Latest news with #LSUHealthShreveport
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
LSU board member accused of harassment, retaliation
Clouds pass over Tiger Stadium on Monday, March 20, 2023, on LSU's campus in Baton Rouge, La. (Matthew Perschall for Louisiana Illuminator) One of Gov. Jeff Landry's appointees to the LSU Board of Supervisors flew into a rage at LSU Health Shreveport when its staff would not perform a house call for her husband, threatening to fire multiple employees, according to a whistleblower complaint. She's also the subject of other complaints that allege she harassed several employees and meddled in the day-to-day operations of the medical school. Esperanza Moran, who openly rallied for the dismissal of former LSU Health Shreveport Chancellor David Guzick, is the subject of an anonymous whistleblower complaint, at least one Equal Employment Opportunity Commission complaint filed by top LSU Health Shreveport employees and a separate complaint filed to Landry by a top administrator. The Illuminator obtained documents cited in this report through a series of public records requests to LSU and the governor's office. According to an anonymous whistleblower complaint filed with LSU, Moran went to LSU Health Shreveport just days after being appointed to the board and '[caused] a public scene in outrage' that an employee was not permitted to treat her husband at Moran's private residence. 'This incident has caused significant distress within the LSU Health Shreveport community, affecting the staff's health, morale and productivity,' the complaint reads. 'While causing the disturbance, Ms. Moran threatened to terminate staff and said she was the new chancellor and in charge of LSU Health Shreveport.' The complaint goes on to say that Moran threatened to have Guzick, Sammy Wyatt, LSU Health Shreveport's chief compliance and investigation officer, and Sharon Dunn, vice chancellor for academic administration, fired from the university. Guzick resigned from his position in April after Moran's months-long pressure campaign and has since accepted a position with the LSU System office. Dunn and Wyatt are still employed at LSU Health Shreveport. Wyatt asked the governor to intervene, adding Moran's alleged actions are damaging to his personal and professional reputation, disrupting his ability to do his job as well as damaging LSU Health Shreveport's public trust. 'I am writing to request your assistance in resolving an ongoing issue with Ms. Esperanza Moran,' Wyatt wrote to Landry in December. 'She has been consciously, intentionally, and maliciously defaming, harassing, targeting, and retaliating against me, utilizing Power-Based Violence and creating a hostile working environment.' Power-based violence is a term found in a 2021 Louisiana law approved in the wake of a Title IX scandal at LSU. It is defined as 'any form of interpersonal violence intended to control or intimidate another person through the assertion of power over the person.' When a reporter asked her about the complaints after her Senate confirmation hearing at the State Capitol last week, Moran requested questions be sent to her via email. She has not responded to the emailed questions. Landry spokeswoman Kate Kelly and LSU spokesman Todd Woodward have not responded to requests for comment. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX In its public records request to the governor's office, the Illuminator asked for any documents containing Landry's response to Wyatt's letter. No documents were provided. Moran has not yet received state Senate confirmation. Senators typically vote to confirm governor's appointees in batches and are expected to endorse Moran by the time the legislative session adjourns June 12. Sen. Alan Seabaugh, R-Shreveport, who represents Moran's district, said he would support Moran despite the complaints, noting that she has Landry's support. Esperanza Moran lives in Shreveport and is married to wealthy businessman Scott Moran. The couple own several businesses, including Moran Oil Co., and give generously to Republican political campaigns, including Landry's. The Morans also donate significant sums to LSU athletics, culminating in a plaza outside Tiger Stadium being named after Scott Moran when he gave money toward the 2012 remodel of the facility. Wyatt referred questions about his complaint to his attorney, Steve Soileau, adding that he is considering suing over Moran's conduct. 'Due to the status of the investigations and referred investigations and possibilities of litigation, we do not feel it would be appropriate to comment on specific items at this time,' Soileau said in response to questions about Wyatt's letter to Landry. 'Mr. Wyatt's letter speaks for itself and he stands by it. His EEOC complaint is still pending.' The 'referred investigations' involve Wyatt's work as the medical school's chief investigation officer. According to Wyatt's letter to the governor, some of these probes have been into Moran's personal friends, and one has been referred to the FBI, which Wyatt said in his complaint is looking into the incident along with state law enforcement. It's unusual for a university board member to be the subject of an EEOC complaint, according to several longtime higher education observers. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is a federal entity responsible for investigating workplace discrimination. 'I've seen a lot of supervisors come and go over the years, but I have never encountered anything quite like that,' said Kevin Cope, an LSU professor that has been involved in faculty governance at LSU for multiple decades. He was contacted for reaction to Moran's alleged actions. 'In fact, although the supervisors and I have disagreed, I will say the supervisors usually behave themselves pretty well. So this I will characterize as highly unusual, not only for LSU, but indeed for the nation and for higher education.' Politically appointed board members are not meant to be involved in the day-to-day running of a university, as it could threaten a school's accreditation. But the complaints allege Moran did just that. LSU closed its investigation into the anonymous complaint just days after it was filed, according to the case file the Illuminator obtained. A reporter reached out to every individual named in the complaint as possibly involved. Some did not respond, but others confirmed they were not contacted for the investigation. Woodward did not respond when asked why not all of the people named were contacted. During her Senate confirmation hearing, Moran was asked about the leadership of LSU Health Shreveport. 'There still needs to be some things cleared up,' Moran said. 'When you get the leadership working right, then everything trickles down, so I'm still working on that. I still have a little bit of work left to do.' Board members do not have sole authority to decide who staffs administrative positions in a university. Though sometimes they are involved in search committees to hire a top administrator, their influence is weighted by faculty, staff, students and community members. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
LSU Health Shreveport celebrates its largest graduation ever
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) — LSU Health Shreveport (LSUHS) will host their largest commencement ceremony in the school's history. 242 students will receive degrees in a combined ceremony. The Schools of Applied Health Professions, Graduate Studies, and Medicine will award Bachelor's, Master's, PhD, and Doctorate degrees. Click for more local news In this ceremony, LSUHS will award: 156 Doctors of Medicine, 4 Doctors of Philosophy in Basic Science, 46 Doctors of Physical Therapy, 11 Masters of Medical Science, 1 Master of Biomedical Science, 12 Masters of Communication Disorders or Public Health, 4 Masters of Physician Assistant Studies, and 9 Bachelor's of Science in Medical Laboratory or Cardiopulonary Science. Mrs. Esperanza 'Espe' Moran, a member of the LSU Board of Supervisors, will assist in the conferring of degrees at the school's 52nd commencement. Mrs. Moran served as the North Louisiana Bengal Belles chairman for LSU for 7 years. She currently serves as an honorary commander for Barksdale Air Force Base, a member of the Shreveport-Bossier Military Affairs Council, a volunteer Deputy Marshal for Bossier City, the Homeowners Association Board, the Providence Classical Academy Board, the Evergreen Cemetery Board, and the Tiger Athletic Foundation. Click for more education news Dr. Steven Conrad, LSUHS alum and faculty member, will give the commencement speech. Dr. Conrad graduated in 1978, when LSUHS was known as the Louisiana State University School of Medicine. Currently, he serves as a Professor of Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Surgery, and Pediatrics. He also holds the Ike Muslow Endowed Chair in Healthcare Informatics, is the Division Chief of Clinical Informatics, and the Director of the Extracorporeal Life Support Program. Dr. Conrad has led or contributed to many clinical trials that have gone on to benefit patients internationally and closer to home. Chancellor and Dean of the School of Medicine, David Guzick, MD, PhD, said, 'I celebrate alongside these graduates who have achieved a key milestone in their career preparation. I have enjoyed my time tremendously in serving as the Chancellor and Dean of the School of Medicine at LSU Health Shreveport and look forward to continued involvement with LSUHS as I transition to my new role as Chief Research Officer for the LSU Enterprise.' The Ceremony takes place at the Shreveport Municipal Auditorium, Saturday, May 10, at 10 a.m. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
LSU Health Shreveport honors supporters during inaugural Rasberry Lectureship
