* Our facility, services and dedicated staff are proof of Tulane-Lakeside Hospital's commitment to our patients. HCA acquired Lakeside Hospital for Women in 1964, building a 94-bed facility in Metairie, outside New Orleans. In 2005, Lakeside merged with Tulane University Hospital and Clinic, changing its name to Tulane-Lakeside Hospital. It now has 119 beds dedicated to serving women’s healthcare needs in the greater New Orleans area. We provide cutting edge technology in many specialties including Obstetrics/Gynecology, Urology, Radiology, Ophthalmology, Otolaryngology (ENT), and Surgery. We currently have 630 physicians on our staff, and over 450 full time employees.

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* Tulane/Lakeside Hospital is located in Jefferson Parish. Wrapped around New Orleans, a mystical city steeped in history, culture and night life is Jefferson Parish - a place rich with a heritage all its own. Nowhere in such close proximity will you find such cultural diversity, as you will in Jefferson Parish. Truly a Sportsman's Paradise, Jefferson Parish abounds with recreational and nature watching opportunities; just 15 minutes from downtown New Orleans. You'll find some of Louisiana's most picturesque wetlands and a true slice of Cajun life. Enter a world of timeless beauty amongst moss Cypress trees on a popular swamp tour. Catch a glimpse of an alligator on the prowl or depending on your guide, you just may catch more than a glimpse. And if catching fish instead of gators is more your style, charter a fishing boat from many of the local marinas. The waters that surround Jefferson Parish are home to hundreds of species of fish. It will soon become obvious why Jefferson Parish boasts some of the top fishing spots in the United States. Some of the oldest fishing rodeos in the country are held annually in these waters. Try your hand at a prizewinner or just sit back and enjoy the excitement.

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* If fishing isn't your game, these same areas are among the best bird watching spots in the nation. Bird enthusiasts will delight in the great number of species that grace the landscape. In fact, Queen Bess Island off the coast of Grand Isle is the nesting site for the once almost extinct brown pelican, Louisiana's state bird. Another interesting bird sanctuary is that of the purple martin. Year after year, they flock to the beautiful shores of Lake Pontchartrain for their annual nesting ritual. You can also enjoy the sights of the lake as you stroll along Linear Park. Or, if you are up for a little more action, roller blading and bike riding are also popular activities. For fitness or leisure, parks throughout Jefferson Parish can accommodate just about any past time.

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* Water sports abound on Lake Pontchartrain as well as the many other waterways that channel Jefferson Parish. Boating, sailing, jet skiing, and water skiing, are not the only activities. The beaches of Grand Isle along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico offers swimming, fishing, crabbing, picnicking, even camping. And if camping on the beach is a little too primitive, Bayou Signette state park offers quaint cabins nestled in the natural beauty of Louisiana's swamp lands. Or spend the night in style at an elegantly appointed Victorian Bed & Breakfast tucked away amongst stately oak trees. In fact, Jefferson Parish has accommodations to suit every taste and budget.

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* You will also find activities for the entire family in Jefferson Parish. Spend the day shopping at one of the area malls, with shops sure to suit any style. Take in a movie at one of our multi-screen theatre complexes. Or catch a little more action at one of the area casinos where you can dance, dine, and gamble the night away. Sporting and cultural activities go on year round in Jefferson Parish. For a day of All-American family fun, take in a ball game at Zepher stadium, home to our very own professional baseball team. Or take a front row seat at the Alario Center for world class sporting events. The Jefferson Performing Arts Society offers a variety of classical, contemporary, as well as original theatrical productions sure to entertain the entire family.

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* And if you are ready for the greatest show on earth, this is Jefferson Parish during Mardi Gras where you can be part of the fun and festivities matched by no other event. If you miss Fat Tuesday, you can see carnival year round at Rivertown's Mardi Gras Museum. This is just one of the many museums and exhibits that Jefferson Parish has to offer. From blacksmith shops to the Saints Hall of Fame Museum, there is something for everyone. Take an amazing step back in time in Gretna at the Davey Crockett fire museum and the historic Louisiana Railroad Museum. Or visit Rivertown's Daily Living Science Center, an interactive look at modern science including a life-size prototype of the Nasa Space Station.

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* Festivals are another way to "pass a good time" in Jefferson Parish. If there is something to celebrate, there is a festival for it. From seafood to citrus, there's no end to the music, food, and fun. With seafood being such an abundant industry in Jefferson Parish, there is no shortage of fresh seafood for your enjoyment. From the crab trap to the table top, you'll find many delicious local favorites including mouth-watering fried shrimp and oysters, over-stuffed poboys, hot plate lunches, and cool, crispy salads. Restaurants throughout Jefferson Parish serve it up -- whatever your taste.

