Beyond Extraordinary

On this episode of Beyond Extraordinary, host Caroline Giepert, Public Relations Specialist at LCMC Health, sits down with Dr. Watkins from Manning Family Children’s to discuss the groundbreaking arrival of gene therapy for patients living with Sickle Cell Disease in Louisiana.Together, they explore why this moment represents a major shift in care for a condition that affects millions worldwide but has historically received far less research funding and attention than other genetic diseases. Dr. Watkins explains how new gene therapies work, why they offer hope for patients with the most severe forms of the disease, and the complex infrastructure required to deliver these treatments safely.The conversation also highlights the collaborative effort behind launching a gene therapy program—from stem cell collection and specialized labs to nurses, pharmacists, and multidisciplinary care teams. Dr. Watkins shares how Manning Family Children’s has built the capacity to provide this advanced treatment locally, making it the only center in Louisiana currently offering gene therapy for sickle cell disease.Caroline and Dr. Watkins also discuss the broader impact on access to care across the Gulf South. With many patients traveling from rural communities and neighboring states, the program is helping close longstanding gaps in specialty care while positioning LCMC Health as a regional leader in innovative treatment.The episode also brings the human side of medicine into focus, including the story of a patient whose lifelong dream of becoming a pilot may now be possible because of gene therapy—illustrating how medical innovation can transform not just health outcomes, but entire life trajectories.They wrap up by looking ahead to the future of gene therapy, which Dr. Watkins believes will expand rapidly over the next decade, and why health systems must invest now to ensure patients have access to the next generation of treatments.Tune in for a powerful conversation about innovation, health equity, and how cutting-edge science is creating new possibilities for patients and families across Louisiana and beyond.

On this episode of Beyond Extraordinary, host Kristen Gladney, Chief Wellness Officer at LCMC Health, sits down with Devin Brittain, RD, LDN at the University Medical Center New Orleans Cancer Center, to break down the newly released 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans during National Nutrition Month.Together, they unpack what the latest recommendations mean for everyday eating—from the push to “eat real food” and limit ultra-processed items to new guidance on sugar, saturated fats, alcohol, and dairy. Devin explains how the guidelines are developed, the role of expert advisory committees, and why transparency around potential conflicts of interest matters.The conversation also tackles practical questions many people have: How can you realistically reduce processed foods in a busy lifestyle? What should you look for on a nutrition label? Are full-fat dairy and higher animal protein recommendations the right move for everyone? And how much added sugar is really too much?Kristen and Devin also explore the challenges of implementing guidelines in real life—especially in food-centric communities like New Orleans—while emphasizing moderation, personalization, and the importance of working with healthcare providers to build sustainable habits.The episode wraps with simple wellness tips, including Devin’s favorite nutrition hack (hello, Greek yogurt) and the reminder that healthy eating doesn’t have to be restrictive—it’s about balance, awareness, and making informed choices.Tune in for a practical, thoughtful conversation on how national nutrition guidance translates to real life—and how small changes can support long-term health.

On this episode of Beyond Extraordinary, host Dr. Toni Flowers, Chief Opportunity and Social Responsibility Officer at LCMC Health, sits down with Dr. Jamil Borgi, Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery, and Dr. Sasa Vukelic, Vice Chief of Cardiology at Tulane University School of Medicine and Director of Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology at East Jefferson General Hospital. Together, they explore the vision and momentum behind building a world-class advanced heart failure and transplant program in the Gulf South.Drawing on their shared experience working together in New York, the physicians discuss how trust, teamwork, and a multidisciplinary approach are transforming care for some of the sickest cardiac patients—many of whom previously had to leave Louisiana for treatment. The conversation dives into cutting-edge therapies including cardiogenic shock management, ventricular assist devices, heart recovery strategies, and heart transplantation, as well as the program’s focus on high-risk and complex cases other centers may turn away.They also highlight the growing regional impact of the program, expanded access to advanced cardiac surgery, and what families facing end-stage heart failure should know about the comprehensive care now available close to home. Looking ahead, the episode offers insight into the future of advanced heart and lung care at LCMC Health—and the lasting legacy being built for New Orleans and the entire Gulf South.

We’re kicking off Season Two with host Dr. Toni Flowers and special guest Dr. Jeffrey Elder, Chief Medical Officer of University Medical Center New Orleans and an emergency medicine physician. Together, they explore how LCMC Health prepares for one of the city’s biggest and most iconic seasons: Mardi Gras. From managing massive crowd influxes and common parade-day injuries to preparing for large-scale emergencies, Dr. Elder shares how LCMC Health teams train year-round to keep residents and visitors safe.The conversation also highlights LCMC Health’s partnership with the New Orleans Health Department, including first aid stations along parade routes, emergency preparedness, and the ways care extends beyond hospital walls during Carnival season. Plus, a look at how LCMC Health employees embrace the spirit of Mardi Gras—both as caregivers and community members.Join us as we launch Season Two with an inside look at emergency readiness, community collaboration, and what it takes to keep the Carnival season joyful and safe for all.New episodes drop the second Tuesday of every month.

On this episode, Dr. Toni Flowers, Chief Opportunity and Social Responsibility Officer, and Kristen Gradney, Chief Wellness Officer at LCMC Health, reflect on a year of groundbreaking achievements and community impact. From East Jefferson General Hospital earning heart transplant accreditation to the launch of the Transformational Prostate Cancer Research Center, they explore major strides in cardiology, maternal health, and cancer care. The conversation also highlights the renaming of Manning Family Children’s, pioneering gene therapy for sickle cell disease, and expanded access through Thrive Kids Community Clinic. Beyond clinical innovation, they discuss how LCMC Health showed up for Louisiana during crises—from the Bourbon Street attack to a historic snowstorm—while advancing violence prevention and addressing health disparities. Tune in for an inspiring look at how 2025 shaped the future of care and what it means for the year ahead.

On this episode of Beyond Extraordinary, Dr. Toni Flowers, Chief Opportunity and Social Responsibility Officer at LCMC Health, sits down with Dr. Robin McGoey, Corporate Chief Academic Officer. Together, they dive into LCMC Health’s expansive academic partnerships with LSU Health, Tulane University, and other institutions—and how these collaborations are shaping the future of healthcare in Louisiana. From building a strong physician pipeline to advancing clinical research and improving patient care, this conversation explores why academic medicine truly equals better health. 

On this episode of Beyond Extraordinary, Dr. Candace Robinson, Chief Medical Officer at Touro, sits down with Dr. Takeisha Davis, President and CEO of New Orleans East Hospital. Together, they explore the critical role of health literacy in improving patient outcomes and advancing health equity across the Greater New Orleans community. From her beginnings in public health to her leadership at LCMC Health, Dr. Davis shares how understanding, communication, and empowerment can transform the way patients experience care. They discuss the barriers that keep communities from fully accessing their health potential, the programs bridging those gaps, and why true healing starts when patients and providers speak the same language. 

On this episode of Beyond Extraordinary, Kristen Gradney, Chief Wellness Officer for LCMC Health, sits down with Dr. Oliver Sartor, Director of the Transformational Prostate Cancer Research Center at East Jefferson General Hospital. Together, they explore the urgent realities of prostate cancer in Louisiana and across the nation—unpacking the importance of early screening, the power of personalized care, and the groundbreaking therapies reshaping survival and quality of life for men. From molecularly targeted radiation to cutting-edge immunotherapy, Dr. Sartor shares his vision for transforming prostate cancer care and why listening to patients is just as vital as leading the science.

On this special episode of Beyond Extraordinary, Dr. Peter DeBlieux, Emergency Physician, and Charlotte Parent, RN, MHCM, Vice President of Business Development at University Medical Center New Orleans, reflect on UMC’s 10-year anniversary. They share how Hurricane Katrina became the catalyst for UMC’s development and how the hospital has grown into a cornerstone of care and innovation for the region. 

On this episode of Beyond Extraordinary, CJ Marbley, New Orleans East Hospital COO & CNO  and University Medical Center New Orleans VP, Nursing Operations will dive into men's health and the importance of that "90,000-mile checkup."

On this episode of Beyond Extraordinary, Alyana Samai, VP of Neuroscience, will dive into the exceptional stroke care provided at our adult hospitals. 

On this episode of Beyond Extraordinary, Rob Calhoun, our Senior VP of Hospital Services, joins us to explore his vision and growth strategies for our service lines.

LCMC Health CEO Greg Feirn joins us to introduce our system and share a little about who we are, what we do, and how we are going beyond extraordinary to care for our community.