Straight from the Source

FMOL Health

Straight from The Source powered by FMOL Health isn't just another health podcast. Each episode brings you closer to the heart of how we healthcare: boldly, joyfully and with great love. You'll hear from the people who healthcare every day in conversations that are clear, personable and approachable.

  1. 7h ago

    What Makes FMOL Health a Best Place to Work

    What makes a workplace more than just a job? At FMOL Health, the answer isn't a policy or a perk. It's a feeling. Walk through the doors of any FMOL Health hospital or clinic and you'll find the mission and values alive in every interaction, every hallway, every team.  Chief HR Officer Jennifer Trahan has felt it for 26 years, starting as a social work intern and growing into a leader who now serves 20,000 team members. That commitment shows. FMOL Health earned Gallup Exceptional Workplace Awards for both engagement and strengths-based culture and is a certified Great Place to Work. These are honors that Jennifer sees not as a finish line, but as proof the work is making a difference.  In this conversation with host Lexi, Jennifer unpacks what makes FMOL Health a best place to work, focusing on why the leader-team member relationship is the foundation of culture, how strengths discovery is an investment in developing what each team member does best, and why caring for team members is inseparable from caring for patients.  You'll hear what separates a mission on the wall from one that's lived out, why great culture is never accidental, and what keeps people at FMOL Health for 15, 25 and even 50 years. Whether you're considering joining or already part of the mission, this one's for you.  Key Moments  From Intern to Chief HR Officer: A "Degree in People" 00:20 Why the Awards Are About People, Not Plaques 05:16 Culture Is How Work Feels 06:40 It Starts With the Leader 09:54 Strengths as a Shared Language 14:44 Cared-For Teams Care Better for Patients 12:32 Burnout, Well-Being and the Support That Surrounds You 20:33 If You're Looking for Purpose, You've Found the Right Place 24:23  Read more on The Source: https://thesource.fmolhealth.org/stories-that-inspire/your-health-our-calling/best-place-to-work-podcast/   Learn more about FMOL Health's awards and accolades: https://www.fmolhealth.org/about-us/awards   Inspired to join us? Learn more about careers across our health system at https://www.fmolhealth.org/careers

    What Makes FMOL Health a Best Place to Work

  2. Oct 1

    The Widow Maker Caught in Time: A Heart Story

    Dr. Chance DeWitt, cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon with FMOL Health | Our Lady of Lourdes Heart Hospital, has seen it more times than he can count – a patient with serious heart disease who had no idea anything was wrong. The "widow maker" doesn't always announce itself.   Coach Danny Broussard knows how close that call can be. He thought he felt fine – no chest pain, nothing he could point to as a warning. But Dr. DeWitt would later note that subtle signs, like occasional shortness of breath, were there all along, easy to dismiss and easy to miss. A routine checkup, slightly high cholesterol lab results and a $100 calcium score test uncovered 99% blockage in the deadliest artery in the body. Within days, Danny was in surgery.   But this conversation reaches beyond the operating room. Dr. DeWitt reflects on the deep community and faith that surround his patients in South Louisiana and what he calls the "everyday miracles" he witnesses in medicine.  You'll learn why a symptom-free heart can still be in danger, what a calcium screening actually reveals and how proactive care can add years to a life. It's a hopeful, practical listen for anyone who has ever assumed good health means a healthy heart.  Key Moments  When a Routine Checkup Becomes a Life-Saving Conversation — 02:00 The Widow Maker: A 99% Blockage — 04:03 The Prayer Chain That Replaced Fear with Peace — 09:32 Learning to Be Coached Through Recovery — 13:21 Back on the Sidelines, Testing a New Heart — 18:03 Why Your Body Can Hide Heart Disease Until It's Too Late — 30:42 What Makes the Widow Maker So Deadly — 35:54 The Moment That Makes It All Worth It for Dr. DeWitt — 39:54 Stop Feeling Indestructible. Start Doing the Maintenance. — 43:18  Read more on The Source: https://thesource.fmolhealth.org/stories-that-inspire/healthcare-journeys/the-heart-can-keep-a-secret-podcast/ and https://thesource.fmolhealth.org/stories-that-inspire/healthcare-journeys/heart-story-coach-danny/   Learn more about Dr. DeWitt: https://doctors.lourdesrmc.com/provider/chance-de-witt/1890339

