How are you adjusting to life in New Orleans? I moved from Houston to New Orleans in January of this year. The adjustment has been very easy and the overall experience has been just delightful.
What brought you this position? This is a time of growth and change at Children’s Hospital. With major campus improvements underway in Uptown, affiliations with both LSU and Tulane and plans for an expanded regional presence, we have an amazing opportunity to make a difference for the children of New Orleans and throughout the Gulf Coast.
Other hospitals offer pediatric services; what makes Children’s Hospital unique and special? As the only children’s hospital in Louisiana, CHNOLA is unique in taking care of all children who need care, and in only taking care of children. With the greatest number of pediatric specialists in the state, we’re able to treat children with a wider range of conditions than another hospitals in this area.
What has surprised you about your new job? The people are amazing. Every day I’m struck by the strong sense commitment to the community amongst the physicians and staff at the hospital. Many are long-term employees with deep roots in the community who have a wonderful spirit of service.
What do you see your biggest challenges/opportunities to be? There is large unmet need for pediatric specialty care in the region. We are growing rapidly, and it’s a challenge to hire and train new staff members quickly enough to meet the need.
Is there anything else you’d like to share or that is coming up? I’m looking forward to my wife and children joining me here as soon as the school year ends!
Children’s Hospital, 200 Henry Clay Ave., 899-9511, CHNOLA.org
