HJBR Sep/Oct 2023

HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF BATON ROUGE I  SEP / OCT 2023 65 For weekly eNews updates and to read the journal online, visit HealthcareJournalBR.com across the nation, accounting for one in three hos- pital deaths. “This is a game-changer for us. Until this point there hasn’t been a clear diagnostic tool to deter- mine if a patient had or could develop sepsis,” says Mark Laperouse, MD, medical director of Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center’s emer- gency department. “With clear and early detec- tion, we are able to get patients the appropriate treatment, at the right time. This technology will undoubtedly help save lives in Louisiana, across the nation, and across the world.” The IntelliSep Diagnostic Test, developed by Cytovale, was researched and developed in part- nership with the quality and research team at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center over the past nine years. “Our Lady of the Lake Health has really led this work and research. You have to be at the front line before you can take the next step in medicine, and our active research programs ensure that the care you’re getting is the absolute best,” says Hollis O’Neal, MD, medical director of Research at Our Lady of the Lake and critical care physician at LSU Health Sciences Center. “There is no other hospi- tal in our state better suited to lead this work. Our diverse population of patients, partnership with LSU, and quality and research team are uniquely positioned to connect all the pieces.” “The launch of the IntelliSep test is a huge moment in our fight against the devastating impact of sepsis,” says Cytovale cofounder and CEO Ajay Shah. “We know early detection and diagnosis is key, and we’re proud to have a part- ner in Our Lady of the Lake and look forward to seeing IntelliSep’s impact on patients in Louisiana and Mississippi in other Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System (FMOLHS) hospitals.” The IntelliSep Diagnostic Test is currently in use at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center with plans to bring the tool to hospitals across the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health Sys- tem in the future. CEO of FranciscanMissionaries of Our Lady Health System Announces Retirement Richard R. Vath, MD, president and CEO of Fran- ciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System, has announced his plans to retire in June 2024 after more than 40 years of service as a physician and healthcare administrator. “It has been my honor to lead an organization firmly rooted in the service of others through our healing ministry,” said Vath. “I have been privi- leged to help set us down a path that will define the future of our healthcare system, ensuring growth and stability for years to come.” Vath will support the search for the health sys- tem’s next leader to ensure a successful transi- tion. Executive search firm WittKieffer has been secured and a committee formed to select the next leader of FMOLHS. Vath has served as the health system’s leader since 2019. During that time, he was responsible for setting a long-term vision for the healthcare system, spearheading expansion efforts across the region and leading through the COVID-19 pandemic and its ensuing clinical and financial challenges. “We are deeply grateful to Dr. Vath for his out- standing leadership. Under his direction, FMOLHS has made significant progress in achieving opera- tional excellence as an integrated operating com- pany and has experienced substantial growth,” said Bobby Yarborough, FMOLHS board chair. “He has built strong partnerships and coalitions for innovation throughout our ministry and guided the expansion of FMOLHS into Mississippi.” During his tenure with the health system, Vath led the development of the FMOLHS Health Leaders Network (HLN) in 2014. HLN is a clinically integrated network of more than 1,400 providers. Franciscan Health Physicians, FMOLHS’ employed medical group, grew to more than 1,000 providers across two states, expanding access for the com- munities it serves. Vath was among the first health system CEOs to sign the Catholic Health Association’s Confront- ing Racism by Achieving Health Equity pledge. To further FMOLHS’ diversity, equity, and inclu- sion efforts, he implemented a structure to ensure the ministry offers a place of respect and inclusion and welcomes each person’s diverse talents, expe- riences, and backgrounds as gifts. “Dr. Vath lives our mission of Catholic health- care and the unique opportunity we are called to in our ministry to see the face of Christ in all peo- ple,” stated Sister Laura Wolf, Chair, Franciscan Calais Ministries. “He is a man of deep faith and has brought a vision and strength of service as President and CEO which has positioned us for long-term stability and strength. His imprint on FMOLHS is immeasurable.” Pediatric Burn Survivors Attend BRG’s Camp Catahoula A group of 50 pediatric burn survivors from the area attended Baton Rouge General’s Camp Cata- houla, a free, week-long camp held annually in Lawrence, Mississippi. Camp Catahoula provides summer fun like swimming, fishing, horseback rid- ing, and games, along with the chance for burn survivors to share their experiences with other sur- vivors who have faced the same trauma, all as part of the healing process. Camp Catahoula is staffed by volunteers from Baton Rouge General — doctors, nurses, physi- cal and occupational therapists, social workers, and even a chef — as well as the Baton Rouge Fire Department, Brother’s Keepers, a firefight- ers’ motorcycle club, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, and Louisiana State Police. Parents of young burn survivors and adult burn survivors also volunteer at camp. n Pediatric burn survivors at Baton Rouge General’s Camp Catahoula.