Touro Learning Center offers one stop shop for ... - Touro Infirmary

Volume 14 Issue 5 October 2007
t o u roTIMES
A newsletter for the the Touro community
Touro Learning Center offers one stop
shop for continuing education
Touro Learning Center now offers
employees an opportunity to enhance their
skills by providing specialized classes online
and in group settings.
“The purpose of the Learning Center is to
assist individuals in being successful by
offering continuing education, leadership
development opportunities and to ultimately
create a structure career development
path to keep employees in the To u r o
f a m i l y,” said Vana Prewitt, Ph.D.,
director of Organizational Learning and
D e v e l o p m e n t .
Employees sign up for classes during the Touro Learning
Center’s open house held in September.
Located on R3, TLC offers a setting where employees can take advantage of online and live
classes, communication and leadership programs, stress management and computer training.
Not only do employees have the opportunity to benefit from training, the learning center
also offers leadership development training to managers and directors.
INSIDE
President’s Corner
Employee of the Month
Briefs
Community Events
Values in Action
Our Voices
On the Move
Affirming the Spirit
Team Touro
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TLC is also starting a Toastmasters group at Touro. Toastmasters International is a nonprofit
organization in which members develop public speaking and leadership
skills through practice and feedback.
“All of courses are aligned to promote Touro’s values,” Prewitt, said.
For more information on classes offered through Touro Learning Center
visit inside.touro.com or call 897-8400.

I am pleased to update you about several
new and exciting developments currently
underway at To u r o .
As a part of our efforts to expand cardiovascular
services, we are constructing a
new cardiac intermediate intensive care
unit on the M8 nursing unit. This new unit
will house 16 beds all in private rooms
and should be operational before the end
of 2007.
We are also in the process of finalizing an
agreement with RehabCare, a nationally
based healthcare company to establish a
long term acute care hospital (LTACH) on
PRESIDENT’S CORNER
the M4 nursing unit. We hope to begin
construction before year end and have this
new service operational by mid 2008.
Another exciting initiative scheduled to
open in summer 2008, is the new To u r o
Diagnostic Imaging Center to be located at
the corner of Claiborne and Napoleon
Avenues. This new 13,000 square foot
facility will offer the latest in MRI, CT and
w o m e n ’s imaging technology, and will also
expand To u r o ’s market presence in this
c r i t i c a l service line.
Fundraising is critically important for
To u r o ’s future growth and development,
and in that regard we are very fortunate to
have recruited Florence André as the new
Executive Director of the Touro Infirmary
Foundation. Florence is well known in the
New Orleans community and brings a
wealth of experience to her new role. We
look forward to her leadership in
re-energizing the Foundation’s fundraising
activities.
I am also proud to announce that Touro is
now the official hospital of the New
O r l e a n s Hornets. Our relationship with
Employee of the Month
the Hornets is another great opportunity
to strengthen To u r o ’s profile in the
c o m m u n i t y. As part of our sponsorship we
will also be able to provide Hornets tickets
as a way of recognizing and rewarding
outstanding employees at To u r o .
While there are many new and exciting
strategic initiatives underway at Touro, we
continue to face significant financial
challenges in our recovery from the eff e c t s
of Katrina like many of the other hospitals
in the New Orleans area. Consequently,
in the months ahead we will be focused on
a number of activities to help improve our
financial situation and I will be sharing
more about this effort.
Thank you for your tireless efforts on
behalf of Touro and your commitment to
our Guiding Principle: Our Patients Safety,
Needs and Dignity Comes First.
Leslie D. Hirsch, President &
Chief Executive Officer
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Kevin Williams, stock clerk in
Central Distribution, was named
Touro’s September Employee of
the Month. Williams recently
c e l e b r a t e d 10 years with Touro. He
began in Patient Escort and later
moved to Central Distribution
after Hurricane Katrina.
“Kevin displays all of the Touro values, especially
welcoming spirit, respect, integrity and
professionalism. He is an excellent team player
providing assistance in delivering and placing
heavy supplies where and when needed,” one of
Kevin’s co-workers stated in a nomination letter.
“He has a great attitude. Touro can be proud to
have him as an employee. He continuously
volunteers to go the extra mile.”
Carmen Passafume, A d m i s s i o n
Case Manager in the Rehab
Department, was named To u r o ’s
October Employee of the Month.
Passafume has over 17 years of
service with Touro. Throughout
these years, she has exemplified
what it means to be a great employee.
“Carmen is such an asset to the To u r o
Rehabilitation Center,” one of her co-workers said in
a nomination letter. “She will spend as much time
talking about all aspects of the patient's injury and
what their recovery will be like here at To u r o .
Everyone who talks to her feels so much better after
their conversation with Carmen.”
Passafume also was the 1995 recipient of the
Rosen Aw a r d .

Touro Donates
School Supplies
to Four Local
Schools
Touro Infirmary’s Department of Mission
Services delivered school supplies to four
local schools as a part of a community-wide
effort to provide educational support to the
children of Orleans Parish.
