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Article By: J. Michael Conerly, MD, FACS, MBA Louisiana’s medical liability system stands out as one of the most distinctive malpractice frameworks in the United States. Established on the Louisiana Medical Malpractice Act (“LMMA”) and the state’s Patient’s Compensation Fund (“PCF”), the system has historically endeavored to reconcile three competing objectives: safeguarding patient rights and access to care, ensuring physician affordability and availability of malpractice in

Article By: Silas Lee, III, Ph.D. In 1983 and 2003 I wrote analyses that examined the social and economic disparities of African Americans and Whites in New Orleans. In those initial reports, I observed the following: THE MASK “New Orleans is a very exotic and intoxicating city. From our distinctive culture, our fun, food and festivals, to our socially and economically diverse neighborhoods, this is a city of contrasts and contradictions. An aura of tranquility anesthetizes t

By Reynold Verret There is, in the life of every child, a quiet but consequential moment of ignition—an epistemic awakening in which curiosity ceases to be fleeting and instead becomes a durable orientation toward the world. It is the moment a question becomes a pathway. When wonder evolves into method. When a child, however instinctively, begins to investigate the hidden architecture of things. That moment does not begin in a laboratory. It begins on the living room floor, i

Article By: Harold J. Miller, MD, FACE, FACP As President of the Medical Society of Southeast Louisiana, I am honored to share a clear and purposeful vision for the future of healthcare across Orleans and our surrounding parishes. Our mission is grounded in one unwavering commitment: improving access to high-quality, patient-centered care for every member of our community. We recognize that true healthcare extends beyond treatment it begins with access, continues through educ

Article By: Dr. Rahn K. Bailey, President-elect, American Psychiatric Association; Chair of Psychiatry, LSU Health New Orleans & Esiri Gbenedio, MS, American University of Antigua College of Medicine This Isn’t Only About Crime. It’s About Health. Talk about gun violence in New Orleans usually lands on crime stats, arrests, and what the police should or shouldn’t do. From where we sit in medicine, that frame is too small. Gun violence is a public health issue, and just as mu

Article By: Howard L. Rodgers III, Executive Director of the New Orleans Council on Aging New Orleans is home to over 68,000 residents aged 60 and older. This population remains vital to our city’s identity and history, yet data from local and national sources paints a concerning picture. For many, aging in this city has become an increasingly difficult struggle defined by economic hardship and health disparities. The Economic Survival Gap Today, 62% of our seniors are consid

Article By: Archbishop James F. Checchio Having arrived in New Orleans in November, it has been beautiful to learn about this wonderful city and region! It has been a joy to meet the people and attend the many events that make our local Church and community so vibrant. Recently, I was introduced to Dr. Emmet Chapital who in turn shared with me the good news of the Orleans Parish Medical Society which I certainly want to commend. The Society, since 1878, has been a voice of an

Article By: Jennifer L. Avegno M.D. & Nola Health Department Team Overview The New Orleans Community Health Assessment (CHA) is a systematic, data-driven process designed to identify and analyze key health needs, priorities, and disparities within Orleans Parish. Conducted every five years by the New Orleans Health Department (NOHD), the CHA offers a comprehensive understanding of factors influencing health outcomes and serves as a tool to guide strategic planning, strengthen

By Emmett B. Chapital, Jr MD, MBA, FACC, FASNC, President, Orleans Parish Medical Society It is with great enthusiasm that I welcome you to the newly revamped Orleans Parish Medical Society website. For too long, this website has been dormant. We envision this site to be an extension of the mission of the Orleans Parish Medical Society to foster good health and education to the citizens of the metropolitan New Orleans area and to act as a sounding board for critical health