The Louisiana State Medical Society was formed in 1878 with the sole purpose of advancing "healthcare in the state of Louisiana. Today our mission is to be the trusted advocate for patients and physicians in the State of Louisiana. Learn more about the history of LSMS here: https://lsms.org/page/History.
LOUISIANA STATE MEDICAL SOCIETY
YEAR IN REVIEW
YEAR IN REVIEN CONTENTS 4 2024 A YEAR OF GRATITUDE 5 WHAT A YEAR! LSMS ACCOMPLISHMENTS UNDER RICHARD PADDOCK, MD 6-7 TIMELINE OF BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF LOUISIANA PROPOSED ACQUISITION
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Jeff Williams
BOARD OF GOVERNORS President, Roderick Clark, MD Immediate Past President, Richard Paddock, MD President-Elect, Steen Trawick, MD Secretary - Treasurer, Amberly Nunez, MD Speaker, R. Reece Newsome, MD Vice Speaker, Katherine Williams, MD COL, Chair, Matthew Giglia, MD Ex Officio, Lampac, Chair, Susan Bankston, MD
SAVE
DATE!
the
BOARD OF COUNCILORS District One, Myra Kleinpeter, MD District Two, Luis Arencibia, MD District Three, Allan Vander, MD District Four, Randall White, MD District Five, Gwenn Jackson, MD District Six, Michael Roppolo, MD District Seven, Brian Gamborg, MD District Eight, VACANT District Nine, Andy Blalock, MD District Ten, Michele Cooper, MD
2025 LSMS Annual Meeting:
July 31 – August 2, 2025
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CENTURY CLUB
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort • Baytowne Conference Center
Details and agenda coming soon. Mark your calendars and plan to attend!
PRIOR AUTHORIZATION LEGISLATION GOES INTO EFFECT!
LEARN MORE
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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
SECTION REPRESENTATIVES Medical Student Section Member, Gregory Laborde Resident/Fellow Section Member,Omar Leonards, MD Young Physician Section Member, Ken Ehrhardt, MD Employed Physician Section Member, Clay Runfalo, MD Private Practice Physician Section Member, Lance Templeton, MD
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LSMS ASKS LDI FOR HELP REGARDING CHANGE HEALTHCARE CYBER ATTACK
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LSMS WORKING FOR YOU!
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LEGAL UPDATE: LSMS SIGNS ON TO AMICUS BRIEF
OR SCAN QR CODE
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HEALTHSYNC UPDATE
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LSMS INSTALLS RODERICK CLARK, MD AS 144TH PRESIDENT
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INAUGURATION PARTY
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50 YEAR PHYSICIANS
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ADVOCACY IN ACTION
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LSMS: YEAR IN REVIEW | 2024
LSMS: YEAR IN REVIEW | 2024
2024 A YEAR OF GRATITUDE
JEFF WILLIAMS Executive Vice President & CEO
Reflecting on 2024 and looking to the future, I offer my sincere appreciation to the LSMS staff for their hard work and unwavering devotion; the members of the House of Delegates for their time and collective wisdom; the Board of Governors for their expertise and direction; and to every physician, resident, fellow, and medical student, because without each of you, we would not be the trusted advocate for patients and physicians in Louisiana. I want to personally thank Dr. Richard Paddock, the 143rd President of the Society for his tireless dedication and perseverance on behalf of the LSMS. Together, we navigated challenging landscapes and achieved significant milestones like spearheading the effort to stop the Blue Cross Blue Shield acquisition by Elevance Health (formerly Anthem). Had this deal been allowed to occur, it would have negatively impacted the health care landscape across the state for generations. This effort was spearheaded by the Medical Society and without our tireless dedication to physicians and their patients would have been a reality today. Kudos to all involved as it was truly a team effort. We had another successful legislative session highlighted by the passage of ACT 273, which will ultimately prohibit employers from enforcing non-compete clauses. Beginning January 1, 2025, all in-place non-compete agreements will terminate after three years for primary care physicians defined as general family medicine, general internal medicine, general pediatrics, general obstetrics or general gynecology and after five years for all other specialties. You can review the entire 2024 Legislative Review here . In August, Dr. Roderick V. Clark was installed as the 144th President of the LSMS. Dr. Clark made history as being the first LSMS President to be sworn into office outside of Louisiana. The 2024 House of Delegates was relocated from Baton Rouge to San Destin, FL where it was also reimagined into a family friendly, fun, educational outing where we also conducted the business of the House of Delegates. We’ll be returning to San Destin in 2025 on July 31st so mark your calendars. After the fun subsided,
