life. Learn more about living liver transplants at Ochsner here: https://ow.ly/1hGN50XjJoz

Ochsner Health is an integrated healthcare system with a mission to Serve, Heal, Lead, Educate and Innovate.

10/21/2025

Meet Angela Cotton, a registered nurse on the liver transplant surgical team at Ochsner Medical Center – New Orleans.

Angela grew up in LaPlace, Louisiana and as she puts it, she “grew up as a nurse at Ochsner.” Angela discovered her passion for surgery early in nursing school after watching a procedure. “I immediately knew the OR was where I wanted to be!” she said.

Now celebrating 14 years at Ochsner, Angela calls the liver transplant team her “home.” She’s currently training to become a registered nurse first assistant, a registered nurse who assists a surgeon during surgery, so she can play an even greater role in transplants and assist surgeons at the bedside.

“I’m rewarded daily in the operating room,” Angela shared. “We bring a sick patient into the operating room and give them a gift that changes their course dramatically. It’s hard work and long hours, but I feel proud to make a difference in someone’s life.”

For Angela, the teamwork and camaraderie in the operating room are unmatched. “Performing a transplant takes many, many members. No one person can do it alone, and we’ve become a second family. I’ve spent more hours with these men and women than with anyone else.”

Outside of work, Angela enjoys spending time with her husband, Matthew, and keeping up with their three kids.

“I wish more people knew how grateful transplant recipients and their families are for this gift,” she said. “I’ve held their hands as they drift off to sleep, and they’re so thankful for the donor’s sacrifice and the team who makes it possible.”

Thank you, Angela, for all you do each day!

Learn more about liver transplants at Ochsner by visiting: https://ow.ly/6CIB50XfIzt

Ochsner Health is a leader in liver transplants offering one of the most trusted programs nationally located in New Orleans, Louisiana.

10/14/2025

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Jenny Ngo, an abdominal transplant surgeon at the Ochsner Transplant Institute in New Orleans.

Dr. Ngo brings exceptional expertise in kidney, pancreas and liver transplantation, including advanced, minimally invasive techniques. Her distinguished background includes degrees from Duke University and Tulane School of Medicine, followed by a general surgery residency where she earned the esteemed "Esprit de corps" award.

A first-generation Asian American fluent in Vietnamese and Chinese, Dr. Ngo is a native of the Gulf Coast. She is deeply committed to expanding access to transplantation for underserved communities in the region she calls home. We are proud to have her leadership and vision as part of our team.

Learn more about Dr. Ngo here: https://ow.ly/QTlu50Xb6CU.

Jenny M. Ngo, MD, specializes in Liver Transplant Surgery, Transplant Surgery, Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Kidney and Liver Transplant Surgery and Pancreas Transplantation at Ochsner Health in New Orleans, LA

10/01/2025

Kim N. lived a full and busy life as a fitness instructor, realtor, full-time employee, mom, grandmother and dog mom. But in August 2023, everything changed.

“Life took a small detour on Aug. 22, 2023, when I was admitted for kidney failure and diagnosed with stage 4 chronic kidney disease,” Kim said. “It was hard to process because I felt ‘fine.’”

Determined to keep moving forward, Kim continued teaching classes, working and making lifestyle changes. “But the harsh reality was that no matter what I did, the progression of the disease carried on,” she said.

In July 2024, Kim began the transplant process at the Ochsner Transplant Institute, where she learned about the option of living donation. Encouraged to share her story on social media, she reluctantly posted and was overwhelmed by the response.

“A week or so later, I made the post, and much to my very humbling surprise, it went basically viral! Talk about feeling loved!” Kim said. “To my understanding, there were hundreds of submissions.”

In September, Kim received the call: she had a living donor. She later learned her donor was Mandy M. “My lifesaver! A perfect match for me! To say I am blessed is an absolute understatement, and I have a new lifelong friend,” Kim said.

Kim is pictured below with her donor, Mandy M., who made this life-changing gift possible.

Kim underwent a robotic kidney transplant at Ochsner, becoming the second laparoscopic transplant recipient at the hospital. “One small delay, and we were off—and it went off without a hitch! Our kidney got right to work and is bringing in all-star numbers!” she said.

Kim never needed dialysis and now lives with a deep sense of gratitude. “I am full of gratitude daily, aware that this is nothing short of a miracle,” she said.

She credits her care team for supporting her every step of the way. “The care I received at home with Dr. Ashkar was absolutely amazing,” Kim said. “And as for Ochsner’s New Orleans Main Campus and my transplant team, the knowledge, care, compassion, and dedication have been phenomenal!”

Kim’s message to potential donors is simple and powerful:
“Do it! It is life-changing for everyone involved—even people you do not know!”

Thank you, Kim, for sharing your incredible journey and reminding us of the life-changing power of living donation.

Learn more about living kidney transplants at Ochsner and how you can make a difference: https://ow.ly/hZ1T50X55YY

The living donor kidney program connects potential donors to those in need of a kidney. Learn more about our potentially lifesaving program.

09/18/2025

The Ochsner Transplant Institute is at the forefront of advanced transplant care, delivering groundbreaking solutions to enhance patient outcomes.

Through robotic-assisted kidney transplantation, our team harnesses the power of minimally invasive technology, offering greater precision, smaller incisions and a faster recovery. This advanced approach helps reduce blood loss, lowers the risk of complications, and makes the transplant experience safer and less demanding for eligible patients.

As surgical director of kidney transplant, Dr. Dennis Sonnier is dedicated to helping patients achieve renewed health through innovation and expertise.

