Michael Bonnette was in the best shape of his adult life when a phone call at his desk inside Tiger Stadium changed everything. A biopsy had confirmed prostate cancer.

In this collaborative episode of Straight from the Source with the Alligator Shoes Podcast with Michael Hackett, Michael shares his personal journey alongside his longtime friend and urologist, Dr. Jimmy Morris of FMOL Health | Our Lady of the Lake.

Michael opens up about the symptoms that led him to seek care, hearing his diagnosis and undergoing robotic surgery. Dr. Morris shares what men should know about prostate cancer risk, PSA screening and the importance of early detection.

Now, Michael is using his experience to encourage other men to take their health seriously, understand their risk and talk with their doctor about prostate cancer screening.

Key Moments

• Michael Bonnette and Dr. Morris's relationship - 12:41
• Getting fit and the cancer diagnosis – 20:56
• Preventive care and PSA screening – 23:14
• Advice from Dr. Morris - 26:54
• Turning a prostate cancer diagnosis into advocacy - 25:35
• Michael's new perspective - 31:05

Read more on The Source: https://thesource.fmolhealth.org/stories-that-inspire/healthcare-journeys/prostate-cancer-awareness-podcast/

Learn more about FMOL Health: https://www.fmolhealth.org

Learn more about FMOL Health | Our Lady of the Lake: https://www.fmolhealth.org/locations/greater-baton-rouge

Learn more about the Championship Health Partnership between FMOL Health | Our Lady of the Lake and LSU: https://www.fmolhs.org/lsu-championship-health-partners/athletics-sports-medicine

Watch more episodes of the Alligator Shoes Podcast with Michael Hackett: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjj1xJ5zU5eX-X_TO-Fn18A

When disaster strikes, hospitals don't have the option to close their doors. Care must continue, even when roads are impassable, utilities fail and entire communities come to a standstill.

In this episode of Straight from the Source, host Stephanie sits down with leaders from FMOL Health | St. Francis and FMOL Health | Our Lady of the Lake to explore what emergency preparedness really looks like behind the scenes.

Thomas Gullatt, MD, president of St. Francis, Chief Nursing Officer Kayla Johnson, RN, MSN, and Chief Operating Officer Kevin Sale share how St. Francis responded during the historic January 2026 ice storm that left parts of Northeast Louisiana without power and water. They discuss the planning that happened before the storm, the teamwork that carried the hospital through days of challenging conditions and the lessons that continue to strengthen emergency response today.

The conversation also features Shamekia Hill, director of facilities at Our Lady of the Lake, who explains how her team prepares year-round for hurricane season. From maintaining generators and backup water systems to coordinating emergency supplies and infrastructure, she offers a behind-the-scenes look at the work patients rarely see but depend on every day.

Whether preparing for ice storms, hurricanes or any unexpected emergency, this episode highlights the planning, collaboration and mission-driven leadership that help FMOL Health continue serving communities when they need it most.

Key Moments

• Why hospitals prepare differently for natural disasters – 03:47
• Planning for the January 2026 ice storm – 05:32
• How St. Francis continued caring for patients without city water: – 10:59
• The teamwork that kept operations running – 13:37
• Hurricane preparedness starts months before storm season – 31:57
• The infrastructure that keeps hospitals open – 43:13
• The mission behind emergency preparedness – 45:41

Read more on The Source: https://thesource.fmolhealth.org/stories-that-inspire/your-health-our-calling/ready-when-weather-emergencies-hit/

Learn more about FMOL Health: https://www.fmolhealth.org

Learn more about FMOL Health | St. Francis: https://www.fmolhealth.org/locations/northeast-louisiana

Learn more about FMOL Health | Our Lady of the Lake: https://www.fmolhealth.org/locations/greater-baton-rouge

Follow FMOL Health on social media:

https://www.facebook.com/fmolhealth

https://www.linkedin.com/company/fmolhealth

https://www.instagram.com/fmolhealth

https://www.twitter.com/fmolhealth

https://www.tiktok.com/@fmolhealth

When Dr. Jason Green talks about opioid use disorder, he speaks from two perspectives: as a critical care physician and as a brother.

