4th Quarter Medical Director Awards

STQN Names 4^th Quarter Medical Director Award Recipients

COVINGTON – The St. Tammany Quality Network (STQN) presented its fourth quarter Medical Director Awards to two member physicians for implementing new technology and protocols, and providing education to continuously improve patient care.

Dr. Ricardo Blanco, a critical care specialist and pulmonologist, was recognized for the implementation of Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS), which is primarily used for the diagnosis of lung cancer. EBUS is a breakthrough, minimally invasive technique that aids in the early detection of lung cancer. In addition to his work with EBUS, Dr. Blanco was also instrumental in providing sepsis treatment education to the St. Tammany Parish Hospital medical and nursing staff.

Dr. Malcom Gray Napier, a hospitalist at St. Tammany Parish Hospital, was also recognized for his contribution to improving sepsis care. He was instrumental in the implementation of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) septic shock protocol. Identification and early detection of sepsis helps improve patient outcomes and increase safety.

“We are fortunate to have these dedicated and gifted physicians as part of our medical staff,” said Dr. Michael K. Hill, STQN Medical Director and Chief of Staff. “They have been instrumental in improving quality care outcomes at STPH. At the end of the day, our patients will ultimately benefit from their dedication.”

STQN also presented an Honorary Medical Director Award from the St. Tammany Quality Network to Dr. Raoult Ratard for his efforts in presenting a lecture on influenza and vaccines to medical and nursing staff at St.Tammany Parish Hospital. Dr. Ratard is the State Epidemiologist and Chief of Infectious Disease for Louisiana. He is an expert in Infectious Disease and Community Health and board certified in preventive medicine. He has worked in public health for more than 43 years. 

“Dr. Ratard continues to be a valuable resource for infection prevention strategies at St. Tammany Parish Hospital,” Dr. Michael Hill, STQN Medical Director, said. “He continues to be involved in educating our physicians and nurses at our hospital and his contributions to patient care and safety have been invaluable.” 

The St. Tammany Quality Network continuously strives to keep the medical and nursing staff at St. Tammany Parish Hospital informed of best practices and how to best serve the patients of western St. Tammany Parish. 

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The St. Tammany Quality Network is a physician-led organization that demonstrates a commitment to quality and outcomes by creating a medical community aligned around quality initiatives and payer engagement; using a common information technology platform to capture disease specific data to assist in proactive patient care; and collaborate on patient-centric initiatives that enhance the quality and improve efficiency of health care delivery.

A full-service acute care facility committed to providing world-class healthcare and the latest technology, St. Tammany Parish Hospital delivers today’s life-improving procedures with the utmost care to area residents with emphasis on wellness, preventive care and disease management close to home. STPH is a self-supporting not-for-profit community hospital; it receives no ad valorem tax funding. STPH.org