Dr. Clark hit the ground running with a strategic planning retreat but unfortunately Hurricane Francine had other ideas. However, the retreat was ultimately held in November and several new initiatives are under review. Hopefully, some of them will be a part of the 2025 year in review. I want to thank our key partners as without them we could not do what we do. First, I want to thank LAMMICO who is the endorsed medical malpractice provider of the LSMS and someone who we work with very closely on many different issues. Special thanks to Dr. Michael Conerly (CEO) and Dr. Jeff White (Board Chair). I would also like to recognize Ken Ross and Eric Maxwell of Eagle Capital in Mandeville as the financial stewards of the society’s assets; Advantage Physicians Healthcare Trust, who is our preferred provider of health insurance; the KONZA National Network who is our partner in the only physician-led Health Information Exchange in the state dba HealthSYNC; Katie Paganuzzi of Honey Creative who manages our social media channels and content; and Kevin Rainwater with Blue Chip Wealth Advisors who oversees our multiple employer retirement plan(s). All these people have helped open new doors and opportunities to the LSMS that weren’t there before and it’s been a game changer for sure. If you’re interested in learning more about any of our partners and the services they provide to LSMS members, please contact me directly at jeff@lsms.org or 225-763-2315. Lastly, I want to thank all the spouses, significant others, children, employers, partners, etc. who allow the staff and physician volunteers to participate in all our meetings, Zooms, emails, texts, and other time commitments where we take them away from you. A lot of it is after hours and on weekends, so thank you! As we enter 2025, I know the right people are on-board and that we’re headed in the right direction. As such, I’m optimistic as to where the year takes us. Either way, look for bigger and better things this year from the Louisiana State Medical Society.
WHAT A YEAR! LSMS ACCOMPLISHMENTS UNDER RICHARD PADDOCK, MD
z Prioritized Artificial Intelligence (AI) issues related to the House of Medicine. HCR 66 (2024) provides for an established joint legislative committee to study regulations regarding AI. Specifically stating that health and welfare policy is implicated in the potential for artificial intelligence to be used for purposes of diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions and in the determination of health insurance coverage decisions and requests the Joint Legislative Committee on Technology and Cybersecurity to study and make recommendations to the legislature. z Successful efforts in opposition to the Blue Cross Blue Shield proposed acquisition by Elevance. After doing our due diligence, the Louisiana State Medical Society was the first organized physician group to come out publicly in opposition to this proposal. z The passage of ACT 273, the non-compete legislation. For many years it has been a top priority of the LSMS to limit the use of non-compete clauses within physician contracts.
We have heard countless complaints of physician members who were “trapped” by their employers with no end in sight. This legislation, which was effective on January 1, 2025, will prohibit enforcement of a non-compete clause upon a primary care physician after 3 years of employment and after 5 years of employment for all other physicians. This is a huge step in the right direction. z Advantage Physicians Healthcare Trust has grown to over $2 million in annual premium income and is covering over 350 lives. Average premium savings for enrolled groups is between 15% and 20% compared to comparable BCBS of Louisiana plans. z The Board focused on working within the regulatory community to 1) address corporate practice of medicine issues, 2) tighten rules and penalties for the unauthorized practice of medicine and truth in advertising, and 3) create a review board to monitor and manage scope/consistency issues.
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LSMS: YEAR IN REVIEW | 2024
LSMS: YEAR IN REVIEW | 2024
TIMELINE OF BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF LOUISIANA PROPOSED ACQUISITION Over the 18-month process, LSMS shared concerns with state regulators regarding the transition of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana from a non-profit, Louisiana based company to a for-profit, national corporation. After reviewing the “plan of reorganization’, LSMS leadership, along with physician members focused on patient care, had multiple issues related to increased premiums, reduced benefits, and limited access to treatment options. Our efforts, along with other stakeholders, led to the official withdrawal of the sale on February 14, 2024. We will continue to monitor the potential sale and the effects on Louisiana patients and physicians.