* With a continued emphasis on progressive care, Rapides Regional has grown to meet the continually changing needs of our patients and the rapidly advancing technology of modern healthcare. Licensed for 312 beds, Rapides Regional is fully accredited by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Health Care Organizations. The medical staff includes over 250 physicians in more than 30 medical specialties.

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* Rapides Regional offers a wide array of services, including general medicine, general surgery, cardiovascular surgery, bypass surgery, cardiac rehabilitation, neurology, neurosurgery, intensive care and telemetry, oncology services, senior behavioral health services, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, neonatal, pediatric intensive care, orthopedic services, physical therapy, skilled nursing services, respiratory therapy, lithotripsy and various outpatient services.

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* To meet the increasing demands for healthcare, Rapides Regional recently completed a new $50 million dollar expansion to our facility. The $50 million dollar expansion to the hospital included a four-story tower, a new emergency department with 25 beds, a 26-bed Intensive Care Unit and two additional floors providing 72 patient beds. The expansion consists of 125,000 square feet of new construction and approximately 4,500 square feet of renovation to the existing lobby area of the hospital. We now can provide greater technology with state-of-the-art equipment, a larger emergency room to accommodate more patients, and patient and family friendly emergency room waiting area with a designated "children's play area". Our continued focus and emphasis will be on patient safety. New patient rooms with the most up to date technology will feature comfortable accommodations with family members in mind.

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* Alexandria is an attractive, family-oriented community that is often referred to as not too big, not too small. The city was ranked 7th in affordability by a national publication in 2005 and the economic forecast is bright, named one of the fastest growing regions of the state. In addition to excellent schools, three universities and very reasonably priced homes, the city is proud of its cultural entertainment including museums, theatre groups, a symphony, a ballet company, a wonderful zoo, just to name a few. Central Louisiana is perhaps best known as Sportsman’s Paradise. Canoeing, boating, water sports, hunting and camping facilities abound. If you prefer golfing there are five beautiful courses, including one listed on the Audubon Trail. In addition, easy access to some of the states larger metropolitan areas including Baton Rouge, Lafayette and Shreveport make Alexandria the Crossroads of Louisiana. Alexandria International Airport also offers daily connecting flights to many cities, making travel to your favorite destinations that much easier.

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* Cultural and family activities abound here in the heart of Louisiana. Whether you enjoy theater, dance, museums, music, history, ballgames or the zoo - we’ve got it all. Central Louisiana has something for everyone - from rodeos to ballet - from gumbo to sushi - what ever your taste may be. You can spend the morning shopping our unique shops, have a lunch of great southern BBQ or French cuisine, spend the afternoon enjoying the zoo or area plantations, stop in at a unique coffee shop, browse for antiques and enjoy a fine dinner filled with flavors from our diverse blend of cultures. Then lay your head to rest in a place where presidents have slept or a bed and breakfast overlooking a cotton field - the possibilities are endless. Central Louisiana has plenty of offer, but our true treasures are our people - proud of our heritage, in love with the beauty of our land, loyal to home and family, friendly and full of southern hospitality - ready and willing to help you enjoy your stay here in the heart of Louisiana.

* At The Regional Medical Center of Acadiana, we are committed to the care and improvement of human life, and to delivering high quality, cost effective healthcare in the communities we serve. The Regional Medical Center of Acadiana is a full-service, acute care hospital that offers a full spectrum of services including cardiovascular, general surgery, orthopedics, emergency services, rehabilitation and outpatient surgery. We are a Center of Excellence for bariatric surgery, as well as an accredited Cycle II Chest Pain facility.

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* In an effort to expand the spectrum of services we provide to the Lafayette area and beyond, we recently announced that we’ve installed a new state-of-the-art surgical navigation system for orthopedic surgery, making us the first in the Lafayette area to use a computer-assisted navigation system in conjunction with orthopedic hip and knee replacement. Our other services include: Bariatric Surgery (Weight Loss Surgery), Chemotherapy (Inpatient and Outpatient), Emergency Services (Level II) and Express Care, Hemodialysis, Laser Surgery, Outpatient Surgery, Pain Management Clinic, Rehabilitation Services, Radiology Services, Special Care Units (ICU, CCU, SICU), and Urology. As one of the few full service hospitals in the area, we have many resources to offer a physician in today’s uncertain practice environment.

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* The Regional Medical Center of Acadiana can also offer practicing physicians a wide variety of practice options tailored specifically for your needs, from simply offering staff privileges, to call and inpatient coverage through our Hospitalist program, practice management, billing services, employee hiring, payroll services, health and retirement benefits, and even buyout of existing practice assets for physicians looking at employment options. Most importantly, as one of the premier medical facilities in the Lafayette area, The Regional Medical Center of Acadiana has an exceptional staff of sub-specialty trained physicians available as a resource to you.

