Beyond Extraordinary

On this episode of Beyond Extraordinary, host Kristen Gradney, Chief Wellness Officer, sits down with LaDana Williams, Vice President of Community Engagement at University Medical Center New Orleans, to discuss how LCMC Health is working beyond hospital walls to build healthier communities across the Greater New Orleans area.

Together, they explore how access to nutritious food, health education, transportation, and other essential resources impacts overall health and well-being. LaDana shares how UMC HEALS is addressing community health needs through initiatives like a hospital food pantry, diabetes education programs, grocery store tours, and cooking classes that help patients and families build healthier habits.

They also discuss the importance of investing in future health care professionals through hands-on learning opportunities at Warren Easton Charter High School, building partnerships through Together for Good with organizations like Second Harvest Food Bank and the Junior League of Greater New Orleans, and supporting community wellness through initiatives like the Crescent City Classic and the Raising Cane’s Ninth Ward Stadium at LCMC Health Field. LaDana shares why collaboration, meeting people where they are and addressing the needs of each community are essential to creating a healthier future for all.

On this episode of Beyond Extraordinary, host Kristen Gradney, Chief Wellness Officer, sits down with Dr. Amelia Jernigan, Cancer Service Line Director for LCMC Health and Division Director of Gynecologic Oncology at LSU Health New Orleans, to discuss how academic medicine and investment in cancer care are expanding access to advanced, comprehensive treatment across South Louisiana.

Together, they explore the importance of timely, specialized care for patients facing a cancer diagnosis, from advanced technology and subspecialty expertise to nurse navigation, supportive resources, rare cancer programs, and clinical trials. Dr. Jernigan shares how partnerships with academic institutions, including LSU Health New Orleans and Tulane Medicine, are helping strengthen cancer care in the region, while the LSU LCMC Health Cancer Center brings specialized expertise, innovative treatments, and clinical research closer to home.

 They also discuss the $2 million expansion of the cancer center at University Medical Center New Orleans, the development of new cancer programs, the recruitment of subspecialists, and the role of clinical trials in giving patients access to promising treatments. Dr. Jernigan shares why these investments give her hope for the future of cancer care, and what they mean for patients and families across Louisiana. 

In this episode of Beyond Extraordinary, host Kristen Gradney, Chief Wellness Officer, sits down with University Medical Center New Orleans and LSU Health New Orleans' Dr. Seth Vignes, hospitalist and addiction medicine researcher, and Dr. Benjamin Springgate, an internal medicine physician, to talk about changing the way substance use disorder is treated across our community. They share what inspired their work, why expanding access to care matters and how LCMC Health is taking a system-wide approach to supporting people with substance use disorders.

From making Narcan more accessible to introducing substance use navigators and connecting people with ongoing care beyond the hospital, these efforts are designed to meet people wherever they are in their journey. The conversation also explores the importance of reducing stigma, integrating addiction medicine into primary care, equipping providers with the education and resources they need, and creating a culture of care that treats substance use disorder as a medical condition. Together, these efforts are helping expand access to lifesaving care and create meaningful, lasting change across the communities LCMC Health serves.

On this episode of Beyond Extraordinary, host Kristen Gradney, Chief Wellness Officer, sits down with Dr. David Yu, Chief Medical Officer at Manning Family Children's, to discuss how one of the nation's fastest-growing children's hospitals is expanding access to advanced pediatric care while staying deeply rooted in the New Orleans community. 

Together, they explore the hospital's vision for becoming a nationally recognized destination for pediatric care, highlighting recent milestones including its Level I Pediatric Trauma Center designation, plans for a state-of-the-art NICU expansion, and groundbreaking innovations like Louisiana's first FDA-approved gene therapy for sickle cell disease. Dr. Yu also shares how programs like ThriveKids and the Gulf South's first Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension Treatment and Research Center are bringing specialized care closer to home for children and families across the region. 

They also discuss the importance of combining innovation with compassionate, family-centered care, investing in the next generation of healthcare providers, and ensuring every child—regardless of where they live or their circumstances—has access to world-class pediatric medicine right here in Louisiana. 

On this episode of Beyond Extraordinary, host Kristen Gradney, Chief Wellness Officer, sits down with Dr. Annelies De Wulf, Director of Violence Intervention Services at University Medical Center New Orleans, and Dr. Erika Rajo, Director of the Seeds of NOLA Trauma Recovery Center, to discuss how healthcare systems can play a critical role in addressing community violence and supporting trauma recovery.

Together, they explore the continuum of care available to survivors of violence and traumatic injury, from bedside support in the emergency department to long-term counseling, case management, and recovery services. Dr. De Wulf and Dr. Rajo share how violence interrupters, trauma psychologists, and community partners work together to reduce cycles of violence, promote healing, and help individuals rebuild stability after life-altering events.

They also discuss the importance of trauma-informed care, the connection between violence and public health, and how collaborative efforts across healthcare, government, and community organizations are helping create safer, healthier communities throughout New Orleans.

On this episode of Beyond Extraordinary, host Kristen Gradney, Chief Wellness Officer, sits down with Andrea Patton, Senior Director of Women's Services, to celebrate Women's Health Month and explore the full spectrum of care available to women across the LCMC Health system.

From essential screenings and preventive care at every stage of life, to the risks women face from breast, cervical, and ovarian cancers, Andrea and Kristen break down what it truly means to prioritize your health. They also highlight LCMC Health's expanding Women's Health services, including five nationally recognized birthing hospitals, a $14 million investment in women's and newborn care at Lakeside Hospital, a new 60-bed Level 4 NICU at Manning Family Children's, and community programs like Family Connects and Project M.O.M. aimed at improving maternal health outcomes across Louisiana.

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.