LOUISIANA PAIN

Recommendations

Info

10 LOUISIANA PAIN QUARTERLY Vol. 27 “I am committed to bettering the health and lives of my patients through compassion and diligence.” imaging as well as fluoroscopy to guide my treatments for precision and safety, and I always stay current through a variety of courses offered nationally and internationally when new devices or FDA treatments are approved. Fluoroscopy is a core part of treatment options nowadays. For those who aren’t familiar with it, can you describe how it works? Fluoroscopy is essentially an x-ray that is conducted in realtime. For instance, as I prepare an injection for a patient, we have them lie down on a flat table. Then we use a machine called a ‘C-arm’ (called that because of its shape) to show live X-ray images of the patient’s targeted area as I insert the medication through a tiny needle to the area causing pain. Using fluoroscopy, we can even show patients pictures immediately after the procedure to confirm that we achieved the desired result. Finally, by targeting the precise area of pain, we need only use a small amount of medication as we deliver it directly to the correct location, as opposed to taking medications orally or through an IV. Not only is fluoroscopy one of the fundamentals of performing pain procedures, but it also provides patients the satisfaction that their physician can deliver medication with minimal side effects. Technology has brought us a long way! How do you, as a practicing physician, regard the evolving state and federal regulations regarding pain management? With the recent media attention on the potentially dangerous side effects of certain pain medications, regulations have arisen that limit physicians on what they can and cannot prescribe for their patients. What this means is that pain physicians – in particular those that have completed an accredited pain fellowship with the ability to attain board certification – should now be the primary consultants when it comes to treating pain. I am confident in utilizing all the methods currently available to provide the best treatment plan. By monitoring the use of certain medications and tailoring treatments to each patient’s needs, our patients are satisfied knowing that we keep their safety as our top priority. I know that all of us will remain at the forefront of this field by offering new and advanced treatment options to our patients as soon as they are approved and safe to use. You emphasize physical exercise as a key part of preventive pain management. Are you active yourself? I played basketball in high school, and in my earlier years I played just about every sport you can imagine. I still stay active with friends on the weekends – if there’s a gym with a court nearby, chances are you’ll find me there. I also enjoy skiing when and where possible. I take pride that I never took formal lessons and instead just learned to ski through simple observation. It’s still one of my more enjoyable pastimes.
Vol. 27 LOUISIANA PAIN QUARTERLY 11 Let’s get to know you a little better. First, why practice in New Orleans? This one is easy. I was born and raised here through high school. Once I left for college in Texas, I never left sight of New Orleans. My goal has always been to return home and be around the food, the sites, and most importantly the people I love. I do have an extensive “Jolly” family in the greater New Orleans area, but I also have friends with whom I have stayed in touch and a community that I would like to serve positively. Much of who I am today comes not from my training across the nation, but rather how I was raised right here in New Orleans. Plus, who would ever want to live in a city without Mardi Gras or the Saints? Can you tell us about yourself? Of course! I’m recently married to my wonderful wife, Rena. She’s a nurse from New York, so even as attractive as New Orleans is, I’ve had to do my fair share of convincing to help her understand that the Deep South has as much charm as does New York. I think so far she loves it. Growing up, math was my favorite subject. Numbers always came naturally to me, perhaps from my father who is a lifelong accountant. Professionally and personally, I live with a philosophy in mind that comes from the great Dalai Lama: “Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them.” Finally, after thirteen years of training outside of New Orleans, I take pride in returning back to serve a community in a city that I call home. I am committed to bettering the health – and ultimately the lives – of my patients through compassion and diligence.
Page 1 and 2: LOUISIANA PAIN QUARTERLY Vol. 27 FA
Page 3 and 4: Vol. 27 LOUISIANA PAIN QUARTERLY 1
Page 11: Vol. 27 LOUISIANA PAIN QUARTERLY 9

LOUISIANA PAIN

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?