In this deeply personal episode of Straight From the Source, Dr. Green shares the story of his older brother, Michael, whose struggle with opioid use disorder forever changed the way he practices medicine.

Together, Dr. Green and host Stephanie explore the stigma that keeps many people from seeking help, the importance of meeting patients with compassion instead of judgment and the fleeting "window of opportunity" when someone is ready to accept treatment. Dr. Green also discusses how healthcare providers can create a safe place for healing through evidence-based care, continuity of support and human connection.

This conversation is about more than addiction. It's about dignity, hope and recognizing that every patient is more than a diagnosis.

Key Moments

• Why So Many People with Opioid Use Disorder Don't Seek Help — 06:17
• The Window of Opportunity When Someone Is Ready for Treatment — 06:37
• What the Healthcare System Gets Right — and Wrong — 07:15
• How Michael's Story Changed Dr. Jason Green Forever — 14:17
• Treating Opioid Use Disorder Like the Medical Emergency It Is — 15:53
• Tools and Support That Can Save Lives — 20:14
• What Families and Providers Need to Hear Most — 24:28

If you or someone you love is struggling with opioid use disorder, know that help is available. Resources are linked below.

https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/helplines/national-helpline

https://opioidresponsenetwork.org/resources/

https://www.dea.gov/recovery-resources

https://www.fmolhs.org/locations/greater-baton-rouge/tau-center

https://www.fmolhs.org/services/mental-health/psychiatry

https://www.fmolhs.org/services/mental-health/adolescent-resources

https://www.fmolhs.org/services/mental-health/adult-resources

Hidden Curricula, Ethics, and Professionalism: Optimizing Clinical Learning Environments in Becoming and Being a Physician (ACP Position paper in Annals of Internal Medicine) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29482210/

The Curbsiders is a popular medical podcast that covered this topic: https://thecurbsiders.com/curbsiders-podcast/medical-education/125-hidden-curriculum

The Louisiana and National Bridge Programs have resources for medical professionals.

National Clinician Consultation Center: Substance Use Warmline Free, confidential, clinician-to-clinician phone consultation on evidence-based substance use evaluation and management. Available Monday – Friday, 7 AM to 5 PM PT (excluding holidays) to any provider in need of specialty addiction medicine consultation. Voicemail is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 1 (844) ASK-NCCC

Louisiana Provider-to-Provider Consultation Line (PPCL) for pediatric and perinatal mental health Providers can call the PPCL at (833) 721-2881 during regular business hours (8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) and speak directly with a mental health consultant or submit a consultation request online.

Bridge's Critical Access Toolkit includes materials explaining opioid use disorder, medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD), and overdose prevention tactics. https://bridgetotreatment.org/addiction-treatment/national-bridge/critical-access-toolkit/

Quick-access protocols to treat a patient on-shift: Bridge to Treatment

Outpatient Evidence-Based Psychotherapy for Substance Use Disorders The FMOL Health | Our Lady of the Lake Center for Psychiatric Services offers outpatient evidence-based psychotherapy services in the Baton Rouge market for individuals with substance use disorders (SUD), including opioid use disorder (OUD). Supported through funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Louisiana Department of Health, and in partnership with the LSU Department of Psychology, this initiative has expanded access to outpatient psychotherapy by increasing the number of supervised graduate student therapists-in-training available to provide evidence-based treatment. Services are led by Dr. Julia Buckner who provides clinical supervision. Referrals can be made by calling (225) 374-0423.

Read more on The Source: https://thesource.fmolhealth.org/stories-that-inspire/healthcare-journeys/window-of-opportunity/

Curtis Chastain, MD, internal medicine physician and medical director of Lake Men's Health & Executive Wellness, joins host Jarrett to discuss some of the biggest health topics people are searching for today — from weight loss medications and heart health to stress, sleep and preventive care.

Drawing on more than three decades of experience, Dr. Chastain shares why feeling healthy isn't always the same as being healthy and explains why a strong relationship with a primary care provider remains one of the most important investments a person can make in their long-term health. Along the way, he offers practical insights on navigating today's healthcare landscape, including when to seek urgent care, how convenience is changing patient expectations and why preventive screenings matter even when you feel fine.

