Ochsner News

Public Relations Contacts

     New Orleans Region:
          Amiee Goforth: agoforth@ochsner.org, 504-842-4303
          Sarah Elizabeth Falanga: sfalanga@ochsner.org, 504-842-6453

     Baton Rouge - North Shore Region:
          Amy Delaney: adelaney@ochsner.org, 225-236-5538

Media Inquiries
In compliance with Federal HIPAA regulations, and out of respect for patients and their families, Ochsner Health System cannot comment on current or previous patients.

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Ochsner Offers Non-Invasive Heart Imaging

Added on Jun 27, 2007 | Filed Under:

Cardiovascular MRI benefits patients with heart failure and congenital heart disease

NEW ORLEANS Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a well-recognized medium for providing detailed images of brain, spinal cord, and joints, now has a specialized component just for the heart.  Ochsner is offering cardiovascular MRI, a new imaging technique that provides physicians with detailed, and potentially life-saving, images in a non-invasive way. The greatest benefit of cardiovascular MRI is its ability to show definition in the heart and lung anatomy; to measure cardiac function, and differentiate heart tissues, without radiation exposure, says Dr. Sangeeta Shah, Ochsner Cardiologist…

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Elmwood Fitness Center Receives USA Triathlon Training Designation

Added on Jun 24, 2007 | Filed Under:

Unique Certification Includes USA Triathlon Performance Center Designation

NEW ORLEANS, LA The summer months mark the peak training season for triathlons and now local tri-athletes have a certified USA Triathlon (USAT) Training Center at Elmwood Fitness Center. Elmwood, a service of Ochsner, is just one of five centers in the country with this unique certification which also includes a designation as a USA Triathlon Performance Center. “The number of athletes participating in triathlons across the nation continues to climb and we are excited to be part of this trend, says Ben Elder, USA…

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Ochsner Participates in National Initiative to Reduce Medical Errors and Save Lives

Added on Jun 21, 2007 | Filed Under:

NEW ORLEANS, LA Ochsner Health System is one of 4,000 hospitals supporting a national initiative to protect patients from five million incidents of medical harm over a two year period (December 2006-December 2008). The 5 Million Lives campaign is sponsored by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI). 5 Million Lives is an expansion of the highly successful 100,000 Lives Campaign, which included 3,100 hospitals and resulted in an estimated 122,000 lives saved in 18 months. This new campaign will be the largest improvement initiative undertaken…

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Ochsner Prepares for Projected Active Hurricane Season

Added on Jun 19, 2007 | Filed Under:

Hospital Ramps Up for 2007 Storm Season

NEW ORLEANS In preparation for the 2007 hurricane season, Ochsner Health System has upgraded its hospital disaster plan and implemented additional safeguards to withstand future storms, ensure patient safety, and provide for the essential hospital staff in the event of severe weather. The hospital is taking no chances this season; were prepared for an active storm season. Our top priority is the safety of our patients and employees, and we are prepared for what the future may bring, explains Warner Thomas, President of Ochsner Health…

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Ochsner ER Tips to Avoid Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke

Added on Jun 19, 2007 | Filed Under:

NEW ORLEANS, LA June 21st marks the Summer Solstice, the beginning of what has already become a scorching summer in Southeast Louisiana. Although summertime in Louisiana is ideal for outdoor events such as family barbeques and swimming parties, along with these outdoor activities come the dangers of heat-related illness for adults and children. The old adage, If you cant stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen, is particularly important this time of the year, says Dr. Joseph Guarisco, MD, Systems Director of Emergency Medicine…

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Ochsner Provides Free Prostate Screening Blood Tests

Added on Jun 10, 2007 | Filed Under:

Includes Demonstration of da Vinci Surgical System

NEW ORLEANS, LA Give the Gift of Good Health this Fathers Day.  On Friday, June 15, 2007 Ochsner Medical Center at 1514 Jefferson Highway in the Main Atrium, will offer free PSA blood tests for men over 40 years of age from 10:00am 2:00pm to screen for prostate cancer as well as providing general information about prostate health, screening, diagnosis and the latest treatment options. Additionally, Ochsner will provide demonstrations of its da Vinci S Surgical System. A PSA is an easy, quick blood test…

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Ochsner Summer Science Youth Academy Welcomes Students

Added on Jun 03, 2007 | Filed Under:

Class of 2007 marks 1st year to offer full-day of research, classes, rotations and lab activities

NEW ORLEANS, LA Today, Ochsners Academic Division will welcome 11 students from the Class of 2007 to its Summer Science Youth Academy who will take part in a two-session, six-week intensive program.  These Summer Science Scholars have demonstrated an interest in science and healthcare and have been recommended from their respective high schools.  Ochsners Summer Science Youth Academy Program is designed for high school students who excel in the science arena an opportunity to participate in hands-on scientific research in a laboratory setting with research-funded…

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LPB Broadcasts Documentary on Ochsners Survival of Hurricane Katrina

Added on May 28, 2007 | Filed Under:

"Surviving the Storm" shows exclusive footage of hospital operations during storm

NEW ORLEANS, LA Louisiana Public Broadcasting will air never-before-seen footage of a hospital experiencing the wrath of Hurricane Katrina in a documentary about Ochsner Medical Center, one of just three hospitals that remained open in the greater New Orleans area in August 2005. Surviving the Storm will air on the following dates: “ Louisiana Public Broadcasting - Thursday, June 7, 2007 at 8pm. “ WLAE TV: in New Orleans - Saturday, June 9, 2007 at 8pm & Sunday, June 10, 2007 at 12am. Surviving the…

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Ochsner Employees and Medical Residents Sponsor Habitat for Humanity Home

Added on May 17, 2007 | Filed Under:

NEW ORLEANS, LA - Tomorrow, Ochsner Health System employees and medical residents are participating in building a Habitat for Humanity home in the greater New Orleans community.  Ochsner Residents and Fellows Associations will help construct the Habitat for Humanity house at 4000 N. Roman Street tomorrow, Saturday, May 19 from 7:30am-3:00pm. New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity (NOAHH), an independent affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization.  NOAHH builds new houses in partnership with sponsors, volunteers, communities, and homeowner families…

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Ochsner Annual Research Night Highlights Biomedical Research

Added on May 14, 2007 | Filed Under:

Two Local High Schools to Tour Research Exhibits

NEW ORLEANS, LA Ochsner Health System will host its 4th Annual Research Night Tuesday, May 15, 2007.  This annual event highlights biomedical research at Ochsner including poster displays of recently published or soon-to-be published clinical research projects. Despite the overall effects of Hurricane Katrina on clinical research in our community, Ochsner didnt miss a beat during or after the disaster and continues to play a leading role in biomedical research, says Dr. William W. Pinsky, Chief Academic Officer at Ochsner. Ochsner was founded on the…

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