Students from the New Orleans Free Academy pose for a
picture with Director of Mission Services Rev. Larron
Jackson (top left) and President and CEO Leslie D. Hirsch
(bottom right).
“By providing school supplies for
students in need we lend our strength to a
collective effort to keep our young people in
school. We are aware that there is a direct
correlation between poor health and poor
education,” said Rev. Larron Jackson,
Director of Mission Services. “Through our
back to school drive, Touro hopes to encourage
young people to stay in school and to
enhance their quality of life--both now and in
the future.”
This is the second year Touro has donated
supplies to the New Orleans Free A c a d e m y.
Through the generous donation of To u r o
employees, physicians and members of the
c o m m u n i t y, Touro collected enough school
supplies to support three more local schools
including: Lake Forest Charter, Sarah T. Reed
and Murray Henderson Elementary Schools.
Tina Miceli,RN, Recognized by
American Cancer Society
Tina Miceli, RN, a
radiation oncology
nurse, was presented
the American Cancer
Society Spirit of Award
at the 2007 Hope Gala
on August 18.
Each year, The
American Cancer Society Spirit Award
recognizes the talents and achievements
of professionals in the Greater New
Orleans area who have distinguished
themselves in the community.
Miceli demonstrates her commitment
to the American Cancer Society’s mission
Touro presented an array of school supplies to the
N e w Orleans Free Academy on September 26.
each and every day as she cares for
radiation oncology patients at Touro
Infirmary. She is an advocate of cancer
research and spends hours of personal
time researching patients’ diseases so
she can better expect what their needs
might be during the course of therapy.
She also exhibits her commitment to
the ACS mission by educating others–
both professionally as an instructor for
therapy nursing students at Delgado
and personally by volunteering to
speak at cancer support group meetings
and to high school students about
cancer awareness.
briefs
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE
PROGRAM
Confidential meetings are
held every Monday from
2:30-6:30 p.m. in the Human
Resources Conference Room,
first floor. This program is
open to all employees and is
conducted by outside
counselors unaffiliated with
Touro. To schedule an
appointment, call EAP a t
1 - 8 0 0 - 7 4 9 - 3 2 7 7 .
5 11 SERV I C E
In cooperation with Acadian
Ambulance Service, Touro is
now providing all staff members,
patients, and family
members access to the 5 11
phone service for ambulance
service requests.
In the event an ambulance is
needed for patient transport,
any staff member may dial
5 11 from any phone in the
f a c i l i t y, including physician
o ffices, to speak directly with
a dispatcher at Acadian
Ambulance. There is no
charge for this phone call.
To access the Acadian
Ambulance Dispatch Center
please follow the instructions:
1. Pick up any phone and
dial 5 11.
2. Press option 2 when
prompted.
3. The dispatcher will then
prioritize your request
and dispatch an
ambulance as needed.
4. If for some reason the
5 11 number failed,
Acadian can be contacted
by dialing 1 - 8 0 0 - 2 5 9 - 1111.
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community
events
TOURO News b r i e f s
OCTOBER
M E TABOLIC SYNDROME
SEMINAR
Presenter: Dr. Mario McNally
People with metabolic
syndrome are at increased risk
of coronary heart disease and
other related diseases such as
stroke and peripheral vascular
disease and type 2 diabetes.
Join us for physician
recommendations on how to
manage metabolic syndrome.
Date: Monday, October 22
Time: 1 p.m.
Location: Maison St. Charles
Hotel, 1319 St. Charles Ave.
P R E - D I A B E T E S
S C R E E N I N G S
Presenters: Touro Diabetes
Center Educators
Attend this free screening if
you are at risk for diabetes.
Diabetes can be prevented
and the diabetes educators
can tell you how.
Date: Tuesday, October 23
Time: Beginning at 9 a.m.
Location: Maison St. Charles
Hotel, 1319 St. Charles Ave.
HIP & KNEE PAIN
SEMINAR
Presenter: Dr. Richard Meyer
Learn about the latest treatment
options for joint pain, including
computer assisted knee
replacement surgery.
Date: We d n e s d a y, October 24
Time: 9:30 a.m. (Free
cholesterol and glucose
screenings begin at 8:30 a.m.)
Location: Maison St. Charles
Hotel, 1319 St. Charles Ave.
Continues on page 9
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INTERPRETATION SERVICES
AT TOURO
For all Non-English speaking patients:
Touro has obtained an outside contract
with an interpreting agency offering 24
hours a day, seven days a week service
with as many as 140 languages over-thephone.
Each nursing unit has a laminated
card with steps to follow.
Procedures for Hearing, Speech, and
Vision Impaired Patients are as follows:
• Hearing Impaired/Mute: Equipment
is available with volume-controlled
phone receivers, TDY devices, and
speakerphones. Request equipment
through Touro Operator or Patient
Relations at 897-7135.
