Straight from the Source

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 [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 [podcast@fmolhs.org]

FMOL Health is Changing the Course of Sepsis Care

Christopher Thomas, MD, vice president and chief quality officer at FMOL Health, and Hollis "Bud" O'Neal, MD, medical director of research at FMOL Health | Our Lady of the Lake, join host Lexi to discuss how FMOL Health is advancing sepsis care through innovation, research and system-wide collaboration. In this episode, they share the story behind IntelliSep, from its early development to real-world implementation, and discuss how a new approach to detecting the body's immune response is helping clinicians identify sepsis earlier and act with greater confidence. The conversation also highlights the importance of aligning teams, workflows and data to translate innovation into meaningful outcomes, including reductions in mortality, length of stay and unnecessary antibiotic use. You'll hear how FMOL Health is scaling this work across the health system and contributing to a broader shift in how sepsis is identified and treated nationwide — including the real-world impact for patients like Kristen Degelman, a nurse practitioner at FMOL Health | St. Dominic whose experience with sepsis underscores the importance of early detection. Key Moments: * The challenge of identifying sepsis early and why it remains a critical gap in care – 3:52 * The personal and professional experiences that sparked the idea behind IntelliSep – 5:13 * How a chance connection led to early research and collaboration with Cytovale – 7:22 * Why implementation and clinical workflows are key to driving impact – 18:01 * The measurable outcomes seen across FMOL Health – 29:34 * Scaling innovation across a health system and sharing insights to improve care nationwide – 35:08 * Kristen Degelman's sepsis story – 40:00 Learn more about IntelliSep and how FMOL Health has revolutionized sepsis detection and care: https://thesource.fmolhealth.org/body/research/understanding-sepsis-and-how-were-breaking-new-ground-with-treatment [https://thesource.fmolhealth.org/body/research/understanding-sepsis-and-how-were-breaking-new-ground-with-treatment] Read more about IntelliSep on The Source: https://thesource.fmolhealth.org/?s=intellisep [https://thesource.fmolhealth.org/?s=intellisep] Learn more about medical research at FMOL Health: https://www.fmolhs.org/research-education [https://www.fmolhs.org/research-education] 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 [podcast@fmolhs.org]

How FMOL Health is Redefining Pediatric Care

Shaun Kemmerly, MD, chief medical officer and interim president at FMOL Health | Our Lady of the Lake Children's Health, joins host Stephanie to discuss the state of pediatric healthcare in the Gulf South and how FMOL Health is leading the way in improving access and outcomes for children. Dr. Kemmerly shares how FMOL Health is addressing critical challenges like the shortage of pediatricians in rural areas, the need for advanced trauma care, and the importance of mental and behavioral health programs. She also highlights the health system's innovative investments, including a 3T MRI that has drastically reduced wait times for imaging and a pediatric residency program that's training the next generation of physicians. You'll hear how FMOL Health is working to ensure every child has access to the care they need, no matter where they live, and why this mission is so vital to the community. Key Moments: * The State of Pediatric Healthcare in the Gulf South – 3:20 * Expanding Access to Pediatricians in Rural Areas – 9:00 * Trauma Care Excellence: Saving Lives in Critical Moments – 13:02 * Innovation in Pediatric Imaging: Our 3T MRI – 12:00 * Mental and Behavioral Health: A Multidisciplinary Approach – 22:27 * The Future of Pediatric Healthcare: Residency and Fellowship Programs – 27:48 Learn more about FMOL Health | Our Lady of the Lake Children's Health: https://www.fmolhs.org/services/childrens-health Learn more about the new 3T MRI: https://thesource.fmolhealth.org/care-without-compromise/pediatric-excellence/lake-childrens-hospital-new-3t-mri/ [https://thesource.fmolhealth.org/care-without-compromise/pediatric-excellence/lake-childrens-hospital-new-3t-mri/] Learn about our pediatric residency program: https://www.fmolhs.org/research-education/graduate-medical-education/our-lady-of-the-lake-pediatric-residency [https://www.fmolhs.org/research-education/graduate-medical-education/our-lady-of-the-lake-pediatric-residency] Learn about the Burrow Blueprint: https://www.fmolhs.org/news/our-lady-of-the-lake-childrens-health-to-implement-the-burrow-blueprint [https://www.fmolhs.org/news/our-lady-of-the-lake-childrens-health-to-implement-the-burrow-blueprint] Learn about our partnership with Manning Family Children's: https://thesource.fmolhealth.org/care-without-compromise/pediatric-excellence/celebrating-one-year-of-amazing-and-extraordinary-together/ [https://thesource.fmolhealth.org/care-without-compromise/pediatric-excellence/celebrating-one-year-of-amazing-and-extraordinary-together/] Learn more about our Epilepsy Monitoring Unit: https://thesource.fmolhealth.org/care-without-compromise/pediatric-excellence/hope-for-families-facing-epilepsy/ [https://thesource.fmolhealth.org/care-without-compromise/pediatric-excellence/hope-for-families-facing-epilepsy/] Learn more about the Aerodigestive Clinic and Dr. Lauren Buck: https://thesource.fmolhealth.org/care-without-compromise/pediatric-excellence/aerodigestive-clinic-care-close-to-home/ [https://thesource.fmolhealth.org/care-without-compromise/pediatric-excellence/aerodigestive-clinic-care-close-to-home/] 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 [podcast@fmolhs.org]

