HJNO May/Jun 2026

HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF NEW ORLEANS I  MAY / JUN 2026 45 Harold Miller, MD, FACP MASELA President in organized medicine is more important than ever. Membership provides a direct pathway for physicians to contribute to advocacy efforts, influence policy, and par- ticipate in leadership at both local and state levels. Specifically, involvement ensures representation within the Louisiana State Medical Society (LSMS) House of Dele- gates, where critical decisions affecting the profession are debated and determined. Through collective membership in MASELA and JPMS/OPMS (at no addi- tional cost), physicians amplify their voic- es and strengthen their ability to advocate effectively for both their profession and their patients. In an increasingly complex healthcare environment, a unified physi- cian community carries significant weight in shaping policy and advancing meaning- ful change. As demonstrated by the Celebration of Medicine and ongoing advocacy engagement, the physician community remains deeply committed to excellence, service, and representation. These efforts will continue this summer at the LSMS annual meeting in Baton Rouge, where physician leaders will further advocate on behalf of their colleagues and patients across Southeast Louisiana. For more information visit: lsms.org n Bill Daly, MD, MASELA’s immediate past president, presented the Public Health Leader Award to Josh Lowentritt, MD, MASELA’s president-elect. Maurice Sholas, MD, and OPMS board members, Stacie Spicer and Rahn Bailey, MD, at the 2026 Celebration of Medicine. The recognition of physicians marking 50 years since their medical school graduation at the 2026 Celebration of Medicine.