• The Deaf Action Center, operated
by Catholic Charities also offer
interpretation services also,
contact number is (504) 525-0700 or
(504) 615-4944. Advance notice is
required.
• Speech Impaired: Touro’s
Rehabilitation Center may be called
in as a consultant for the speechimpaired
patient.
• Vision Impaired: The local chapter
of the Lighthouse for the Blind can
be reach at (504) 899-4501, ask for
the Information Referral Coordinator.
Please note that advance notice is
Tema Hymel Named
“Hardest Working Social
Worker” in New Orleans
Tema Hymel, a Touro social worker, was
presented the “Hard Working Award” by
syndicated morning radio host Tom Joyner for
her contributions to New Orleans after
Hurricane Katrina.
The Tom Joyner Morning Show p r e s e n t e d
Hymel, along with three other locals, with a
framed certificate and $1,000 on the two-year
anniversary of the storm.
Hymel, a single mother, stayed behind to
help out at the hospital during the hurricane.
required for this on-site assistance.
During office hours, contact the
Patient Relations Department
897-7135 to request service.
• Staff will read to the patient any
relevant material not available in
Braille.
TOURO HOSTS TULANE
SERVICE LEARNERS
Textbook learning comes to life with
hands-on experience at Touro this fall for
53 Tulane students. The students are part
of a service learning project that matches
the students to their areas of academic
interest. Volunteer Services places students
in a variety of roles, including: the
Emergency Department, Patient Relations
and Rehabilitation.
The service learning program offers
students a chance to experience healthcare
careers firsthand. For example, pre-med
interns will shadow physicians; neuroscience
students will work with patients on M6 and
M9 to learn more about brain and spinal
cord injuries and their effects. Other areas
of interest include graduate level cell
research, Spanish and the health sciences
and biomedical engineering.
The program is coordinated through
Tulane’s Center for Public Service.
From left to right: radio host Tom Joyner, Tema Hymel, her
mother Laurita Hymel and her daughter Ashtyn P i e r r e .
Nominated by her sister Givonna Hymel,
Tema said that she speechless when she
learned she had won.
“ I couldn’t believe my family was so proud
of my decision to stay behind and help others.”

S TO P P I N G Germs
Chances are you have seen members of To u r o ’s Infection
Control Environmental Rounds Team undertaking a thorough
inspection on your unit. Like the scene of a crime, they are
swabbing telephone receivers and keyboards for evidence
and taking fingerprint samples of employees in search of
instigators. The evidence: germs. The crime: improper hand
hygiene.
“The best method for preventing the spread of germs is
through hand washing and proper use of hand-hygiene
alcohol gels,” said Elizabeth Sosa, a registered medical
technologist. “Unfortunately, it is also one of the most
overlooked steps to preventing the spread of germs in almost
every healthcare setting throughout the country. ”
Beth Landry, Microbiology Supervisor, and her staff are
responsible for examining all of the samples taken and
documenting the presence and types of germs found on each
unit. Since June, the Infection Control Environmental Rounds
Team has been engaging in culture studies of To u r o ’s departments
documenting the spread of germs throughout the hospital.
The Infection Control Team has pinpointed trouble areas
throughout the hospital and has taken steps to decrease the
spread of germs.
Respiratory hygiene stations have been placed in 16
patient waiting areas throughout the hospital to encourage
patients and visitors to stop the spread of germs caused by
coughing, sneezing and unclean hands. Stations include tissues,
hand sanitizer, surgical masks and educational brochures
about healthy hygiene habits.
The stations can be found in the Emergency Department,
Admitting, Radiology, Radiation Oncology, Nuclear Medicine,
Outpatient Pharmacy and Employee Health. A d d i t i o n a l
In Their Tracks
Elizabeth Sosa, registered medical technologist, examines a
fingertip culture taken from a Touro employee for infectious bacteria.
alcohol gel dispensers have been added throughout the
hospital. Each department, where cultures have been taken,
is given feedback on what germs were identified and its
impact on patient care.
“Hand Hygiene is often regarded as the single most
effective way to prevent the spread of germs,” said Carol
Scioneaux,RN, Director of Infection Control. “There have
been been reports of hospitals that have reduced the spread
of specific infections simply through improving hand hygiene
compliance.”
Touro's hand hygiene policy includes the
following steps, all of which are assessed during unit
observations:
Continues on page 8
You are invited...
to join us to welcome
Reuben Chrestman, M.D., Daniel Rupley, M.D., and William Wells, M.D.
to Touro and to celebrate the
Women’s Imaging Center Open House
Wednesday, October 24
3 p.m.-6 p.m.
Buckman Medical Office Building, 1st Floor, Suite 105
For more information, call the Marketing Office at 897-8263.
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To u r o Am b u l a t o r y Su r g e r y Ce n t e r
sets records, improves
quality of care to patients
Treating a record number of patients and receiving top
satisfaction ratings, Touro Ambulatory Surgery Center (TASC) successfully
enhanced the quality of care offered to its patients in August.