Learn more about kidney transplants at Ochsner here: https://ow.ly/u4LU50WWYEz.

Discover expert kidney and kidney-pancreas transplant care at the Ochsner Transplant Institute in New Orleans, Louisiana.

09/15/2025

At just 18, Zak T.'s lung function dropped to 18% due to cystic fibrosis. After previously taking himself off the transplant list, he made the courageous decision to try again. Within two weeks, Zak received a double lung transplant at Ochsner Health.

"I received my transplant about eight years ago now. I was already in the hospital at that time and wasn't going to last much longer," Zak said. "I was fairly apathetic then because at a certain point in illness you start to get tunnel vision and just want to sleep."

When he woke up after surgery, everything changed. He could breathe again and see a new future ahead.

"They got me out of bed fast and into a chair, so I did my best to go up and down," Zak recalled. "It really wasn't bad at all. After a few days, I was bringing my chest tube with me to the bathroom."

Zak's recovery included more than physical healing. He reflected on the years he struggled with his diagnosis, rejecting treatments and feeling isolated from friends. "I couldn't understand how I was any different from my friends until I got older," he said.

The transplant provided Zak with a fresh perspective. "I didn't think I was worth it. I had a hard time learning who I was and finding a purpose. The transplant showed me what I would've missed out on. My perspective on life had the chance to develop in the first place because of it."

Now, with a degree in mass communication from Louisiana State University, Zak is working on a book to help others understand what it's like to live with a chronic illness. "It's for my family to know who I really am, for people like me so they can see someone else gets it, and for their families to better understand what their child or friend is going through," he explained.

To those waiting for a transplant, Zak offers hope: "You won't know how bad you feel now until you have a chance to feel better later. Fear is normal, but who's better at facing it than us and our medical friends? If you're a curious person like me, you may as well stick it out to see what happens. I'm glad I did."

Zak expresses deep gratitude for the Ochsner transplant team's extraordinary care.

Though he still faces complex emotions, including survivor's guilt, Zak continues to move forward with integrity and resolve. Thank you, Zak, for sharing your inspiring story of care with us!

Zak is pictured here with both of his parents at his LSU graduation, a proud moment that symbolizes his incredible journey and the support of his family every step of the way.

Learn more about lung transplants at Ochsner here: https://ow.ly/u4kB50WWOaa.

09/03/2025

❤️ Lake Charles sisters Anne Griepsma and Dr. Alice Babst share an unbreakable bond—now strengthened by a life-saving kidney donation. When Anne faced kidney failure, her sister Alice, an OBGYN, stepped up without hesitation and gave her the gift of life.

Both dedicated to their patients at CHRISTUS Ochsner Lake Area Hospital, these sisters show us the true power of family and resilience. Thanks to Alice’s donation, Anne is back to living life fully and Alice returned to delivering babies just a week after surgery.

With more than 100,000 Americans waiting for organ transplants, their story shines a light on the hope that living donors can provide.

Learn more here:

"Seeing your sister go through dialysis three days a week and being wiped out completely ... it's not even a question," said Dr. Alice Babst, when thinking of donating a kidney to her sister.

08/12/2025

Meet Bruce Posecai, RN, a nurse on the transplant step-down unit at Ochsner Medical Center - New Orleans!

Bruce has spent the last 17 years as a registered nurse, and two years before that as a nurse tech, caring for transplant patients before and after surgery and during any bumps along the road. 💙

“I enjoy helping out with any patient care needs,” Bruce says. “The most rewarding part of my job is seeing someone get a second chance at life through transplant. That makes it all worth it.”

Bruce’s journey into transplant nursing began during a school project on community and nursing. “I suggested my group focus on LOPA, and after that, I knew this was the kind of nursing I wanted to do.”

His favorite part of the job? The people. “We have a great team. Everyone communicates well, and the leadership is strong. They always keep us educated on the latest advances in transplant care,” he said.

Outside the hospital, Bruce’s life is full of Louisiana charm; He loves playing beach volleyball, fishing and crabbing, catching Saints, Pelicans and Tulane games and going to the movies. 🎣⚜️

He also wants to remind the community: “It’s okay to register as an organ donor. The waitlist is long, and you can’t take your organs with you. Why not save a life?”

With his easygoing nature, empathy, and dedication to patient comfort, Bruce makes a lasting impact on everyone he meets. We’re lucky to have him on our transplant team!

Learn more about organ transplants at Ochsner and register to become an organ donor today by visiting https://ow.ly/v2VY50WC2tz.

08/06/2025

Meet Ethan Rodriguez, RN, a transplant step-down unit nurse who’s been part of the Ochsner family for the past three years. Born and raised in Madisonville, Louisiana, Ethan brings compassion to every patient interaction.

“I started as a nurse tech on this floor, and now I’m a full-time registered nurse,” he shares. “I round on patients, provide the care they need, and most importantly try to make them feel comfortable in a tough situation.”

Ethan’s passion for transplant medicine began during a clinical rotation in nursing school. The most rewarding part of his job is getting to discharge someone who waited years for an organ transplant and worked hard to heal after the transplant.

Outside the hospital, Ethan stays active playing basketball, working out, hanging with friends and even working for the New Orleans Pelicans during the season 🏀.

He wants more people to know: “At Ochsner, we transplant hearts, lungs, livers, kidneys, and pancreas - sometimes even combinations, depending on the patient’s condition.”

Learn more about organ transplants at Ochsner and sign-up to become a donor today by visiting https://ow.ly/KCHy50WAj6m.

Each registered organ donor can save up to 9 lives.