HJBR Nov/Dec 2022

60 NOV / DEC 2022  I  HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF BATON ROUGE   Hospital Rounds building. This center will feature a new nursing program, clinical research programs, educational space for students, graduate programs in pub- lic health, social work, professional advancement, and medicine, along with a new space dedicated to research. Through these initiatives, Tulane Uni- versity will add an estimated 2,300 jobs across New Orleans and Louisiana. LCMC Health and Tulane University filed the intent to transition into this combined structure with the Louisiana Department of Justice. A review by the Louisiana Department of Justice and a pub- lic comment period will take place during the next 90 days. LCMC Health and Tulane University antic- ipate the agreement will be finalized late this year or early next year, pending regulatory and gov- ernance approvals with transition planning and activities to follow. Charles Spicer, FACHE, Named as Our Lady of the Lake Health, Baton RougeMarket President Charles L. “Chuck” Spicer, Jr., has been cho- sen as the next president of Our Lady of the Lake Health and will lead the Baton Rouge market for the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System. Most recently, Spicer served as the presi- dent and CEO of OU Medicine in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, where he helped to lead the transition to the newly formed not-for-profit OU Medicine Health System in 2018. “Chuck is a purpose-driven leader with an impressive track record for leading large health systems and the complex demands of academic medicine, clinical operations, and community engagement. His responsibilities have included Oklahoma’s only NCI-designated cancer center, a freestanding Children’s Hospital and the state’s only Level I Trauma Center,” said Richard Vath, MD, CEO of Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System. “He is well positioned to build upon the organizational strength and Everyday Excellence of Our Lady of the Lake and we have more exciting work ahead.” Spicer brings with him close to 30 years of knowledge and experience in the field of health- care administration and has a deep understand- ing of the emerging healthcare needs of a flagship medical center as well as a growing outpatient and physician clinic footprint. He is also familiar with the necessary elements of value-based care and population health as we continue to make a positive impact for families in Louisiana. “Our Lady of the Lake continues to lead the Capital Region in quality care, clinical excellence and innovative healthcare solutions,” said Skip Philips, chairman of the Our Lady of the Lake board of directors and a member of the CEO search committee. “I look forward to continued momentum under Chuck’s leadership with a focus on relationships and the strategic growth required to meet the needs of our community.” Spicer has a strong commitment to the areas he serves and has been active in his community, serving on the boards of United Way of Central Oklahoma, Allied Arts, and Oklahoma Hospital Association. He has also been recognized for his contributions philanthropically. Spicer will begin his role with Our Lady of the Lake Health on Oct. 17, 2022. Beth O’Brien will continue to serve as interimmarket president until that time to ensure a smooth transition period. With Student Athletes, Know the Signs of Concussion As high school sports kick off with the new school year, Ochsner Baton Rouge sports med- icine physicians remind players, parents, and coaches that concussions can be difficult to diagnose. Primary care sports medicine physician Sean Bradley, MD, points out there are no lab tests or imaging methods that can determine if a concus- sion has occurred. “A diagnosis is generally based off of symptoms at the time of the injury, a physical exam on the sideline and how the injury took place,” said Brad- ley. “And no two concussions are ever the same. Even if an athlete suffers another concussion, he or she can have totally different symptoms that require a completely different treatment model from the previous injury.” Concussions are caused by a blow or jolt to the head, and the resulting injury can affect brain func- tion. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 173,000 children and teens are treated in hospital emergency rooms across the country each year for concussions and other traumatic brain injuries. Bradley says that while common symptoms are more familiar — headache, neck pain, nausea, and vomiting — other symptoms can result as well, including: • Mood changes like increased irritability, sad- ness or anxiety. • Dizziness. • Blurred vision. • Balance problems. These additional symptoms might be mild or intermittent, which can further complicate the diagnosis of concussions, Bradley said. Play- ers who are suspected of suffering a concussion should be removed from play and activity and get evaluated by a qualified medical professional. “Not all concussions have to go to the emer- gency room, but things like worsening headache, changes in mood, behavior or mental status, as well as progressing focal neurological deficits, are red flags that an athlete needs to be seen in the emergency room immediately,” he added. Tylenol is preferred immediately after a concus- sion, and anti-inflammatories and alcohol should be avoided. While medical advice long held that sleep should be avoided immediately after a con- cussion, Bradley said that is no longer the case. Those who suffer concussions can sleep that night.. Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health Introduces Digital Pediatric SymptomChecker Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health has launched a new digital symptom checker for pediatric patients ages 0-17, offering more ways to access virtual, seamless guidance any time, day or night. The Pediatric Symptom Checker is the first online pediatric symptom checker tool created specifically for the region and provides parents with peace of mind in the palm of their hands. After answering a few short questions, the new online tool will provide advice on the next steps for seeking treatment or care for a sick child. “The Pediatric Symptom Checker is designed to help parents decide the best course of care for their child, no matter where they are or what time it is,” says Brett Hutchinson, MD, pediatrician at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health. “Our goal is to relieve some of the stress of parenting by making care accessible and easy to navigate.”