New Orleans East Hospital Names New CMO
New Orleans East Hospital recently announced Candace S. Robinson, MD as Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Robinson has been a part of the New Orleans East Hospital family since July 2014, and previously served as Staff Physician, and most recently as Emergency Department Medical Director.
“Our staff is pleased to have Dr. Robinson assume the role of CMO of New Orleans East Hospital,” said Dr. Takeisha Davis, President and CEO of New Orleans East Hospital. “We are confident in her ability to be a liaison between our medical staff and hospital administration. She will ensure safe, effective, and efficient delivery of quality healthcare that is consistent with the mission and vision of New Orleans East Hospital.”
Dr. Robinson brings more than 10 years of medical experience having served as a Clinical and Adjunct Professor of Practice, Staff Physician, Assistant Medical Director of Emergency Department, as well as Medical Director of Emergency Department. She earned her bachelor’s from Xavier University and a master’s degree from Tulane University.
Dr. Robinson is certified by the American Board of Emergency Medicine, the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners, and serves on a variety of New Orleans East Hospital committees.
“I am excited for the opportunity to carry on the responsibility of being Chief Medical Officer,” Robinson said. “I look forward to continuing my career with my New Orleans East Hospital family.”
New Orleans East Hospital, under LCMC Health Network, is celebrating five years of providing healthcare with extraordinary care. Since opening its doors on July 14, 2014, New Orleans East Hospital has steadily increased services and responded to the need for a full-service hospital for residents in New Orleans East.
Local Students Take Part in American Heart Association Inaugural HBCU Scholars Program Focused on Increasing Diversity in Cardiovascular Research
The American Heart Association (AHA) recently launched its Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Scholars program in New Orleans, with a special dinner recognizing the 2019-2020 inaugural class of scholars and mentors.
Designed to support the development of minority scientists and healthcare professionals, the regional program pairs a student with a local American Heart Association connected researcher to understand the impact of cardiovascular disease in the community, learn the factors affecting the health of vulnerable populations, and sample areas of scientific inquiry. The inaugural class includes four students from s Dillard and Xavier universities: Morgan Jackson (Xavier), Delilah Davis (Dillard), and Janee Knox (Dillard), Brianna Allen (Xavier).)
“We are excited to share what we do every day with scholars that otherwise may never have been exposed to scientific research,” said Dr. Sarah Lindsey, Associate Professor in Pharmacology at Tulane School of Medicine and a HBCU mentor. “We hope that this program inspires them to tell their communities about healthy lifestyles as well as the importance of science.”
Historically Black colleges and universities graduate the largest numbers of African American scholars in the field of medicine. More than 70% of African American medical professionals earn degrees from these institutions, but the numbers of students studying biological sciences has been declining. In 1978, there were 1,410 Black male applicants to medical school, compared with 1,337 in 2014. Currently, only 3% of professionals working in the biological and medical sciences are African American.
“The American Heart Association understands diversity is key in solving the treatment and prevention issues that impact cardiovascular health,” said Brittany Gay, Executive Director, American Heart Association of Greater New Orleans. “Ensuring diversity in the pool of students pursuing science and healthcare is vital. We are proud to have this opportunity to elevate these four amazing students, thankful to their mentors, and look forward to seeing what they do with their future careers as they learn and grow in our community.”
Along with contributing diverse perspectives to science investigation, minority doctors, nurses and researchers enhance health treatment for individuals of color and help close significant health disparities. Underserved minorities who become medical professionals are also more likely to return to practice in their communities where cultural sensitivity can create trust and improve outcomes. Greater access to care for low-income, multicultural and non-English speaking patients is also often associated with physician diversity.
With the Dillard and Xavier students, there are a total of 26 scholars in the program. Other schools include Spelman College, Morehouse College, Clark Atlanta University, Jackson State University, Tougaloo College, Fisk University, Tennessee State, Miles College, Lawson State Community College, Stillman College and Shelton State Community College.