TASC treated 164 patients—soaring past its average of 120 per month. TASC’s Avatar
patient satisfaction score was 94.95, a value exceeding average overall patient expectations.
However, this success did not come overnight—it was the result of much planning and selfreflection
by its staff.
“Early this summer, our staff began strategizing ways to promote the unit to physicians in an
effort to serve more patients,” said Sheryl Smith, M.D., Anesthesiologist and TASC Medical
Director. “At the same time, we knew that any marketing effort to increase the number of
patients we treat would be pointless if we did not strive to offer them the highest quality care
and customer service possible.”
TASC scheduled meetings with Touro’s surgical staff to highlight the unit’s capabilities for
outpatient procedures. Smith directly credits the rise in patient numbers to these meetings.
“We had surgeons come here to work who did not know we were even here before,”
Smith said. “We realized how important it is to maintain constant communication with
our surgeons and keep them informed of what we can offer.”
According to Smith, finding a way to address the concerns of patient and their
families was simple—southern hospitality.
visit the
v i at o u r o
website@
inside.touro.com
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“To improve patient satisfaction, we put ourselves under the magnifying
glass and looked for the tiniest, often-overlooked areas where we could
make our patients stay more comforting,” she said. “A patient coming in
for treatment, no matter how simple it may be, is going to be nervous
and their surroundings possess a presence that will either calm them
or feed their anxiety.”
Personal touches TASC adopted included escorting patients
and their families throughout the unit, updating patients
on delays and using a wheelchair to take patients to
their cars. After surgery, each patient receives a
thank you note personally signed by everyone on
the unit.

I n t e g r i t y
A TASC staff member opens gifts at her
“Restock Your Pantry.”
TASC staff enjoy a reception held in their
honor in September.
The staff of Touro Ambulatory Surgery Center.
While Avatar scores and increased patient numbers
allow TASC to gauge the success of their structural
changes, it is the response from their patients that lets
them know them know what is truly important to the
patient.
“We get several letters from our patients thanking us
for the care they have received,” Smith said. “TASC is not
a place where people only follow their job description.
Everybody does everything to make sure our patients feel
like they are our guests, not just patients.”
A tight knit group, TASC has grown closer throughout
the past year. Reopening in March 2006, the staff joined
together to help fellow co-workers as they rebuilt their
lives following Hurricane Katrina. With more than half the
unit incurring major home damage, TASC celebrated each
person's return to their home with a "Restock Your Pantry"
party and potluck lunch.
“It is this tangible display of values in action that
makes the TASC unit so special,” Smith said.
Thankful for the support network they have provided
for each other, the staff has reached out to the community
to offer help to others returning to the city. Smith said that
several members of her unit have volunteered weekends
to help work with Habitat for Humanity.
Integrity
We serve our patients and each other in accordance with the highest ethical standards and in a reliable,
accountable and transparent manner.
1. I always double check the identity of the patients in my care.
2. I take personal responsibility for or report problems and issues as they arise and without delay.
3. I base my decision making on compelling evidence, official criteria and the most current policies and procedures.
4. I have the courage to speak honestly and directly.
5. I honor others’ need for right to privacy and confidentiality and respect their right to choose.
6. I perform all of my duties in full compliance with rules and regulations, policies and procedures.
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Our Voices
“How does Medical Records exhibit
Touro’s Values”
By Martha Griffin, HIM Technical Manager
“I exhibit stewardship by sharing my resources and expertise
when training new employees to ensure they gain v a l u a b l e
knowledge and an understanding of how thing operate.”
-Gail Pointer
Physican Record Assistant-HIM
“I am always ready and willing to share my knowledge in how
things are done at Touro. I am able to train new staff in almost all
areas of the department. I can be utilized if needed in these areas
when employees are out or if they just need a helping hand.”
- Ti ffany Chiasson
Transcript Coordinator-HIM
“As a front line employee, I do my best by always giving both
internal and external customers my undivided attention, speaking to
them with respect, using good eye contact and listening to their
needs to ensure that I can address those needs or directing them to
someone else who can.”
-Terri Champagne
Administrative Assistant-HIM
“I always try to keep my disposition positive and welcoming. When
a co-worker asks for help, I am glad to help even if I am
overwhelmed myself. If I have extra time or if I am finished with my
daily work, I ask my co-workers if they need help. If I see something
that needs to be done and I can do it myself, I do it.”
-Beth Mata
DRG Coding Specialist-HIM
“I always go the extra mile for our customers. If another employee
needs help locating a chart, I take five minutes of my time and
search for the chart. Everything we do represents and reflects on
Touro. We as employees should try and be as perfect as possible.
We should strive to be the best team players!”
-Angela Dorsey
Physician Record Assistant-HIM
“The only way I know to truly exhibit the value of teamwork
is to always be pleasant with others. I feel that this
disposition shows others that I am approachable and willing
to help when they need me.”