Sports Medicine for Every Body

Catherine O'Neal, MD, chief academic officer at FMOL Health, joins host Jarrett in this episode of Straight from the Source, filmed on location at LSU's sports podcast studio. Dr. O'Neal talks about sports medicine for everyone, from elite athletes to everyday active adults and shares how FMOL Health is expanding access. Dr. O'Neal explains how sports medicine bridges prevention, performance and recovery for people of all ages and activity levels. You'll hear why sports medicine isn't just about treating injuries, but about creating a pathway for active, healthy living. Dr. O'Neal also discusses the progress being made toward a future hub for integrated care, performance and research and how this model benefits everyone, from student athletes to older adults looking to stay active. Whether you're an athlete, a weekend warrior or just looking to maintain mobility and wellness, this conversation offers practical insights, inspiration and a behind-the-scenes look at sports medicine, Straight from the Source. Key Moments * What Sports Medicine Really Means - 1:53 * Primary Care Meets Orthopedics: A Team Approach - 2:09 * Making Sports Medicine Accessible Across the Community - 3:19 * Traction and Youth Programs: Building Healthy Habits Early - 10:49 * BROC Collaboration: Seamless Injury Care and Prevention - 15:49 * The Future of Sports Medicine in Baton Rouge - 23:07 * Why Sports Medicine Matters for Everyday Life - 23:28 Learn more about FMOL Health | Our Lady of the Lake and LSU's Championship Health Partnership: https://www.fmolhs.org/lsu-championship-health-partners [https://www.fmolhs.org/lsu-championship-health-partners] Learn more about sports medicine services across our health system: https://www.fmolhs.org/services/sports-medicine [https://www.fmolhs.org/services/sports-medicine] Books mentioned in this episode: * The Sports Gene [https://davidepstein.com/david-epstein-the-sports-gene/] by David Epstein * Range [https://davidepstein.com/range/] by David Epstein Read more on The Source: https://thesource.fmolhealth.org/live-well/physical-activity-fitness/sports-medicine-podcast/ [https://thesource.fmolhealth.org/live-well/physical-activity-fitness/sports-medicine-podcast/] 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 [podcast@fmolhs.org]

Inside the Work of Strengthening Rural Healthcare

FMOL Health Vice President of Rural Strategy Dave Estorge and Emilio Russo, MD, FAAFP, department chair and associate professor of family medicine with LSU Health, join host Lexi in this episode of Straight from the Source. They talk candidly about rural health, the challenges communities face, the hope that drives the work and why relationships are at the center of every strategy. Estorge shares how rural hospitals serve as the backbone of their communities and why partnership, not competition, is key to strengthening care close to home. Dr. Russo discusses the LSU Rural Family Medicine Residency Program at FMOL Health | Our Lady of the Angels Hospital in Bogalusa and what it means to train physicians who truly belong to the communities they serve. You'll hear stories of transfer coordination, supporting families who must travel for care, and the simple human touches, even a thank-you email, that build trust across hospitals and communities. Whether you live in a rural community, serve in one of our facilities or simply care about the future of access to healthcare, this conversation offers perspective, connection and hope, Straight from the Source. Key Moments * Why Rural Health Matters – 6:54 * A Simple Email that Changes Everything in Transfers – 4:51 * When a Transfer Is More Than a Transfer – 8:53 * "Health Is Relationship": Redefining What Care Really Means – 9:15 * Connecting Care Along the I-10 and I-12 Corridors – 18:58 * Supporting Families on the Road – 28:44 * Bogalusa as Teacher: Training Physicians Through Community – 36:42 Learn more about the LSU Rural Family Medicine Residency Program: https://www.fmolhs.org/research-education/graduate-medical-education/lsu-rural-family-medicine-residency-program [https://www.fmolhs.org/research-education/graduate-medical-education/lsu-rural-family-medicine-residency-program] Read more on The Source: https://thesource.fmolhealth.org/about-us/mission/rural-health-is-relationship-centered/ [https://thesource.fmolhealth.org/about-us/mission/rural-health-is-relationship-centered/] 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 [podcast@fmolhs.org]