House Calls

In part 2 of our organ donation series, House Calls visits with the husband of an organ donor. Hear about hero Tara Hollier and how she gave the gift of life to four people when she passed away. Tara’s husband, Ron, shares his experience and talks about how @LouisianaOrganProcurementAgency (LOPA) helps him keep Tara’s memory alive. We will hear from a surgeon who oversees Tulane Medical Center’s kidney and pancreas transplant program and from the chief clinical officer for LOPA, who will discuss the ethical responsibilities of organ donation and transplantation.

April is Organ Donation Awareness Month – so we kick off a series of episodes to educate the public about organ donation and transplantation. It’s not just a heart on your driver’s license; it’s the gift of life. Our guests will be representatives of the @LouisianaOrganProcurementAgency (LOPA) talking about the history of organ donation and transplantation in the United States and the regulatory bodies that oversee it. This episode also covers the types of organs that can be donated, as well as the process to get a donated organ to a recipient when a donor passes away.

Mental health matters now more than ever. Our older population and their caregivers already face the challenges that come naturally with aging – forgetfulness, agitation, and confusion and adding today's stresses of quarantine rules, isolation, and vaccination on top of that have caused many to suffer. It can be too much at times for anyone to deal with alone. Our team is here to help adult caregivers navigate their options for support. That is why it is important to learn more about the services our Behavioral Health team offers. Dedicated to our 55 and older population by providing short-term support in a caring and dignified manner. Caregivers can hear from our nursing leaders about the type of families who best benefit from a short-term stay in our controlled and supportive environment, giving themselves as well as their family members a little break when needed.

Lakeview Regional kicks of Heart Month with an episode about the importance of recognizing the warning signs of heart attack or stroke, and of not putting off healthcare. For many, COVID is not the biggest health risk they face. Cardiovascular disease is still the #1 killer in the U.S. and in order for doctors to help you in an emergency, every minute counts. Dr. Omer Iftikhar, cardiologist with Lakeview Regional Physician Group, talks about why there was a huge dip in heart emergencies early on in the pandemic and why you should never “sleep on it” when you are having symptoms.

Are you having a baby this year and trying to decide where to deliver? In this episode, we talk to new mom Kayla Tolar about her experience delivering her first child on Day 1 of pandemic quarantine. Kayla represents the “modern mom” – she did her research and had a birth plan, which turned out to be more important that she realized it would be. Learn about how the hospitals in this area compare in terms of neonatal intensive care capabilities, Baby Friendly designation, amenities and receptivity to birth plans and doulas. We also cover Lakeview’s partnership with Tulane Medical Center and the long-standing partnership between HCA Healthcare and March of Dimes – two key things that set Lakeview Regional apart as a place to trust with the birth of your child.

The unsung heroes of hospitals can be found behind the red line in our operating rooms. They play a critical role in supporting surgeons during the most complex and life-threatening operations. In this episode, we talk with Lakeview Regional’s heart surgery team about what it’s like to actually save lives every day. This episode also features Dr. John Breaux, thoracic surgeon, talking about how he selected and groomed his surgical team, and why the team matters.

If you are considering choosing a career in nursing, this episode is a great start. We talk with four hospital nurses about their career paths and what made them decide to choose nursing in the first place. The answers might surprise you. We also cover the benefits of nursing careers at Lakeview Regional and Tulane specifically because these hospitals are part of the nation’s largest hospital management company, HCA Healthcare that means added benefits and job security.

Everyone knows that our first responders are heroes in our community – but do you really know what they do? How they train? How emergency response and 911 services work? In this episode, we talk with four experienced EMS professionals about the job and how to find out if YOU are called to serve. We also overview how to get into a career in emergency medical services in Louisiana.

Four years ago, his life changed forever when he sustained a spinal-cord injury during a playoff football game. It has been a journey – one that is not over yet. Michael’s story continues to inspire everyone who has been called to serve in healthcare. In this episode, he recognizes the doctors, nurses and therapists that made a difference when it mattered.

The pandemic has given many husbands more time to catch up on household repairs and DIY projects. This episode reminds us to use common sense when doing repairs around the house, from power tool safety to ladder safety. Our guests, a trauma surgeon, Marco Hidalgo and an ER physician, Dr. Charles Muntan, share their examples of at home injuries they have sustained.

ATVs are fun recreational vehicles when used appropriately but can result in serious trauma when accidents occur. More spinal injuries occur from ATV accidents than diving each year. Learn about ATV safety and the relevant Louisiana laws. This episode also discusses the importance of safety awareness related to driving golf carts in subdivisions.

Distracted driving is the #1 cause of car accidents today. We are all guilty at times, and this episode gets us back on track. Also great food for thought for parents with teen drivers. We will review the Louisiana laws around texting and driving and the use of hands-free devices.

Meet Dr. Omer Iftikhar, a dynamic young cardiologist just starting his practice in Slidell and Covington. Hear about his unique and modern approach to patient relationships. Learn about his specialty clinic for patients that need help managing cholesterol and weight, in addition to their cardiac concerns.

In this episode, we talk about infection risks when simple existing cuts or wounds are exposed to water during recreational activities like fishing and marsh hunting. Learn about the types of bacteria that we should and should not worry about in our local waterways and how to recognize when an infection is a medical emergency. Get tips on researching the beaches and rivers near you to check the water quality before swimming.

In this episode, we address healthcare deductibles, how to plan for the expenses, and taking advantage of healthcare needs when your deductible has been met. Dr. Erin Boh and Dr. Abigal Chaffin, two locally respected physicians, will share their thoughts on how to make the most of your plan now versus holding off and scheduling appointments and procedures next year.

Hear from respiratory professionals about how you can take steps toward better lung health today, no matter how long you’ve been a smoker. This podcast will focus on real ways to help people who suffer from asthma and COPD, as well as those who need to quit smoking.

Get a glimpse inside the frontlines of COVID-19, with three healthcare workers who share stories from their experience caring for patients during the pandemic. These real-life heroes will also impart silver-lining moments, both professionally and personally that got them through. As a final point, they shine a light on the outpouring of support from the community.