Willis Knighton Health Recognized by American College of Cardiology in U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Hospitals”
Willis Knighton Health has been recognized by the American College of Cardiology in the “Best Hospitals” issue of U.S. News & World Report as one of the top health organizations in the United States for providing top-quality care to heart patients in 2024.
The U.S. News & World Report issue recognizes Willis Knighton’s commitment to providing renowned hospital care for heart patients. Through participation in the ACC’s National Cardiovascular Data Registry (NCDR) and Accreditation programs, Willis Knighton has robust quality improvement programs using data to drive clinical improvements in adherence to guideline recommendations and overall quality of care for patients with cardiovascular conditions.
“It is an honor to be recognized
in this manner by the ACC. Willis Knighton has established itself as a leader in providing the highest quality cardiovascular care to our patients,” said Damarcus Davis, MHA, RRT-NPS, vice president of critical care. “Excellence is something we strive for daily with each patient in every interaction.”
Red River Bank Listed on 2024 Best Banks to Work For List
Red River Bank has been named one of the 2024 Best Banks to Work For. American Banker partnered with Best Companies Group to identify banks that excel at creating positive and supportive workplaces for employees. This year, 90 banks earned a spot in the ranking of Best Banks to Work For, based on ananonymous employee survey and a thorough review of the benefits and perks offered.
“The Best Banks to Work For represent institutions helping employees achieve their goals,” said Chana Schoenberger, editor-in-chief of American Banker. “These banks recognize how important it is for their staffers to be happy about the work they do and the environment in which they spend their days.”
On the 2024 list, Red River Bank was ranked No. 24. Red River Bank was also ranked No. 4 on the Best Banks to Work For list in the $3 billion to $10 billion assets category. The survey and award program is designed to identify and honor banks with the best cultures for helping employees thrive.
“When we say ‘We’re Your People,’ we don’t just mean our customers; we extend that belief to our employees as well,” said Red River Bank President and Chief Executive Officer Blake Chatelain. “At Red River Bank, we take pride in caring for our employees and helping them grow to reach their full potential. We frequently receive compliments on our company culture, and awards like this truly validate our efforts.”
LABI recognizes Cyber Innovation Center as a workforce development innovator for Louisiana
The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI) named the Cyber Innovation Center (CIC) as an innovator in workforce development in Louisiana. This award honors individuals or organizations who have substantially contributed to Louisiana’s workforce development. The award recognizes those who have excelled in creating, implementing, or supporting high-caliber education or workforce development initiatives aligned with closing the employment gap.
“It is an incredible honor to be recognized as the top innovator in workforce development for Louisiana. This award reflects our commitment to transforming the way we approach education and national defense,” said Kevin Nolten, CIC president. “Every day, we strive to foster growth, enhancement, and inclusivity within northwest Louisiana, and while we don’t do it for awards, this recognition motivates us to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in Louisiana that will not only benefit the regional community but the entire state.”
As anchor of the 3,000-acre National Cyber Research Park in Bossier City, CIC is a catalyst for developing and expanding a knowledge-based workforce. CIC promotes research, education, and technological innovation that supports the growing needs of government agencies, private industry, and academic institutions nationwide. With CYBER. ORG expanding cyber career awareness, resources, and development for K-12 students and STRIKEWERX offering technology transfer, technology transition, and
innovation resources for Air Force Global Strike Command, the CIC is a pioneer in the workforce development field.
Announces Incentives for Caddo and Bossier Film Prize Junior Teachers
The Prize Foundation announces that its Film Prize Junior program will now be able to pay teachers to help local students make films. With assistance from the Film Prize Junior staff and industry mentors, participating teachers will now be incentivized to help students learn the art, science, and business of filmmaking.
The Film Prize Junior Caddo / Bossier Teacher Incentive Program offers financial rewards for teachers who successfully guide their students through the Film Prize Junior process, from scriptwriting to production of a short film to festival participation (payment is per participating teacher):
- $100 for the lead teacher whose students’ script is submitted and approved by the Film Prize Junior team for production.
- d teacher of a completed film approved for participation in the online and in-person Film Prize Junior Festival.
- A bonus of $150 for the lead teacher of a completed film competing in the animation genre
- $100 for the teacher who fully participates in the Film Prize Junior Festival, including watching a slate of films and guiding students through Production Island and educational panels.