-Joette McBride
Transcription Coordinator-HIM
“I exhibit teamwork daily with both internal and external
customers daily by showing my willingness and offering help
in any area where my assistance is needed. I always do this
with a pleasant tone and friendliness”
-Kimberly Walters
File Room Coordinator-HIM
Continued from page 5
• Alcohol rub or hand-washing B E F O R E
patient contact
• Donning of non-sterile gloves B E F O R E
patient contact
• Alcohol rub or hand-washing A F T E R
glove removal and patient contact
Hand hygiene compliance is one of the
Joint Commission’s 2007 National Patient
Safety Goals. For more information on NPSG
Hand Hygiene Compliance, visit
h t t p : / / w w w.touro.com/content/MDinfo.htm.
For more information on infection
control protocol at Touro, contact
Carol Scioneaux, RN, at 897-8688.
NOMINATE OUR PHYSICIANS
You know have the opportunity to help
To u r o ’s medical staff receive the recognition
they deserve by nominating a doctor as a
Louisiana physician of the month. Two regional
p u b l i c a t i o n s , H e a l t h c a re Highlights Magazine
and Louisiana Medical News both feature
columns highlighting a physician whose clinical
achievements, areas of expertise, and outstanding
patient care position them among the top
professionals throughout the Louisiana medical
c o m m u n i t y.
H e a l t h c a re Highlights Magazine, features
physicians in its “Doctor in Spotlight” column.
Nominations can be sent to
a d m i t @ h e a l t h c a r e h i g h l i g h t s . c o m .
Louisiana Medical News features a physician
each month in it’s “Physician’s Spotlight”
column. Nominations can be sent to Patricia
Gannon, Physician Spotlight columnist, at
p a t r i c i a @ l o u i s i a n a m e d i c a l n e w s . c o m .
Physician nominations may include, but are
not limited to the following information:
• What makes your doctor a great physician
• What separates them from other doctors
practicing their speciality
• Where does he/she currently practices
• What do his/her patients say about them
• When did he/she first become interest in
m e d i c i n e
• Where did they receive their education
Complete their residency
• Describe a typical work day in the life of
the nominated physician
• What does he/she like to do in their free
time Do they have a family Children
Call Greg Roques, Physician Relations
Advocate, at 897-8083 for more information
or assistance submitting a nomination.

Dr. Vijayendra Jaligam Awarded
Scholarship Named in Honor of
Touro Cardiologist
Vijayendra Jaligam, M.D.,
was chosen as this year’s
recipient of the Touro Infirmary
F o u n d a t i o n ’s Raja W.
D h u r a n d h a r, M.D. Cardiology
Award. Inaugurated earlier this
year at the 21st Annual Judah
Touro Society Gala, of which
Dhurandhar was the honoree, the scholarship is
awarded each year to an outstanding second year
cardiology fellow.
Jaligam, like Dhurandhar , strives to rethink
the Louisiana medical community’s current
approach to cardiac care. It comes as no surprise
that he sets his ambitions high—he said that it
was Dhurandhar who first inspired him to
specialize in cardiology.
“When I first came to the states to study
medicine at LSU, I wanted to specialize in
pulmonary critical care,” Jaligam said. “It was not
until I had the privilege of studying under Dr.
Dhurandhar during my residency in 2002 that I
learned that cardiology was my true calling in life.
Observing his bedside manner with patients and
his passion to truly heal them was a turning point
in my life.”
Jaligam completed his medical training at
Osmania Medical College in Hyderabad, A n d h r a
Pradesh, India. He practiced as a general
practitioner there and for a brief time in the
United Kingdom before moving to New Orleans
when his wife was accepted into the Tu l a n e
University School of Medicine. After arriving in
New Orleans, Jaligam pursued studies in
pulmonary care at the LSU School of Medicine.
Jaligam has already begun laying the
foundation for his plans following his training.
“The spectrum of cardiovascular disease in
this region is unique to any other place,” Jaligam
said. “I have begun talks with members of
To u r o ’s cardiovascular leadership to consider
developing a clinic with a focus on preventive
rather than curative cardiovascular treatment,
which I believe will be a huge step in improving
healthcare throughout the city. ”
J a l i g a m ’s vision to develop a center to deliver
needed cardiac treatment follows in the footsteps
of Dhurandhar, who in the early 70’s was the
driving force behind New Orleans’ first cardiac
care unit.
“ D r. Dhurandhar is a true visionary of the
profession,” Jaligam said. “He taught me that
medicine is more than just a science, it is an art.
Not all physicians are artists – you need to have
the passion to change people’s lives and touch
their hearts, not just the training.”
Touro Physicians Named Innovators of the Year
Lance Estrada,
M.D. and Richard
M e y e r, M.D.,
were named to
New Orleans
C i t y B u s i n e s s ’
Lance Estrada, M.D. Richard Meyer, M.D. Innovator of the
Year list. The Gulf
South Joint Replacement Center at Touro (Q7)
and its staff are also being honored as an
outstanding new medical service provider.
