HJBR May/Jun 2025

HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF BATON ROUGE I  MAY / JUN 2025 57 For weekly eNews updates and to read the journal online, visit HealthcareJournalBR.com cancer, rectal cancer, anal cancer, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease like ulcerative colitis and Crohn ‘s disease, rectal prolapse, pilonidal disease and anorectal disease (hemorrhoids, anal fissures, perirectal abscess/fistula). She specializes in robotic minimally-invasive colon and rectal sur- gery, including J-pouch surgery, and performs a wide variety of anorectal surgery procedures as well as gallbladder and hernia surgery. Baker is a firm believer in minimally-invasive sur- gery to reduce pain and promote faster recovery for patients. Performing surgery robotically gives surgeons total control, which means more precise hand movements and smaller incisions, both of which lead to improved outcomes. When needed, Baker performs complex multispecialty proce- dures with other surgeons to provide the most comprehensive and specialized care possible. A Louisiana native, Baker believes in an indi- vidualized, collaborative approach to healthcare that empowers patients by educating them and involving them in the decision-making process so that they follow the treatment plan that’s right for them. Baker was born in Covington and received her medical degree from LSU School of Medi- cine in Shreveport. She completed general sur- gery residency at Ochsner Clinic in New Orleans and colorectal surgery fellowship at Northside in Atlanta. She also completed a trauma and surgi- cal critical care fellowship and is a member of the American College of Surgeons, American Soci- ety of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Association of Women Surgeons, and the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons. Baker sees patients at Baton Rouge General Physicians Colon and Rectal Associates. For more information on BRG’s Advanced Robotics of Lou- isiana, visit advancedroboticsla.com or call (225) 333-3800. Our Lady of the Lake Ascension Becomes Our Lady of the Lake St. Elizabeth The Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System (FMOLHS) has announced the official change in name of Our Lady of the Lake Ascen- sion to Our Lady of the Lake St. Elizabeth. Making a return to its original name, Our Lady of the Lake St. Elizabeth will continue to bring comprehensive healthcare close to home in Ascension Parish. This name honors the health system’s deep com- mitment to the community and its Franciscan heritage. “The future of healthcare in Ascension with Our Lady of the Lake St. Elizabeth’s has never been brighter,” said Chuck Spicer, president of Our Lady of the Lake Health. “With expanded ser- vices, we’re bringing world-class care closer to home and are ready to meet the needs of our growing community.” In addition to its inpatient and emergency ser- vices, a new Infusion Center with 15 bays was recently opened. The center provides space for cancer patients who now do not have to travel to Baton Rouge for chemotherapy. The hospital offers advanced robotics supporting urology, crit- ical care, and soon, plastic surgery. Thoracic Sur- gery and Pulmonary Nodule Program utilizing cut- ting-edge ION robotic technology for early lung cancer detection will launch soon. “This name honors our deep commitment to both the community and our Franciscan heritage,” said E.J. Kuiper, president and CEO of FMOLHS. “This is more than just a name change. It is a renewal of our promise to serve the vibrant Ascen- sion Parish. We are excited for this new chapter at Our Lady of the Lake St. Elizabeth.” Ochsner Health Named 2025 Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award Recipient Ochsner Health has been awarded the 2025 Gal- lup Exceptional Workplace Award (GEWA)A) for employee engagement. This award recognizes the most engaged companies in the world and highlights Ochsner’s continued dedication to set- ting a standard of excellence in patient care and the workplace. “Ochsner Health is honored to receive this rec- ognition,” said Pete November, chief executive officer, Ochsner Health. “Our commitment to fos- tering a supportive and dynamic workplace for our team members is directly tied to providing exceptional care and outcomes for the patients and communities we serve.” Ochsner continuously evolves to meet the needs of its workforce, from providing career coaching and tuition assistance through Och- sner Scholars to digital learning tools available in Workday. Partnerships with universities further expand career pathways, reinforcing Ochsner’s commitment to professional growth and lifelong learning. “Our team’s engagement is the backbone of Ochsner Health’s mission. By fostering a culture of professional growth and innovation, we ensure that our teammembers know they are supported and equipped to perform at their highest level. This award is a tribute to their hard work and pas- sion, allowing for a positive and fulfilling work environment,” said Tracey Schiro, executive vice president, chief people and culture officer, Och- sner Health. “This achievement also reflects the dedication of our leaders, who actively foster an environment of trust, empowerment, and account- ability. By prioritizing engagement, they ensure our teams have the resources, support, and inspi- ration to provide high-quality care every day.” Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Institute St. Elizabeth Infusion Center Opens in Ascension Parish Our Lady of the Lake, part of the Franciscan Mis- sionaries of Our Lady Health System (FMOLHS), announced a new expansion of services in Ascen- sion Parish--the Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Insti- tute St. Elizabeth Infusion Center. “We are honored to bring this essential ser- vice to Ascension Parish,” said Christopher Tre- vino, MD, VP physician executive at Our Lady of the Lake St. Elizabeth. “This expansion is meet- ing the growing needs of our community. High- quality, compassionate cancer care is now avail- able close to home.” The state-of-the-art facility opened on Feb.27 and features 15 infusion chairs in a 4,109 square foot space. The center was designed for all patients’ comfort by including both private and open infusion areas. “By reducing the need for travel, our local patients can focus on their healing,” said Chuck Spicer, president of Our Lady of the Lake Health and the Baton Rouge market. “Access to life- saving care is more accessible than ever, and our health system’s dedication to excellence continues.” The infusion center is at 2647 S. St Elizabeth Blvd, Suite 308, in Gonzales. n