“We’ve always wanted to do this for the teachers, and thanks to the Community Foundation, we are finally able to incentivize educators to be a part of this innovative experiential learning program,” said Gregory Kallenberg, Executive Director of the Prize Foundation. “I hope this attracts more teachers and students to take the transformative journey of Film Prize Junior.”
For more information about Film Prize Junior or the Teacher Incentive Pay Program, please visit filmprizejr.com.
Ochsner LSU Health named to U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Hospitals for Maternity Care
U.S. News & World Report, the global authority in hospital rankings and consumer advice, has named Ochsner LSU Health – St. Mary Medical Center as a 2025 High-Performing hospital for Maternity Care. This is the highest award a hospital can earn as part of U.S. News’ Best Hospitals for Maternity Care annual study.
The hospital provides an array of women’s services and is the largest birthing center in north Louisiana and the third largest in the state, with more than 2,400 babies delivered last year. Additionally, it is the only hospital in the area with OB/GYNs and anesthesiologists onsite 24/7.
“We are incredibly proud of the team at St. Mary Medical Center for the work they do every day to ensure our patients are given the best possible care, especially for our new moms and their babies,” said Riley Waddell, chief executive officer of Ochsner LSU Health – St. Mary Medical Center. “Providing a safe, nurturing environment in those first days of their lives together creates the foundation for a happy, healthy journey for families. Our St. Mary Medical Center team excels at this level of maternity and perinatal care and is extremely deserving of this recognition.”
U.S. News evaluated 817 hospitals from across the United States. Only half of all hospitals evaluated for U.S. News’ 2025 ratings edition have been recognized as Best Hospitals for Maternity Care.
Dr. Mark Callanan Performs Region’s First ACL Repair Using Innovative BEAR Implant
Mark Callanan, MD, of The Orthopedic Clinic, has performed an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair using BEAR Implant, the first medical advancement to enable the body to heal its own torn ACL. The surgery was performed at Willis Knighton Portico Center. Willis Knighton is the first in north Louisiana to offer BEAR ACL repairs.
The ACL is one of the key ligaments that help stabilize the knee joint. It connects the thigh bone to the shinbone. Injuries to the ACL most often are sports-related. Torn ACLs do not heal by reconnecting independently as other ligament tears do. An orthopedic surgeon must remove the torn ACL ends and replace them with a graft during a conventional reconstruction operation.
By contrast, Bear Implant is a minimally invasive procedure where the ACL is first repaired back to the femoral wall. The BEAR Implant is then injected with the patient’s blood and inserted into the torn ends of the ACL. As the ACL heals, the body absorbs the implant, usually within eight weeks.
“While this isn’t indicated for every patient, this is an excellent option for certain candidates to primarily repair their ACL versus having to do a full reconstruction following an injury,” Dr. Callanan said. “There are many studies and evolving clinical practice of ACL repair versus reconstruction in sports medicine, and the BEAR Implant is at the forefront.”
Willis Knighton First in Region to Offer Innovative Procedure to Lower Blood Pressure in Patients with Uncontrolled Hypertension
A new treatment option for patients with uncontrollable high blood pressure is now available at Willis Knighton Health. Willis Knighton is the first healthcare provider in the region to offer Paradise® Ultrasound Renal Denervation, a minimally invasive procedure that helps lower blood pressure in patients with uncontrolled hypertension. Ryan Master, MD, interventional cardiologist with Willis Knighton Pierremont Cardiology, along with Drs. Paul Stafford and Jonathan Davis, performed the procedure at Willis Knighton Heart & Vascular Institute.
Paradise Ultrasound Renal Denervation is an FDA approved system that uses ultrasound energy delivered through a balloon catheter inserted from the femoral artery into the renal artery to reduce activity of sympathetic renal nerves. Dr. Master said clinical trials have shown that renal denervation can be an effective option for patients who are unable to lower blood pressure with changes in lifestyle and medications.
“Willis Knighton is committed to providing our patients leading technology to improve their overall health and being at the forefront investing in the latest advances in treatment of hypertension and heart disease prevention,” Dr. Master said. “I am glad we now have an alternate treatment to offer our patients who are unable to get goal blood pressure despite having attempted treatment with diet, exercise and medications.”