Estrada and Meyer were recognized for the
unique orthopedic procedures that they bring to
the Gulf South Joint Replacement Center and the
New Orleans community. Estrada was honored
for his skills in performing a procedure known as
reverse shoulder arthroplasty, which is executed
by placing an artificial socket on the arm bone
(instead of the shoulder blade) and the ball into
the shoulder blade (instead of the arm bone).
Meyer has been acknowledged as one of the
most experienced orthopedist in the city
performing computer-assisted knee replacement
s u rg e r y, a procedure that allows for quicker
recovery and greater prosthesis longevity than
traditional knee replacements.
The sixth annual program honored 58
innovators throughout the metropolitan New
Orleans area at an awards luncheon on Sept. 7.
For more information, visit www. t o u r o . c o m .
community
events
OCTOBER
LUNG SCREENINGS
Presenter: Dr. Leonard Glade
Take advantage of this free,
simple screening to determine
the health of your lungs and
ways to improve lung health.
Date: Monday, October 29
Time: Beginning at 3 p.m.
Location: Buckman Medical
Office, 3434 Prytania St.,
1st floor
GI SCREENINGS
Presenter: Dr. Michael Boyle
Take advantage of this opportunity
for a free GI screening and a
chance to discuss your results
with a fellowship trained
Touro surgeon.
Date: Thursday, October 25
Time: Beginning at 9 a.m.
Location: Maison St. Charles
Hotel, 1319 St. Charles Ave.
For more information
or to make a reservation
visit www.touro.com
or call
(504) 897-8500.
9

on the
MOVE
Florence André, was appointed Executive Director of the Touro Infirmary Foundation. A
fundraising executive whose leadership is well known throughout the community, André brings a
wealth of experience to Touro. She joins Touro from the LSU Health Sciences Center Foundation
where she served as President/CEO for the past three years. She has also served as Director of
University Advancement at the University of New Orleans and Director of Corporate and
Foundation Relations at Tulane University and the president of her own consulting firm. André
received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Newcomb College and a Master of Education degree in
guidance and counseling from Tulane University.
Louise Bourgeois, RN, was appointed Director of
Case Management. Bourgeois joins Touro from
Ochsner Medical Center where she was responsible
for several departments including Case Management,
Financial Services and Admitting, among others.
Her clinical background includes Clinic Administrator
for Gambro, Unit Director for Viral Renal Care
and a staff nurse at West Jefferson Medical Center.
She earned a Diploma in Nursing from To u r o
Infirmary School of Nursing.
Ernest Terry, Pharm.D., was appointed
Director of Pharmacy. He joins Touro
with 10 years of combined experience
as a pharmacy director at St. Francis
Cabrini Hospital in Alexandria and
Chalmette Medical Center. Terry
received a Bachelor of Science degree in
pharmacy and a Doctor of Pharmacy
degree from Xavier University.
Don Zimmerman, PHR, was appointed Director
of Employee Relations and Benefits. He joins
Touro from Loyola University where he was the
Manager of Benefits and Payroll. Zimmerman
has a Bachelor of Science degree in business, a
Society of Human Resources Professional
Human Resources certification and over 15
years of human resources experience.
Bonnie Bicocchi, RN, was appointed
Nurse Clinical Analyst. Her main focus
is management of the Clarity incident
portal. Before joining Touro, Bicocchi
served as Chief Nursing Officer at
Meadowcrest, Lakeland, NorthShore
Regional, Doctors Hospital and most
recently as a case manager at Ochsner
Medical Center.
Pamela Butler, MS, CDE, was appointed
Program Manager for the Diabetes Care Center.
She brings a wealth of experience to the position.
Butler has created and coordinated diabetes
education programs for patients and clinicians,
assisted with management of diabetic patients
and has managed American Diabetes Association
recognized programs.
Devin McDonel was appointed Vo l u n t e e r
Coordinator in Volunteer Services. She
joins Touro from Best Buddies, where
she served as project manager. She also
brings five years of experience with
PRIDE Youth programs where she
served as an assistant training coordinator.
McDonel received a Bachelor of
Science degree in mass communications
from Middle Tennessee State University.
Lakita Mingo, RN, was promoted to RN
Supervisor for Cardiac Catheter Services.
Mingo will be responsible for the daily operations
of the Catheter Lab. She has been employed
at Touro since 1999 and has served as a nurse
tech and a registered nurse on T6 and the
Catheter Lab. Mingo received a Bachelor of
Nursing degree from Dillard University.
Larry Anderson was appointed Respiratory Care
Manager. He will be responsible for managing the daily
operations of the Respiratory Care department.
Anderson has been employed at Touro since 1998 and
has served as a staff therapist and lead therapist.
10

touro welcomes new employees!