Joint Meeting of Senate Health and Welfare and Insurance Committees
BCBSLA Cancellation Hearing
Attorney General Liz Murrill’s Letter to Commissioner Tim Temple
LSMS Open Letter to Louisiana Patients
Second Filing of Plan of Reorganization
Original Filing of Plan or Reorganization
LSMS Letter to Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon
FEB 5 2024
DEC 14 2023
FEB 13 2024
State Senate Oversight
Hearing Findings
JAN 23 2023
SEP 21 2023
JAN 25 2024
FEB 1 2023
FEB 14 2024
FEB 12 2024
FEB 8 2024
AUG 16 2023
FEB 14 2024
SEP 18 2023
JAN 30 2023
FEB 8 2024
Click on any date to see documents HAND-POINTER
Joint Meeting of Senate and House Committees on Insurance
Withdrawal of Filing
Withdrawal of Second Filing of Plan of Reorganization
State Senators Statement
LSMS Letter to Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple
Governor Jeff Landry Letter to LSMS
State Treasurer John Fleming, MD Statement
Scan to learn more or click here.
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LSMS: YEAR IN REVIEW | 2024
LSMS: YEAR IN REVIEW | 2024
CENTURY CLUB
PRIOR AUTHORIZATION LEGISLATION GOES INTO EFFECT! The LSMS requested and successfully passed 2 key pieces of Prior Authorization/Utilization Management legislation in the 2023 Regular Legislative Session. This legislation went into effect on Jan 1, 2024. ACT 312 by Rep. Thomas Pressly (now Senator) focused specifically on utilization management standards, reasonable uniform time frames, an enhanced peer-to-peer review process and a guarantee of payment. ACT 333 by Sen. Jeremy Stine focused on transparency, requiring health plans to annually
To learn more about the special Century Club benefits, contact Kristen Broussard at kbroussard@lsms.org
z Acadiana Family Physicians z Acadiana Renal Physicians z Acadiana Women’s Health Group z Acadian ENT z Access Radiology - Lake Charles z Affinity Health Group z Alexandria Neurosurgical Center z Alexandria Women’s Center z Azar Instruments z Baldone Reima Dermatology z Baton Rouge Radiology Group z Baton Rouge Vascular Specialty Center z Cardiovascular Institute of the South z Center for Orthopaedics z Center for Women’s Health z Children’s Clinic of Southwest Louisiana z Colon & Rectal Associates z Culicchia Neurological Clinic z Dermatology & Skin Surgery z Dermatology Associates of Southwest Louisiana z Dermatology Clinic & Cosmetic Center z Diagnostic Imaging Associates z Freedman Memorial
Cardiology Clinic z Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System z Gastro Group & Endocenter z Gulf Coast Orthopedics z Gulf South Eye Associates z Houma Radiology Associates z Imperial Health z Internal Medicine Clinic of Tangipahoa, LLC z Jefferson Radiology Associates z Lafayette Bone & Joint Clinic z Lafayette Dermatology & Cosmetic Center z Lake Charles Anesthesiology z Louisiana Ear, Nose, Throat & Sinus z Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates z Mid-Louisiana Anesthesia Consultants z Mid LA Surgical Specialist, APMC z New Orleans Nephrology Associates z Northeast Louisiana Kidney Specialists z Northlake Gastroenterology Associates z NW LA Nephrology
z LSUHealth Ochsner
Monroe Medical Center z Orthopedic Specialists of Louisiana z Pediatric Surgery of Louisiana z Radiology Consultants z Regional Urology z Renal Associates z Retina Associates z Rhodes Pediatric Clinic z Soine Dermatology z South Louisiana Medical Associates z Southern Urology z Spine Institute of Louisiana z Swartzenburg, Lafranca, Guidry, Chapman, Magee & Bourgeois z The Baton Rouge Clinic AMC z The Eye Clinic z The Family Clinic of Crowley z The Family Doctors z The Pathology Laboratory z Shreveport Eye Clinic, AMC z The Skin Surgery Centre z The Women’s Clinic z Total Radiology Solutions z Vascular Specialty Center, LLC z West Jefferson Emergency Physicians Group
report certain prior authorization metrics to the Department of Insurance. Please contact Maria Bowen at govaffairs@lsms.org if you continue to have existing and/or new issues related to prior authorization.
ARROW-POINTER Click to View
ARROW-POINTER Click to View
REP THOMAS PRESSLY
SEN JEREMY STINE
ARROW-POINTER Click to View
Scan to learn more about Prior Authorization Legislation or click here.
SUSAN BANKSTON, MD
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LSMS: YEAR IN REVIEW | 2024
LSMS: YEAR IN REVIEW | 2024
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE UPON ADJOURNMENT The 2024 Louisiana Legislative Regular Session adjourned on June 3, 2024.
For most participants from legislators to regulators to lobbyists, Sine Die comes with a big *SIGH*! For these folks, the legislative season began with the organizational session on January 8 of this year and was non-stop for just 5 days short of 6 months! As a refresher (since there’s been a lot of water passing under the bridge this year), the first special session was short and specific to redistricting Louisiana’s Congressional seats. The goal was to create a second majority-minority district. This was accomplished by creating a “slash” district across the state that contains parts of Baton Rouge, Alexandria and Shreveport – and everything in between. The changed district was represented by Congressman Garret Graves, a Republican from Baton Rouge who did not run for Congress last Fall. The most well-known name which appeared on the ballot was State Senator Cleo Fields of Baton Rouge.
The second special session was slightly longer but still a short whirlwind and focused on Criminal Justice. During the second special session, the legislature focused on strengthening sentencing, moving 17-year-old offenders into adult prisons and giving citizens greater ability to carry guns. Changes also included a roll-back of various statutes changed during the prior administration. With little to no time between organizing and the two special sessions, the regular session began on March 11 with Governor Landry focusing on three major points: 1. Calling a Constitutional Convention to follow the regular session culminating in a ratifying vote during the November Presidential Election, 2. Deregulating property insurance in the hope of encouraging new companies to underwrite policies in Louisiana, and 3. Offering school choice to allow parents to direct how state money follows their child using tools like Education Savings Accounts. You’ve heard your government affairs staff tell you frequently that elections matter and have systemic changes and consequences throughout government. For the first time ever, Louisiana has a Republican Governor with a Republican super-majority legislature with which to work. Other than his efforts at having a Constitutional Convention, Gov. Landry continues to rack up victories at the Capitol. Depending on where you personally sit, this will no doubt impact your thoughts on how things are going in Baton Rouge. For LSMS though, much of the legislation this session focused on anything but healthcare, leaving us to quietly manage what affected physicians, patients and the practice of medicine. Even though we had to cancel our White Coat Wednesday due to inclement weather, The Physician Coalition of Louisiana still hosted the Legislative Reception at The City Club. The following photos are from the successful event.
LDH Secretary Ralph Abraham, MD, and his wife Dianne at the legislation reception with attendees from VCOM. L to R: Dean Mark Sanders, DO; Direction Leann Bond; the Abrahams; Dean Emeritus Ray Morrison, DO and students Jimmy Nguyen, Christine Le and Kenny Kha-Vo.
LDH CHIEF OF STAFF, DREW MARANTO VISITS WITH REP. WAYNE MCMAHEN OF SPRINGHILL.
Reece Newsome, MD, from LaPlace is shown here with Neel Gupta, MD, and Nicole Freehill, MD, both from New Orleans.
Sen. Bob Owen from Slidell with Sen. Caleb Kleinpeter from New Roads.
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LSMS: YEAR IN REVIEW | 2024 11
LSMS Lobbyist, Sherri Buffington (in red) with Tim Ford, MD and guests
Sen. Thomas Pressly, IV, of Shreveport with his father, Thomas Pressly, III, MD.
Maurice Sholas, MD, Rahn Bailey, MD and Guest
LSMS ASKS LDI FOR HELP REGARDING CHANGE HEALTHCARE CYBER ATTACK
On March 21, 2024, the LSMS on behalf of Louisiana physicians, formally requested the Louisiana Department of Insurance (LDI) and Commissioner Temple help minimize the adverse impacts from the recent cyberattack on Change Healthcare. We know many physicians were unable to verify patient eligibility and coverage, confirm patient cost sharing amounts, communicate with payers for authorizations and notices of admissions, transmit pharmacy prescriptions, file claims (including initial and corrected claims), determine coordination of benefits, or receive reimbursements to support operations. We requested LDI issue a 90-day directive that, at a minimum: • Waives or extends timely filing requirements for initial and corrected claims; • Prohibits payers from denying claims for technical reasons, including: lack of authorization; failure to check electronic eligibility; failure to give notice of admission; failure to receive medical records; coordination of benefits; and failure to timely appeal denials;
• Prohibits recoupments for lack of timely filing or the technical reasons outlined above; • Extends timeframes for filing an internal and/or external appeal; and • Strictly enforces the prompt pay law. Additionally, timely filing limits and technical issues should not lead to inappropriate denials or the recoupment of claims due to the cyberattack on Change Healthcare, and all payments due should be promptly paid to help minimize current cash flow issues. On March 26, 2024, in response to our request, Louisiana Department of Insurance Commissioner Temple issued DIRECTIVE 223. It instructs carriers on their continuing network adequacy and prompt pay obligations during vendor-related system outages and lists mitigation activities they can undertake to demonstrate compliance efforts.
Pictured here from L to R are: Berkley Durbin, MedicineLouisiana; Bethany Blackson, LDH; Rahn Bailey, MD; Matthew Wallace, Christus; Maria Bowen, LSMS and Drew Maranto, LDH.
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LSMS: YEAR IN REVIEW | 2024 13
LEGAL UPDATE LSMS Signs on to Amicus Brief The LSMS joined nine national medical, public health, and community organizations in an amicus brief in support of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to urge the Court to reverse the judgment of the US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit which would allow e-cigarette manufacturers to improperly steer their lawsuits challenging FDA denial orders for flavored e-cigarettes to the Fifth Circuit to obtain stays of FDA denial orders and continue marketing their unauthorized, addictive, and harmful flavored e-cigarettes to our youth. In the event the ruling stands it will restrict the Tobacco Control Act and inflict great harm to public health by undermining the FDA’s efforts to protect youth from the health harms of flavored e-cigarette products. Click here to read the amicus brief.
Membership More than a
Over the past year, LSMS has remained committed to supporting Louisiana physicians through our mission to be the trusted advocate for patients and physicians throughout the state. We worked to accomplish this through our tenants of: LSMS Working for you!
HEALTHSYNC UPDATE In 2024, HealthSYNC signed 12 new practices:
z ABC Pediatrics, Minden, LA z Bowman Family Medicine Clinic, Bossier City, LA z Care Eleven Health, New Orleans, LA z Great Beginnings Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Opelousas, LA z Healthcare Gallery, Baton Rouge, LA z Heart2Heart Care Clinic, Baton Rouge, LA
HealthSYNC and the LSMS anticipate beginning a Value Based Contracting arrangement with LHCC in the first quarter of 2025. While HealthSYNC is actively seeking any medical practice to join our HIE, if you are an independent primary care physician please reach out to Jeremy Lapeyrouse jeremy@lsms.org .
ADVOCACY – The LSMS works tirelessly for you! Our staff is engaged year-round on legislative and regulatory issues. We focus on protecting you and your practice so you can focus on your patients. Through the use of new events and better technology, we’ve made it easier than ever for you to interact with your legislators. Renew today to participate tomorrow! EDUCATION – The LSMS has continued to expand educational opportunities for our members. This year, we held our first Annual Meeting for physicians in Sandestin, FL which included CME, the House of Delegates & networking opportunities. Furthermore, the LSMS partnered with LAMMICO, The MSMA and Practice Management Institute to bring continuing education opportunities to our members at discounted rates.
COMMUNICATION - The LSMS is committed to keeping our members informed about the issues affecting your profession. Through our Capsules newsletters, The journal of the LSMS and timely emailed bulletins and calls to action, the LSMS ensures our members are up to date and informed. COLLABORATION – We continued our tradition of collaborating with partners to offer our members high quality benefits such as affordable healthcare benefits through the Advantage Physicians Healthcare Trust and a multiple employer 401K through Blue Chip Wealth Advisors. Find out more about your member benefits at LSMS.org.
z Mendoza Medical Clinic, Kenner, LA z Mitchells Pediatrics, Alexandria, LA z Pediatric Associates of Denham Springs, Denham Springs, LA z Shard V Gunda, MD, Franklin, LA z TKZ Pediatrics, Zachary, LA
For more information about membership in the Louisiana State Medical Society, please contact Amy Tyrrell, Director of Membership at atyrrell@lsms.org
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LSMS: YEAR IN REVIEW | 2024 15
LSMS Installs Roderick Clark, MD as 144th President
We must unite around a
common goal
Below is a transcript of Dr. Clark’s speech during the Inauguration Luncheon
forgot to put their patients first. Countless numbers of them have been able to get back on track. I really can’t express the emotion of the individual and of the board members when we witness these doctors humbled and find their way back home to medicine. The challenges in medicine during my lifetime have never been greater. Let me share with you another little story. For those in this room who are physicians, every clinical rotation was structured around putting your patients above everything else. I also went to business school about nine years ago and earned a MBA. I can testify to you that every class started with the professor saying that the purpose of a manager was to bring a profit to his shareholders. We now have hospital systems run by businessmen, trying to be the authorities on medicine. Hospitals are continually growing and building, because that’s what you do in business. Anyone with business skills knows that if you’re not growing you’re falling behind. The hospital corporations in the state have been given the keys by state government to provide the tools, vision, infrastructure, and medical leadership to raise us off the bottom statistically in healthcare nationally. Unfortunately, they have been unsuccessful. Louisiana still remains at the bottom of almost every category of quality outcomes. Although It’s hard to talk about the reality is physicians have not been a cohesive group and because of this, we’ve delegated some of our authority to others. Physicians have allowed themselves to be fractured by politics and Third-party players picking winners and losers. Specialties have basically turned their back on each other as long as it was not affecting them. Hopefully, we’ve learned by now that this manipulation has not served physicians or medicine well. What affects one affects all of us and we must unite around a common goal. We can never relinquish our right to be the authority of medicine in this state. Hospital systems, health insurers and some allied healthproviders have had success in diminishing our role as the authority for medicine in Louisiana. We cannot let that continue to happen. My goal is to try to develop the foundation that we can build upon from a strategic standpoint that will strengthen the Louisiana State Medical Society for the future. I plan to have a very strong relationship with Surgeon General Dr. Ralph Abraham and Governor Jeff Landry and try to incorporate their ideas and dreams into what we are trying to accomplish. I will strive for the Louisiana State Medical Society to find ways to strengthen physician advocacy, improve overall patient outcomes, and Statewide medical leadership. My hope and prayer is my efforts will enable a seamless transition to meet the challenges now and in the future. So my friends, let’s open our minds and ears and not fear the challenges ahead, because we the LSMS are up to the task. Thank you, Roderick Clark M.D. MBA
Good afternoon and thank you all for being here today. I am President 144. I’d like to acknowledge and thank Dr. Paddock for his long-standing service and very successful presidency. I would also like to thank the committee headed by Dr. Williams and staff who have worked diligently and successfully to put this event together. Today we all celebrate a legacy that has endured almost one and a half centuries. The success of the Louisiana State Medical Society is a product of the devotion, creativity, pragmatism, and passion of many untold physicians and staff who have proceeded us. The memories of the particular individuals have faded with the time, but through their humility I have now the honor to serve as president of this historic organization. At this time, I’d like to introduce my family. First, Tina, my wife who is a physician and is faulty of LSU department of medicine in Lafayette. We graduated together from LSU in New Orleans. She’s the love of my life and the mother of my three children. To say she keeps me grounded is an understatement. My children, Christopher, Cassie, Chase, and his girlfriend Jessica whom I love dearly and I’m so proud of are here today. I would be remiss if I didn’t send praise to my mother, father and brother who have loved me and supported my dreams to be a doctor. In the audience, I’d like to introduce Dr. Andy Blalock and his wife Callie. Andy is about as close as you can be without being a blood relative. I would also like to mention two of my mentors Dr. Dean Griffen and Dr. Bill Vildibill, both past presidents. Their graceful nature embodied in my mind what a physician should be. First, I am going tell you a little story about myself, but I believe that it’s not a unique story. Louisiana has a history of being a very poor state and I know many in this room come from families who never had a doctor in their family or maybe never even had a family member graduate from a university. That was my case. I especially remember my grandfather and mother, ever since I was a small child always telling me “that’s my little doctor.” But I never really felt the call to medicine in my youth. Really never thought I was smart enough, but that’s not how the Lord works sometimes. I’m sure in this room many of you have either been called directly or indirectly to the practice of medicine. I recall when I gave the conference to a group of young folks wanting to go to medical school. I asked for a show of hands of those who have been either been singled out by someone or always knew in their heart they wanted to be a doctor, about 80% raised their hands. Regardless of how we are called, it is gift to serve. I’ve had the honor to be on the board of medical examiners for over 10 years and more recently, I was reappointed as president in July. What I have learned is very simple. Physicians whom have lost their way have taken their eye off of medicine and placed it on either personal or monetary gratification. They have lost their way, because they
Dr. Clark was born in Alexandria and moved to Lafayette as a young child. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Louisiana in Lafayette. He received his Medical Degree from LSU Medical School – New Orleans. His residency in Internal Medicine was completed at University Hospital and Clinics in Lafayette prior to his fellowship in nephrology under Dr. Authur Guyton at the University of Mississippi. He is a Past President of the Lafayette Parish Medical Society and a 10-year member – and current President – of the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners.
Dr. Clark has been in practice in Lafayette for 30 years as in nephrologist with Acadiana Renal Physicians working alongside his partners to establish nephrology and pioneer dialysis in the Acadiana area. He is a past CEO of Acadiana Renal Physicians and has served on many boards of local hospitals in the community. He is married to Tina Benoit, MD, and they have three children: Christopher, Cassie and Chase.
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LSMS: YEAR IN REVIEW | 2024 17
Thank You! 2024 SPONSORS
2024 meeting sponsors
INAUGURATION PARTY
50 YEAR PHYSICIANS Don Bell, MD Ronald Bombet, MD Carl Fastaband Thomas Ferguson, MD
Stephen Person, MD Edwin Ross, MD Robert Ryan, MD Lawrence Schneider, MD Alan Sheen, MD Charles Simonson, MD Robert Wallace, Ill, MD Kermit Walters, Jr., MD Charles Williams, Jr., MD Michael Zambie, MD
Rajendra Gandi, MD Joseph Heard, MD Sheldon Johnson, MD Alfonso Lebron-Berges, MD F. Brabson Lutz, Jr., MD
Leonard Bourgeois, MD Richard Bourgeois, MD David Bryan, MD Zack Buckalew, Ill, MD Vincent Culotta, Jr., MD Robert Dawson, Ill, MD
YEARS
Brian Matherne, MD Weston Miller, Ill, MD Glenn Mills, MD
Daniel Dupree, MD Mary Eschete, MD
IN MEMORIAM
Stephen Breaud, MD Pedro Cazabon, MD Prentiss Smith, Jr., MD
Thomas Kramer, MD James Phillips, MD Frederick Price, MD
William Bundrick, Sr., MD John Finn, Jr., MD William Glenn, MD Rozelle Hahn, MD
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LSMS: YEAR IN REVIEW | 2024 19
ADVOCACY IN ACTION When the legislative session ended in June, Maria Bowen, LSMS VP of Governmental Affairs, traveled the state providing group practices, specialty societies, and partner organizations with highlights from the 2024 session. Maria was joined by LSMS President, Dr. Roderick Clark, in Shreveport at the NWLA Medical Society event and was also joined by LSMS VP of Legal Affairs, Lauren Bailey at the LAMMICO Defense Council Seminar.
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