Page 7 - Ochsner Philanthropy Magazine - Issue 2

“The generosity of the Godchaux family ensures that Ochsner will continue delivering world-class care to patients with diabetes. This magnificent gift permits Ochsner to combine its outstanding clinical care of diabetes with innovative programs of prevention, manage- ment, education and research.” —FRANK A. RIDDICK JR., MD
“It’s like having a whole team behind you,” says patient William Scott.
equipment, and enhanced clinical re- search activities. And because patient education is so central to the preven- tion and management of this disease, Ochsner will offer a comprehensive Diabetes Learning Center.
Another of the Institute’s most distinguishing features will be the expanded Diabetes Empowerment Pro- gram, an initiative Ochsner launched to provide patients with coordinated care from a diabetes-trained nurse
practitioner, a certified diabetes educa- tor and a health coach. The goal of the program, which is a collaboration be- tween the Endocrinology and Internal Medicine departments, is to empower patients to manage their diabetes.
a patient’s perspective
Early results from patients who have joined the Diabetes Empowerment Program have been truly encouraging. One such patient, William Scott, is a 60-year-old construction manager who lives in Slidell. Diagnosed with type 2 diabetes 14 years ago, Scott began par- ticipating in the program last year.
“When I started, they said I needed to go to diabetes elementary school,” he says of the learning curve he faced with regard to diabetes management. “But now that I’m in the Diabetes Em- powerment Program, they say I should be promoted to diabetes college.”
His decision to take part in the program came after he suffered serious diabetes-related complications—a toe had to be amputated, and he had non- healing wounds. Scott began working with a nurse practitioner, nutritionist and others on his care team, and start- ed keeping food logs and monitoring his blood sugar four times a day.
“I am getting excellent care from the Diabetes Empowerment Program,” Scott says. “They call me with advice
and monitor my diet and exercise. It’s like having a whole team behind you.” Scott, who enjoys spending his free
time as an umpire for high school base- ball games, regrets that he had to miss last season due to his complications. But now, he says, “Ochsner has me back in the game again!”
Helping patients like Scott thrive and lead fulfilling lives is at the very essence of the new Frank A. Riddick Jr., MD, Ochsner Diabetes Institute—and reflects the health system’s mission. “The idea of treating the patient and family instead of just the disease rings throughout Ochsner,” Charles God- chaux says. “It is one of their most outstanding qualities.”
And now, through their gift, the Godchaux brothers will help ensure that others receive the compassionate care—the “wing” around the shoul- ders—that they so gratefully did.
To learn more, contact Marjory Harper, director of major gifts, at 504-842-7114 or mharper@ochsner.org.
TO LEARN MORE
For more information about living with diabetes, visit www.ochsner.org/diabetestips.
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