    The Widow Maker Caught in Time: A Heart Story

  3. Sep 17

    Prostate Cancer Wake-Up Call

    Michael Bonnette was in the best shape of his adult life when a phone call at his desk inside Tiger Stadium changed everything. A biopsy had confirmed prostate cancer.  In this collaborative episode of Straight from the Source with the Alligator Shoes Podcast with Michael Hackett, Michael shares his personal journey alongside his longtime friend and urologist, Dr. Jimmy Morris of FMOL Health | Our Lady of the Lake.  Michael opens up about the symptoms that led him to seek care, hearing his diagnosis and undergoing robotic surgery. Dr. Morris shares what men should know about prostate cancer risk, PSA screening and the importance of early detection.  Now, Michael is using his experience to encourage other men to take their health seriously, understand their risk and talk with their doctor about prostate cancer screening.  Key Moments  Michael Bonnette and Dr. Morris's relationship - 12:41 Getting fit and the cancer diagnosis – 20:56 Preventive care and PSA screening – 23:14 Advice from Dr. Morris - 26:54 Turning a prostate cancer diagnosis into advocacy - 25:35 Michael's new perspective - 31:05  Read more on The Source: https://thesource.fmolhealth.org/stories-that-inspire/healthcare-journeys/prostate-cancer-awareness-podcast/ Learn more about FMOL Health: https://www.fmolhealth.org  Learn more about FMOL Health | Our Lady of the Lake: https://www.fmolhealth.org/locations/greater-baton-rouge  Learn more about the Championship Health Partnership between FMOL Health | Our Lady of the Lake and LSU: https://www.fmolhs.org/lsu-championship-health-partners/athletics-sports-medicine   Watch more episodes of the Alligator Shoes Podcast with Michael Hackett: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjj1xJ5zU5eX-X_TO-Fn18A

  4. Aug 20

    Preparing for Weather Emergencies

    When disaster strikes, hospitals don't have the option to close their doors. Care must continue, even when roads are impassable, utilities fail and entire communities come to a standstill.  In this episode of Straight from the Source, host Stephanie sits down with leaders from FMOL Health | St. Francis and FMOL Health | Our Lady of the Lake to explore what emergency preparedness really looks like behind the scenes.  Thomas Gullatt, MD, president of St. Francis, Chief Nursing Officer Kayla Johnson, RN, MSN, and Chief Operating Officer Kevin Sale share how St. Francis responded during the historic January 2026 ice storm that left parts of Northeast Louisiana without power and water. They discuss the planning that happened before the storm, the teamwork that carried the hospital through days of challenging conditions and the lessons that continue to strengthen emergency response today.  The conversation also features Shamekia Hill, director of facilities at Our Lady of the Lake, who explains how her team prepares year-round for hurricane season. From maintaining generators and backup water systems to coordinating emergency supplies and infrastructure, she offers a behind-the-scenes look at the work patients rarely see but depend on every day.  Whether preparing for ice storms, hurricanes or any unexpected emergency, this episode highlights the planning, collaboration and mission-driven leadership that help FMOL Health continue serving communities when they need it most.  Key Moments  Why hospitals prepare differently for natural disasters – 03:47 Planning for the January 2026 ice storm – 05:32 How St. Francis continued caring for patients without city water: – 10:59 The teamwork that kept operations running – 13:37 Hurricane preparedness starts months before storm season – 31:57 The infrastructure that keeps hospitals open – 43:13 The mission behind emergency preparedness – 45:41  Read more on The Source: https://thesource.fmolhealth.org/stories-that-inspire/your-health-our-calling/ready-when-weather-emergencies-hit/ Learn more about FMOL Health: https://www.fmolhealth.org  Learn more about FMOL Health | St. Francis: https://www.fmolhealth.org/locations/northeast-louisiana   Learn more about FMOL Health | Our Lady of the Lake: https://www.fmolhealth.org/locations/greater-baton-rouge   Follow FMOL Health on social media:  https://www.facebook.com/fmolhealth  https://www.linkedin.com/company/fmolhealth    https://www.instagram.com/fmolhealth    https://www.twitter.com/fmolhealth    https://www.tiktok.com/@fmolhealth

