HJBR Nov/Dec 2019

58 NOV / DEC 2019  I  Healthcare Journal of Baton Rouge   Hospital Rounds delivering superior patient care. These include the quality of nursing leadership and coordination and collaboration across specialties, as well as pro- cesses for measuring and improving the quality and delivery of care.  Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Cen- ter previously achieved Magnet® designations in 2014 and 2010. Earning a re-designation is consid- ered an even more challenging process, requiring a hospital to provide evidence that Magnet® stan- dards have been both met and exceeded since the last designation. After submitting an exten- sive application, Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center underwent a rigorous evaluation and site visit in June that included extensive inter- views with teammembers and review of our nurs- ing services and structure as well as patient care and safety processes.  “Magnet recognition is the gold standard for nursing excellence,” said Nicole Telhiard, chief nursing officer at Our Lady of the Lake. “It is an honor that shows that our nurses can grow profes- sionally and are continuously looking at innovative ways we can improve patient care and outcomes.”  Woman’s Hospital Opens Endocrinology Clinic Expanding its focus on weight management and metabolic health, Woman’s Hospital welcomes endocrinologist Brittani Breaux, MD, to the new Woman’s Hospital Endocrinology and Weight Management Clinic. Breaux will specialize in hor- monal disorders of the endocrine system, which includes insulin resistance/diabetes, metabolic obesity, thyroid conditions, osteoporosis, poly- cystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and menopause. The endocrine system regulates metabolism, growth, and reproduction, among other functions. “Hormonal imbalances can have a tremendous impact on a woman’s life, and many women may not recognize they have a health condition,” said Breaux. “Symptoms vary depending upon the condition, but can often include weight gain, infer- tility, body temperature changes, irregular peri- ods, sleep, or even unexplained moodiness. And, if left untreated, these conditions can have serious long-term effects on an individual’s overall health and wellbeing.” Often, metabolic conditions are referred to as the “silent epidemic,” as nearly 24 percent of adults older than 20 have metabolic syndrome, and nearly 44 percent by the age of 50. Some- times aggressive lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise aren’t enough on their own, and a doctor might suggest medication to help con- trol blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. “There are several facets to obesity, and some- times it’s not simply about calories in and calories out, the amount of exercise or the portion size on the plate,” Breaux explained. “For some, there are underlying hormonal reasons why a patient is unable to shed pounds. Endocrinologists are able to diagnose and treat these underlying con- ditions to assist in the process.” Breaux, who recently completed a fellowship in endocrinology from Ochsner in New Orleans, has been involved in several clinical research studies on diabetes and other endocrine disor- ders. Board-certified in endocrinology and inter- nal medicine, she received a bachelor’s degree in psychological sciences and pre-medicine from Loyola University New Orleans, and a medical degree from LSU Health Sciences Center School of Medicine. She also completed a residency in internal medicine at LSU. Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health Pediatric Development and Therapy Center Welcomes NewProvider Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health wel- comes Eliana M. Pizarro, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA, to the Pediatric Development and Therapy Cen- ter, an interdisciplinary clinic that encourages health development and behavior in children through medicine, therapy, and treatment. Pizarro specializes in the development of functional com- munication and the assessment and treatment of severe behavior of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  Pizarro is a licensed behavior analyst who earned her doctorate in psychology with a specialization in behavior analysis from the University of Flor- ida in Gainesville. While completing her mas- ter’s degree at the University of Maryland in Bal- timore, she worked as a clinical specialist on the Neurobehavioral Inpatient Unit at the Kennedy Krieger Institute. More recently, she has served as the Center Director for the Florida Autism Center in Daytona, Fla. Pizarro obtained her certification in 2014 and has provided behavior analytic ser- vices to children with neurodevelopmental disor- ders and their families in various capacities. Her experience includes the assessment and treat- ment of severe behavior disorders in rural schools and in-patient settings and the provision of early intensive behavioral intervention in center-based settings.  The Pediatric Development and Therapy Cen- ter is the only medically-based clinic in Louisiana offering both medical and therapy services in one location. The practice is led by developmental pediatrician Steven Felix, MD, and pediatric neu- ropsychologist, Traci W. Olivier, PsyD.  Inaugural Health Event Benefits Baker Residents Baker residents recently took proactive mea- sures to protect their health by participating in Family Health Day at the Baker Heritage Museum and Culture Center. Mary Bird Perkins – Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center provided breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer screenings to Brittani Breaux, MD Eliana M. Pizarro, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA