Seven from School of Medicine recognized as Health Care Heroes

CityBusiness, a New Orleans-based publication, recently announced its 2022 list of Health Care Heroes, including six School of Medicine physicians and one leader in its “professional” category. Started in 2007, the annual Health Care Heroes list honors healthcare professionals in the New Orleans area in the following categories: first responders, nursing, physicians, professionals and volunteers. Honorees are selected based on industry achievement and community involvement. This year, Tulane had six of the 22 doctors recognized in the physician category. To see the full list, click here.

Professional

Bennetta Horne, PhD, Assistant Dean for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and Director, Office of Multicultural Affairs

Bennetta Horne has built her career on seeing the possibilities. She’s helped countless students make their dreams of attending a university and medical school become realities. Horne was recently named assistant dean for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and she’s also director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs at the School of Medicine.

Physician

Adrian Baudy, MD, Associate Professor and Program Director of the Nephrology Fellowship

Dr. Adrian Baudy grew up watching his family undergo treatments for heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure and stroke. His loved ones’ experiences with doctors inspired him to become one himself. Baudy came up with an idea to help lower their sodium intake. He knew his patients wouldn't give up their spicy foods, so Baudy developed a salt-free hot sauce and began giving it to his patients. He now sells it to people around the world, not for profit, but in an effort to show that eating healthier doesn't have to be boring.

Keith Ferdinand, MD, Professor of Medicine and Gerald S. Berenson Chair in Preventative Cardiology

Dr. Keith Ferdinand has been a leader in communicating the health issues related to COVID-19 for the Black community in New Orleans, providing scientific facts on the condition and the vaccine. He has been and is still heavily involved in many national organizations including the Association of Black Cardiologists, the American Society of Hypertension, and the Healthy Heart Community Prevention Program, a cardiovascular risk program targeting African American and other high-risk populations.

Meghan Howell, MD, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics

Dr. Meghan Howell is a Children’s Hospital pediatrician and is the clinical director of the hospital’s NICU graduate program. She also serves as Children’s Hospital’s school wellness program and ThriveKids liaison. A fierce advocate for her patients, she is passionate about reaching children and families where they are every day, to promote health and wellness at home and in school settings. She has built and expanded the NICU graduate clinic, which treats growth issues associated with premature birth in babies and children who have experienced time in NICU.

Jacey Jones, MD, Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine

Dr. Jacey Jones came home to New Orleans after medical school because she wanted to take care of the same community who raised her. Both of Jones’ parents are doctors, and she followed their lead. She says growing up in her New Orleans East neighborhood and understanding the challenges and the reasons to celebrate help her connect with patients. Jones also volunteers her time and expertise outside the hospital, including speaking to area high schools about the importance of getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

Mary Mulcahey, MD, Associate Professor in Orthopaedics and Assistant Dean of Faculty Affairs

Dr. Mary Mulcahey uses her knowledge and experience to help her patients in New Orleans. She is also extremely passionate about trying to inspire women to become orthopedic surgeons. In February 2022, Mulcahey was appointed as an assistant dean of Faculty Affairs at the School of Medicine. She is also the assistant residency program director and director of the Women’s Sports Medicine Program. Mulcahey is the team physician for several area sports teams. She is also passionate about trying to expand the diversity of future orthopedic surgeons.
   
Myo Thwin Myint, MD, Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics and Program Director of Fellowship/Residency Training

Dr. Myo Thwin Myint advocates for patients and families, especially LGBTQ+ and minority/marginalized populations, to have access to care that is collaborative, coordinated, and that integrates physical and mental health. Myint serves as co-chair on one of the committees within the Presidential Commission on Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (REDI) and promotes systemic changes for the well-being of students, residents, fellows, faculty and staff.