  5. Jul 30

    Why Opioid Use Disorder Demands Urgency

    When Dr. Jason Green talks about opioid use disorder, he speaks from two perspectives: as a critical care physician and as a brother.  In this deeply personal episode of Straight From the Source, Dr. Green shares the story of his older brother, Michael, whose struggle with opioid use disorder forever changed the way he practices medicine.  Together, Dr. Green and host Stephanie explore the stigma that keeps many people from seeking help, the importance of meeting patients with compassion instead of judgment and the fleeting "window of opportunity" when someone is ready to accept treatment. Dr. Green also discusses how healthcare providers can create a safe place for healing through evidence-based care, continuity of support and human connection.  This conversation is about more than addiction. It's about dignity, hope and recognizing that every patient is more than a diagnosis.  Key Moments  Why So Many People with Opioid Use Disorder Don't Seek Help — 06:17 The Window of Opportunity When Someone Is Ready for Treatment — 06:37 What the Healthcare System Gets Right — and Wrong — 07:15 How Michael's Story Changed Dr. Jason Green Forever — 14:17 Treating Opioid Use Disorder Like the Medical Emergency It Is — 15:53 Tools and Support That Can Save Lives — 20:14 What Families and Providers Need to Hear Most — 24:28  If you or someone you love is struggling with opioid use disorder, know that help is available. Resources are linked below.  https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/helplines/national-helpline   https://opioidresponsenetwork.org/resources/   https://www.dea.gov/recovery-resources   https://www.fmolhs.org/locations/greater-baton-rouge/tau-center   https://www.fmolhs.org/services/mental-health/psychiatry   https://www.fmolhs.org/services/mental-health/adolescent-resources   https://www.fmolhs.org/services/mental-health/adult-resources   Hidden Curricula, Ethics, and Professionalism: Optimizing Clinical Learning Environments in Becoming and Being a Physician (ACP Position paper in Annals of Internal Medicine) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29482210/   The Curbsiders is a popular medical podcast that covered this topic: https://thecurbsiders.com/curbsiders-podcast/medical-education/125-hidden-curriculum   The Louisiana and National Bridge Programs have resources for medical professionals.  National Clinician Consultation Center: Substance Use Warmline Free, confidential, clinician-to-clinician phone consultation on evidence-based substance use evaluation and management. Available Monday – Friday, 7 AM to 5 PM PT (excluding holidays) to any provider in need of specialty addiction medicine consultation. Voicemail is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 1 (844) ASK-NCCC  Louisiana Provider-to-Provider Consultation Line (PPCL) for pediatric and perinatal mental health Providers can call the PPCL at (833) 721-2881 during regular business hours (8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) and speak directly with a mental health consultant or submit a consultation request online.  Bridge's Critical Access Toolkit includes materials explaining opioid use disorder, medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD), and overdose prevention tactics. https://bridgetotreatment.org/addiction-treatment/national-bridge/critical-access-toolkit/  Quick-access protocols to treat a patient on-shift: Bridge to Treatment  Outpatient Evidence-Based Psychotherapy for Substance Use Disorders The FMOL Health | Our Lady of the Lake Center for Psychiatric Services offers outpatient evidence-based psychotherapy services in the Baton Rouge market for individuals with substance use disorders (SUD), including opioid use disorder (OUD). Supported through funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Louisiana Department of Health, and in partnership with the LSU Department of Psychology, this initiative has expanded access to outpatient psychotherapy by increasing the number of supervised graduate student therapists-in-training available to provide evidence-based treatment. Services are led by Dr. Julia Buckner who provides clinical supervision. Referrals can be made by calling (225) 374-0423.  Read more on The Source: https://thesource.fmolhealth.org/stories-that-inspire/healthcare-journeys/window-of-opportunity/

  6. Jul 9

    What People Get Wrong About Their Health

    Curtis Chastain, MD, internal medicine physician and medical director of Lake Men's Health & Executive Wellness, joins host Jarrett to discuss some of the biggest health topics people are searching for today — from weight loss medications and heart health to stress, sleep and preventive care.  Drawing on more than three decades of experience, Dr. Chastain shares why feeling healthy isn't always the same as being healthy and explains why a strong relationship with a primary care provider remains one of the most important investments a person can make in their long-term health. Along the way, he offers practical insights on navigating today's healthcare landscape, including when to seek urgent care, how convenience is changing patient expectations and why preventive screenings matter even when you feel fine.  You'll also hear Dr. Chastain's perspective on GLP-1 medications, the growing impact of stress and information overload on mental and physical health, and the simple habits that can have the biggest impact on overall well-being.  Key Moments:  The Importance of Prevention and Primary Care – 05:23 Why Feeling Healthy Can Be Misleading – 07:13 A Heart Health Wake-Up Call – 10:01 What You Should Know About GLP-1 Medications – 18:45 Stress, Sleep and the Hidden Impact of Modern Life – 22:54 Health Myths, Trends and Screening Tests – 30:15 One Thing to Remember About Your Health – 33:06  Read more on The Source: https://thesource.fmolhealth.org/care-without-compromise/primary-preventive-care/trending-health-podcast/ Learn more about Dr. Chastain: https://doctors.ololrmc.com/provider/curtis-clifton-chastain-ii/1297244   Learn more about Lake Men's Health & Executive Wellness Clinic: https://www.fmolhs.org/locations/greater-baton-rouge/lake-mens-health  Dr. Chastain mentions two books in this episode:  Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek - https://simonsinek.com/books/leaders-eat-last  The Power of Full Engagement by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwarz - https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Power-of-Full-Engagement/Jim-Loehr/9780743226752