Mara Acosta
Coronary T6—RN/Staff Nurse
Teresa Davis
Med/Surg ICU—RN/Staff Nurse
Addie Imesis
Obstetrics Acute M2—RN/Lactation Consult.
Samantha Santiago
E m e rgency Department—RN/Staff Nurse
Ivetta Adams
Admitting—Patient Registrar
Oliver de Gravelle, III
Neonatal ICU—RN/Flex Nurse Practitioner
Erana Jackson
Patient Escort—Courier
Andrianna Sanders
Admitting—Patient Registrar
Stephanie Adams
Respiratory Therapy— Respiratory Therapist
Zellisha DeJean
Coronary T6—RN/Staff Nurse
Kenya Johnson
Obstetrics Acute M2—RN/Flex Staff Nurse
Gisela Segura
Admitting—Patient Registrar
Michelle Audibert
M e d / S u rg ICU—RN/Staff Nurse
Lisa Delgado
Operating Room—RN/Staff Nurse
Travis Kurtz
Medical Records—Clerical IV
Rita Shallerhorn
MetroLab-Patient Registrar
Walter Benjamin
Housekeeping—Housekeeping II
Roy DeSalvo
Med/Surg ICU—Flex Nurse Tech
Erica Lee
Med/Surg ICU—RN/Flex Staff Nurse
Michael Shard
Respiratory Therapy—Flex Resp. Therapist
Buela Bierra
MetroLab—Phlebotomist
Terri Dimitry
Coronary T6—RN Flex/Staff Nurse
Vera Martin
Obstetrics Acute M2—RN/Flex Staff Nurse
Michelle Sigur
A2 Post Partum—RN/Staff Nurse
Jeffrey Bihn
Emergency Dept.—RN/Flex Staff Nurse
Michelle Doucette
Pharmacy—Pharmacist
Alicia Matherne
Med/Surg T7—RN/Staff Nurse
Kendra Smart
Physical Rehab M9—RN/Flex Staff Nurse
Cheryl Billew
Med/Surg Acute Q8—Nursing A s s i s t a n t
Quenell Douglas
Labor and Delivery—RN/Staff Nurse
Nicole Maumus
Neonatal Intensive Care—RN/We e k e n d s
Marie Smith
Newborn Nursery—RN/Staff Nurse
Therese Blakemore
Day Surgery Unit—Flex Nurse Tech
Brett Drouant
Respiratory Therapy—Cert. Respiratory Te c h
Susan Melancon
A2 Newborn Nursery—RN/Staff Nurse
Matthew Stringer
M e d / S u rg ICU—Flex Nurse Te c h
Lela Blanco
Med/Surg ICU—RN/Staff Nurse
Jocelyn Durio
Pharmacy—Flex Pharmacy Intern
Gerald McDougle
Patient Escort—Courier
Brooke Terrio
Operating Room—RN/Staff Nurse
Brittany Blum
Physical Rehab M6—Flex Nurse Tech
Nicole Duncan
Physical Rehab M9—RN/Flex Staff Nurse
Louis Nicolosi
Med/Surg ICU—RN Flex Staff Nurse
Richard Turner, Jr.
Patient Escort—Courier
Shana Boudreaux
Neonatal ICU—RN/Flex Staff Nurse
Diane Feeley
Physical Rehab Care M9—RN/Staff Nurse
Denia Ochomogo
Labor and Delivery—RN/Staff Nurse
Tonisha Usher
M e t r o L a b — P h l e b o t o m i s t
Byron Boykin
Med/Surg T7—RN/Staff Nurse
Tracy Ferrara
Physical Rehab M6—RN/Staff Nurse
Carolyn O’Neil
Coronary T6—RN/Flex Staff Nurse
Gail Vance
Oncology M5—RN/Staff Nurse
Brandi Brooks
A2 Post Partum—Flex Nurse Tech
Marian Finn
Coronary T6—RN/Weekends
Patty Parker
A2 Newborn Nursery—RN/Staff Nurse
Aimee Vaughan
Neonatal ICU—RN/Flex Staff Nurse
Chevonne Carr
Med/Surg M4—RN/Flex Staff Nurse
Kenneth Fountain
Pharmarcy—Flex Pharmacy Tech
Sapna Patel
Physical Rehab M6—RN/Flex Staff Nurse
Karen Walter
Lab Support Services—Phlebotomist
Brittani Castle
Nursing Resources—Clerical II
Daisy Fox
Oncology M5—RN/Flex Staff Nurse
Kimberle Paternostro
Med/Surg ICU—RN/Flex Nurse
Rhonda Wells
Obstetrics Acute M2—Unit Secretary
Trenice Common
Coronary T6—RN/Staff Nurse
Nicole Galbreth
A2 Newborn Nursery—RN/Staff Nurse
Lindsey Pecquet
Med/Surg T7—RN/Staff Nurse
Michelle York
Coronary T6—RN/Weekends
Tamla Conaler
Oncology M5—Nursing Assistant
Juliette Glaviano
A2 Newborn Nursery—RN/Staff Nurse
Lydia Pellebon
M e d / S u rg Acute Q8—Nursing A s s i s t a n t
Betty Young
Housekeeping—Housekeeper II
Jacqueline Connor
Coronary T6—RN/Staff Nurse
Katrina Griffin
Neonatal ICU—RN/Staff Nurse
Kathleen Pilie
Prytania Surgery—RN/Flex Staff Nurse
David Zdenek
Respiratory Therapy—Respiratory Therapist
Patty Constant
Med/Surg T7—RN Flex Staff Nurse
Becky Gunn
Med/Surg ICU—RN/Staff Nurse
Mark Porche
Radiology Support—Secretary III
Carol Whitmore
Physical Therapy—Flex Physical Therapist
Jessica Crane
M e d / S u rg Acute T8—RN/Flex Staff Nurse
Amanda Gutherie
Speech Pathology—Speech Pathologist
Claudia Richmond
Physical Rehab M9—RN/Staff Nurse
Tina Crane
Respiratory Therapy—Respiratory Therapist
Doris Daigle
Patient Escort— C o u r i e r
Marki Henderson
Oncology M5— R N / We e k e n d s
Shavon Henry
Med/Surg M4—RN/Flex Staff Nurse
Renee Riddick
Obstetrics Acute M2—RN/Lact. Consult.