You'll also hear Dr. Chastain's perspective on GLP-1 medications, the growing impact of stress and information overload on mental and physical health, and the simple habits that can have the biggest impact on overall well-being.

Key Moments:

• The Importance of Prevention and Primary Care – 05:23
• Why Feeling Healthy Can Be Misleading – 07:13
• A Heart Health Wake-Up Call – 10:01
• What You Should Know About GLP-1 Medications – 18:45
• Stress, Sleep and the Hidden Impact of Modern Life – 22:54
• Health Myths, Trends and Screening Tests – 30:15
• One Thing to Remember About Your Health – 33:06

Read more on The Source: https://thesource.fmolhealth.org/care-without-compromise/primary-preventive-care/trending-health-podcast/

Learn more about Dr. Chastain: https://doctors.ololrmc.com/provider/curtis-clifton-chastain-ii/1297244

Learn more about Lake Men's Health & Executive Wellness Clinic: https://www.fmolhs.org/locations/greater-baton-rouge/lake-mens-health

Dr. Chastain mentions two books in this episode:

• Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek - https://simonsinek.com/books/leaders-eat-last

• The Power of Full Engagement by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwarz - https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Power-of-Full-Engagement/Jim-Loehr/9780743226752

Graduate medical education plays a vital role in shaping the future of healthcare across Louisiana. In this episode of Straight from the Source, host Brian speaks with three leaders from FMOL Health's GME programs: Melissa Roy, MD, of FMOL Health | Our Lady of the Lake Children's Hospital, Dr. Shaista Qureshi of FMOL Health | St. Francis and Dr. Rick Stone of FMOL Health | Our Lady of the Angels Hospital.

Together, they discuss how residency programs in Baton Rouge, Monroe and Bogalusa are helping train the next generation of physicians while strengthening access to care in the communities FMOL Health serves.

From LSU-affiliated programs at Our Lady of the Lake and Our Lady of the Angels to independent residency programs at Our Lady of the Lake Children's Hospital and St. Francis, this conversation highlights the importance of mentorship, mission, community connection and preparing physicians to serve Louisiana for years to come.

Key Moments

• What graduate medical education means for the future of healthcare – 4:34
• Why community relationships are essential to residency training – 7:28
• How residents strengthen care in Baton Rouge, Monroe and Bogalusa – 10:30
• The collaboration between FMOL Health and LSU Health School of Medicine – 14:34
• How St. Francis is expanding GME with its Family Medicine Residency Program – 16:34
• The impact of academic medicine in action – 20:21
• The rewarding moments that come from watching residents grow into physicians – 27:30
• The connection between residency programs and the communities we're privileged to serve – 35:17

Learn more about FMOL Health's graduate medical education programs: https://www.fmolhs.org/research-education/graduate-medical-education

Learn more about Our Lady of the Lake's GME programs: https://www.fmolhs.org/research-education/graduate-medical-education/greater-baton-rouge

Learn more about Our Lady of the Lake Children's Hospital's Pediatric Residency program:

https://www.fmolhs.org/research-education/graduate-medical-education/our-lady-of-the-lake-pediatric-residency

Learn more about St. Francis's Family Medicine Residency Program: https://www.fmolhs.org/research-education/graduate-medical-education/sfmc-family-medicine-residency-program

Learn more about St. Francis's Internal Medicine Residency Program: https://www.fmolhs.org/research-education/graduate-medical-education/st-francis-medical-center-internal-medicine-residency-program

Learn more about the LSU Rural Family Medicine Residency Program at Our Lady of the Angels: https://www.fmolhs.org/research-education/graduate-medical-education/lsu-rural-family-medicine-residency-program

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 [email protected].

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

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 [email protected]

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

Read more about IntelliSep on The Source: https://thesource.fmolhealth.org/?s=intellisep

Learn more about medical research at FMOL Health: 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 [email protected]

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/

Learn about our pediatric residency program: 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

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/

Learn more about our Epilepsy Monitoring Unit: 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/

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 [email protected]

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

Learn more about sports medicine services across our health system: https://www.fmolhs.org/services/sports-medicine

Books mentioned in this episode:

• The Sports Gene by David Epstein
• Range by David Epstein

Read more on The Source: 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 [email protected]

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

Read more on The Source: 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 [email protected]