  7. Jun 11

    Why Academic Medicine Matters

    Graduate medical education plays a vital role in shaping the future of healthcare across Louisiana. In this episode of Straight from the Source, host Brian speaks with three leaders from FMOL Health's GME programs: Melissa Roy, MD, of FMOL Health | Our Lady of the Lake Children's Hospital, Dr. Shaista Qureshi of FMOL Health | St. Francis and Dr. Rick Stone of FMOL Health | Our Lady of the Angels Hospital.  Together, they discuss how residency programs in Baton Rouge, Monroe and Bogalusa are helping train the next generation of physicians while strengthening access to care in the communities FMOL Health serves.  From LSU-affiliated programs at Our Lady of the Lake and Our Lady of the Angels to independent residency programs at Our Lady of the Lake Children's Hospital and St. Francis, this conversation highlights the importance of mentorship, mission, community connection and preparing physicians to serve Louisiana for years to come.  Key Moments  What graduate medical education means for the future of healthcare – 4:34 Why community relationships are essential to residency training – 7:28 How residents strengthen care in Baton Rouge, Monroe and Bogalusa – 10:30 The collaboration between FMOL Health and LSU Health School of Medicine – 14:34 How St. Francis is expanding GME with its Family Medicine Residency Program – 16:34 The impact of academic medicine in action – 20:21 The rewarding moments that come from watching residents grow into physicians – 27:30 The connection between residency programs and the communities we're privileged to serve – 35:17  Learn more about FMOL Health's graduate medical education programs: https://www.fmolhs.org/research-education/graduate-medical-education   Learn more about Our Lady of the Lake's GME programs: https://www.fmolhs.org/research-education/graduate-medical-education/greater-baton-rouge   Learn more about Our Lady of the Lake Children's Hospital's Pediatric Residency program:  https://www.fmolhs.org/research-education/graduate-medical-education/our-lady-of-the-lake-pediatric-residency  Learn more about St. Francis's Family Medicine Residency Program: https://www.fmolhs.org/research-education/graduate-medical-education/sfmc-family-medicine-residency-program   Learn more about St. Francis's Internal Medicine Residency Program: https://www.fmolhs.org/research-education/graduate-medical-education/st-francis-medical-center-internal-medicine-residency-program   Learn more about the LSU Rural Family Medicine Residency Program at Our Lady of the Angels: https://www.fmolhs.org/research-education/graduate-medical-education/lsu-rural-family-medicine-residency-program   Straight from the Source is a podcast from FMOL Health. Have an idea for a future episode or topic? Leave a comment or email us at podcast@fmolhs.org.

  8. May 21

    A Burn Survivor's Journey

    Josepha Boudreaux and her husband, Jude, join host Brian to share the story of a Halloween night that changed their family's life in just 11 seconds.  What began as a fun family tradition quickly became a medical emergency when Josepha's handmade Cousin Itt costume caught fire, leaving her with burns covering more than 60 percent of her body. She was taken to FMOL Health | Our Lady of Lourdes Burn Center, where she spent 40 days receiving specialized care, multiple surgeries, skin grafts and rehabilitation support.  Joey Barrios, MD, Our Lady of Lourdes Burn Center medical director, also joins the episode to explain what makes burn care so complex, why large burns require a multidisciplinary team and how the Burn Center supports patients physically and emotionally throughout recovery.  This episode highlights Josepha's strength, her family's support, the role of faith and community, and the compassionate care that helped guide her from crisis to healing.  Key Moments  Josepha and Jude share their family's Halloween tradition –1:37 11 seconds that changed everything – 3:23 What made Josepha's burn injury so serious – 9:07 Inside the multidisciplinary care team at Our Lady of Lourdes Burn Center – 10:48 The role of family, faith and community support during recovery – 14:16 Josepha's transition home and ongoing rehabilitation – 18:36  Why former burn patients can be powerful sources of encouragement – 25:33  Learn more about FMOL Health | Our Lady of Lourdes Burn Center: https://www.fmolhs.org/locations/acadiana/our-lady-of-lourdes-burn-center   Straight from the Source is a podcast from FMOL Health. Have an idea for a future episode or topic? Leave a comment or email us at podcast@fmolhs.org

    A Burn Survivor's Journey
See All (16)

Trailer

About

Straight from The Source powered by FMOL Health isn't just another health podcast. Each episode brings you closer to the heart of how we healthcare: boldly, joyfully and with great love. You'll hear from the people who healthcare every day in conversations that are clear, personable and approachable.

Information