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – LSU Health Shreveport hosted its inaugural Rasberry Lectureship on Thursday, May 1, 2025, while also honoring longtime supporters W. Clinton 'Bubba' Rasberry and former Louisiana State Senator Greg Tarver. The Rasberry family donated $2.6 million to the LSU Health Shreveport Center for Medical Education, located at 1365 Jennings Street, to establish the Rasberry Family Endowed Lecture Series. This lecture series will bring leading experts to campus each year to share the latest advancements in medicine, science, and technology. Michael Curran, PhD, Professor of Immunology, MD Anderson Cancer Center presented the inaugural lecture titled, 'Cancer Immunotherapy: Today's Breakthroughs, Tomorrow's Possibilities.' LSU Health Shreveport leaders say this lecture series is one of many enhancements which help attract and maintain talent in Louisiana. 'One of the most important things that LSU Shreveport does is, we produce the future physicians and health care providers for north Louisiana,' said Kevin Flood, President and CEO of LSU Health Shreveport Foundation. '70% of the physicians that practice here in north Louisiana were either educated or trained here at this institution.' CPSO keeps kids safe this summer with first aid, CPR training Flood said it is important to recognize those whose support has been instrumental in the success of the hospital and that is why the Foundation honored former State Senator Tarver. 'For over 42 years, as his public service, he did anything and everything to make sure that north Louisiana had access to the best healthcare and that is through supporting the medical school and our hospital,' said Flood. 'We just want to thank him for his continued support of what we try to achieve everyday here at LSU Health Shreveport.' Mr. Tarver said public service was instilled in him as a child. 'My mother taught me, and I tell young people, I tell my kids 'you've got to give back.' The best thing in the world is giving back to people,' said Tarver. 'We all need to work together to give back to the needy people. We need to work together for the benefit not only of the city or the state but of this country.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
LSU Health Shreveport chancellor David Guzick announces resignation Wednesday
LSU Health Shreveport's chancellor has announced his resignation. David Guzick resigned April 23 following two years of leadership at the medical school in Shreveport. Guzick assumed his position as chancellor of LSUHS on Jan. 9, 2023. "I am now thrilled to embark on the task of building an elite, functionally integrated academic health center in North Louisiana," Guzick told the Shreveport Times in 2023. "A powerful virtuous circle of education, research and patient care that will grow in size, scope and stature, and serve as an economic engine for the region.' According to Louisiana Illuminator, Guzick's resignation comes months after pressure from an LSU Board member. LSU Board member Esperanza Moran called for Guzick's dismissal during the boards September meeting. This announcement comes just a month after the school celebrated its largest Match Day ceremony. This is a developing story. More: LSU Health Shreveport is bringing life back into a Shreveport building Makenzie Boucher is a reporter with the Shreveport Times. Contact her at mboucher@ This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: LSU Health Shreveport chancellor David Guzick announces resignation
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
LSU Health Shreveport selected as National Disaster Medical System Pilot Program site
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – LSU Health Shreveport (LSUHS) has been selected as the newest site of the DoD National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) Pilot Program. The program, led by the National Center for Disaster Medicine and Public Health (NCDMPH), was authorized by Congress to improve synergy, efficiency, and capacity within the NDMS. According to a press release, LSUHS is one of only eight strategically located pilot sites in the United States and one of two sites in the southern U.S. LSU Health Shreveport honors 10 faculty with Research Excellence Awards 'The selection of LSUHS was based on numerous factors, including strategic location, proximity to Barksdale Air Force Base, and serving as a regional academic medical center,' the release stated. 'Also contributing to the LSUHS's selection as a pilot site is the institution's robust research, technology, and educational capabilities, along with expert faculty and staff, established partnerships throughout the community and state, and strong motivation and community support.' The release added that the program will run for five years and focus on the requirements of a large-scale combat operation (LSCO) or catastrophic event. To accomplish this, LSUHS will focus on creating new partnerships while intensifying existing ones with public and private organizations, including healthcare providers. 'LSU Health Shreveport is honored to have been selected as a site for the NDMS Pilot Program, said John Vanchiere, MD, PhD. 'We take this privilege and responsibility seriously and will work tirelessly to prepare and execute a disaster response that delivers an optimal outcome for those injured in a war or natural disaster.' According to the release, LSUHS is also a member of the National Center's Joint Disaster Medicine and Public Health Ecosystem, a national resource comprised of leading organizations across the U.S. that have demonstrated excellence in disaster medicine and public health. LSUHS was one of the first Ecosystem partners and the only partner in Louisiana. For more information about the NCDMPH and the NDMS Pilot Program, visit Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
