HJNO Mar/Apr 2019

64 MAR / APR 2019  I  Healthcare Journal of NEW ORLEANS   Hospital Rounds movement, vision, and memory. This functionality gives surgeons a dynamic 3D visualization of the brain that may allow for less invasive surgery and potentially safer surgical routes. For patients, less invasive procedures may lead to reduced compli- cations and faster recovery times. “Every condition is different, making it imper- ative for today’s surgeons take a customized, patient-specific approach to surgical planning,” said Sebastian Koga MD, medical director, Neu- roscience Institute, and chairman, Neurosurgery Division, Ochsner North Shore Region. “But even the best surgeons in the world are only as good as the technology available to them, which is why we are excited about this investment in Bright- Matter technology.” Modus V, the newest system to be integrated at St. Tammany, is an automated robotic arm with a high-powered digital microscope that provides an unprecedented view of patient anatomy. Using the most powerful optics available on the mar- ket today and robotic technology originally devel- oped for the International Space Station, Modus V™ allows surgeons to perform less invasive pro- cedures with more precision. In some cranial cases, it may allow surgeries that were previously deemed inoperable. n Foret graduated from Louisiana State Univer- sity School of Medicine New Orleans in 1994 and completed a family practice residency at Pal- metto Richland Memorial Hospital. He is the cur- rent president of the Louisiana Academy of Family Physicians and is a board member of the Patient Compensation Fund. Foret practices at St. Tam- many Physicians Network in Folsom. St. Tammany Parish Hospital Adds Robotic Technology to Neuroscience Program St. Tammany Parish Hospital added Synaptive Medical’s Modus V™ innovative robotic technol- ogy to its neuroscience program, enabling neu- rosurgeons at the Covington hospital to perform complex brain and spine surgery procedures, including some which may previously have been considered inoperable. “We are excited to further elevate the neuro- surgical care we provide at St. Tammany with pur- chase of the most powerful robotic microscope available today,” said Joan M. Coffman, STPH president and CEO. “The combination of Synap- tive’s Modus V robotic technology, BrightMatter, and the renowned skill of Ochsner neurosurgeons, truly delivers on our promise of world-class health- care, right here in Covington.” Synaptive’s BrightMatter™ technology enables surgeons to tailor their surgical approaches for each patient at St. Tammany by using advanced algorithms that automate the processing of MRI data. The neurosurgeon uses BrightMat- ter™ to map the best possible approach to the tumor, attempting to avoid damaging structures responsible for critical functions such as speech, is actively involved in studies involving memory loss, including dementia, mild cognitive impair- ment, and Alzheimer’s disease. Ochsner is the only program in Louisiana listed in the U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals ranking across three specialty categories, where it is number 38 in the nation for neurology and neurosurgery. Terrebonne General Medical CenterWelcomes Cardiothoracic Surgeon Stephen Kent Ball, MD Terrebonne General Medical Center (TGMC) recently welcomed Dr. Stephen K. Ball, cardio- thoracic surgeon, to its medical staff. Ball earned a medical degree from University of Mississippi School of Medicine in Jackson, Mis- sissippi. He completed a general surgery intern- ship and residency at the University Of Mississippi School Of Medicine. He went on to complete a cardiothoracic surgery residency at St. Luke’s in Chicago. Ball is board-certified by the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Tho- racic Surgery. He has been practicing in the field of cardiotho- racic surgery for more than 24 years, most recently in Orlando, Florida. He brings experience in treat- ing patients affected by cardiovascular disease and is looking forward to establishing his practice and making a positive impact on the community. “We are pleased to welcome Dr. Ball to Houma and TGMC,” said Phyllis Peoples, president and CEO. “His immense experience in cardiothoracic surgery is a true asset to our medical staff and community.” Ball will practice at Cardiothoracic Vascular Sur- gery Care TGMC with Dr. Donald Netherland. Christopher Foret, MD, Receives STQNMedical Director’s Award St. Tammany Quality Network (STQN) presented its 2018 fourth quarter Medical Director’s Award to Christopher Foret, MD, for his exemplary patient care in the management of diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Foret has been a leader in popula- tion health for his community for the last 25 years. “It is an honor to work with Dr. Foret,” said Michael K. Hill MD, STQNmedical director. “He is a true patient advocate. He has challenged STQN to expand our population health efforts into rural communities.” Christopher Foret, MD (r) receives STQN Medical Director’s Award from Michael K. Hill, MD (l). Stephen Kent Ball, MD