Kolleen Robertson
Dietary—Grill Cook
Employees listed completed
New Hire Orientation June
12, June 26 and July 9.
Melissa D’Angelo
Med/Surg T7—RN/Flex Staff Nurse
Bridget Hipple
Cardiac Cath Services—RN/Cardiovascular
Gwen Robinson
Med/Surg ICU—RN/Staff Nurse
Ayana Davis
Operating Room—RN/Flex Staff Nurse
Benita Idowu
Med/Surg ICU—Flex Nurse Tech
Tracey Russell
Physical Rehab M6— Flex Nursing A s s i s t .
11

Affirming the Spirit and Advancing In Healthcare
by Rev. Dr. Larron D. Jackson, Director of Mission Services
“The spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon
me, because the Lord has anointed me to
preach good news to the poor; he has sent
me to bind up the brokenhearted.”
-Isaiah 61:1 (NIV)
As I approach my work as the new
Director of Mission Services at To u r o
I n f i r m a r y, I am excited about being a part
of this faith-based healthcare institution. I
am moved by To u r o ’s rich and storied
history of providing healthcare to the
most needy in the city of New Orleans.
In the midst of my excitement about
being here, I am confronted by several
questions that spring forth from my sense
of calling and ministry. Questions such
as, “Why am I here at this time in my life
and ministry How can I use my gifts,
skills and abilities to benefit those inside
and outside of Touro as we collectively
seek to advance the work of this great
i n s t i t u t i o n ”
With these and other thoughts circulating
through my mind, I begin reading To u r o
I n f i r m a r y by Walter Mucklow Burnett.
On page one I noted these words that are
attributed to Judah Touro pertaining to
the founding of To u r o .
“These were years marked with problems of
epidemic disease. “Yellow Jack” was a
constant fear and threat, particularly to the
c i t y ’s trade and shipping interest. It is only
logical that Judah Touro in his later years
should be moved to establish a clinic and
infirmary which would serve many of the
unfortunate he observed daily. ”
As Judah Touro reflected on the world
around him there was “something in him”
that caused him to act on behalf of the
p o o r, the sick and those in need.
Scripture says that invisible something in
us that causes us to desire to do good or
what is right even in the most diff i c u l t
time is called, “Our Spirit.” Our spirit
creates within us the capacity to have
faith and find hope in the most trying
times of the human journey. As we
continuously strive to live out our faith,
beliefs and values on a consistent basis
that which is invisible becomes visible
and we create a values-based culture that
reflects what we truly believe.
That which “moved” Judah Touro to give
birth to Touro Infirmary is what we know
call V I A To u r o — Values in Action. As we
go forward, seeking to be one of the best
hospitals in the country, living out our
guiding principle, embracing our vision,
a ffirming our values and building on the
mission that make us who we are, it is my
hope and prayers that the Spirit that
dwelled within Judah Touro will continue
to dwell within us. If It does, then we
will achieve all that Judah Touro
envisioned and more.
TEAM TOURO GOES PINK-Touro was a proud sponsor
of the 11th Annual Komen New Orleans Race for the
Cure. Over 50 employees participated in the walk on
Sunday, October 7.
NO/AIDS WALK-On Sunday, September 16, 18
Touro employees participated in the NO/AIDS
Walk. Team Touro raised $425 to benefit
NO/AIDS Task Force.
More Team Touro race photos can
be found by clicking on the Team
Touro link on inside.touro.com.
To join Team Touro or for more
information contact
Robin D’Arcangelo at 897-8296.