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* Lafayette, LA is a beautiful college town located in south-central Louisiana. The heart of Acadiana (or Cajun land), it boasts of the best food, music and culture in Louisiana. It sits on the I-10, allowing easy access to Houston and New Orleans. As a tort reform state, Louisiana has much to offer physicians who will be entering the private practice arena in today's uncertain medical market. And currently, billions of dollars are pouring into the state as a result of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and these efforts to revitalize the coastal areas are having a ripple effect throughout the state.

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* Lafayette is very proud of its educational amenities. The University of Louisiana, Lafayette has a student enrollment of over 18,000 and offers 80 undergraduate and 23 graduate degree programs. U of L also competes at the highest NCAA level of competition, Division 1. Finally, Lafayette also supports a strong public, private, and parochial school system for all ages.

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* With a unique and interesting blend of Deep South tradition, French-Acadian, English and Indian heritage, this area offers a multitude of opportunities and experiences which make South Louisiana a great place to live, work, and enjoy life. Cultural events and resources are an integral part of life in Southwest Louisiana. Not only does Lafayette support a strong medical and business economy, it is also home to numerous outstanding art galleries, restaurants, and music entertainment venues. Plus enjoy the different cultural experiences of Baton Rouge and New Orleans, LA both just a short drive from Lafayette. Its close proximity to the Louisiana Gulf Coast and the Atchafalaya Basin, makes Lafayette an outdoor enthusiasts dream. Aside from great parks and golf courses, some of South Louisiana’s best boating and fishing is just minutes away.

* Women’s & Children’s Hospital has been providing specialized health care services for women and children throughout Acadiana for over 20 years. Since its humble beginnings as a birthing hospital, it has grown to become the market leader in providing quality, cost-effective healthcare services for women and children. The brain child of a group of visionary OB/GYNs, Women’s Hospital of Acadiana opened its doors on June 7, 1983 as a place solely dedicated to the care of women. In 1986, the hospital changed its name to Women’s & Children’s Hospital when pediatric services were added. Now, over 20 years since its inception, our 150 bed hospital has become the 2nd largest birthing hospital in the state of Louisiana offering services for women such as obstetrics, maternal-fetal medicine, lactation services, gynecological and general surgery, urology, breast health, reproductive endocrinology and physical therapy.

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* Women’s & Children’s Hospital has also earned a reputation as the premier pediatric hospital in Acadiana due to the wide range of healthcare services it provides for children. Those services include a 51 bed Level III Regional NICU, 24-hour Children’s Emergency Department, 25-bed Pediatric Unit, 14-bed PICU, a Pediatric Hospitalist Program and Pediatric Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy services. To complement and support the comprehensive services offered for children, the hospital has a team of highly skilled and distinguished pediatric specialists at its disposal. This vital group of physicians include a Pediatric Surgeon, Pediatric Pulmonologist, Pediatric Neurologist, Pediatric Neurosurgeon, Pediatric Gastroenterologist, Pediatric Cardiologists, Pediatric Ophthalmology, Pediatric Orthopedics, Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Pediatric Endocrinology and Pediatric Urology.

Women’s & Children’s Hospital primarily serves an 8-parish region which includes Lafayette, Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, and Vermilion parishes. Combined, these parishes have a total population of 612,230. The primary goal, both now and into the future, of Women’s & Children’s Hospital will always be to maintain a culture of safety throughout its hospital and sustain its reputation as a healthcare facility dedicated and focused on providing safe, quality care to the patients it serves. Additionally, Women’s & Children’s Hospital will continue to invest in its employees to ensure a highly skilled, dedicated and effective workforce; the hospital will continue to expand its facilities while investing in technology and state-of-the-art equipment; recruit physicians essential to its growth and diversification, and identify and develop new services for women and children that coincides with its mission – all in an effort to continue to respond to the unique healthcare needs of women and children in the communities it serves.

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* Women’s & Children’s Hospital has repeatedly been voted by The Times of Acadiana Readers Poll as the Best Place To Have A Baby, and in 2006, was voted as the Best Specialty Hospital. In addition, the hospital has been presented numerous awards for its community support and involvement in helping to raise dollars for United Way of Acadiana, Susan G. Komen Foundation, and the March of Dimes.

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* Lafayette, LA is a beautiful college town located in south-central Louisiana. The heart of Acadiana (or Cajun land), it boasts of the best food, music and culture in Louisiana. It sits on the I-10, allowing easy access to Houston and New Orleans. As a tort reform state, Louisiana has much to offer physicians who will be entering the private practice arena in today's uncertain medical market. And currently, billions of dollars are pouring into the state as a result of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and these efforts to revitalize the coastal areas are having a ripple effect throughout the state.

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* Lafayette is very proud of its educational amenities. The University of Louisiana, Lafayette has a student enrollment of over 18,000 and offers 80 undergraduate and 23 graduate degree programs. U of L also competes at the highest NCAA level of competition, Division 1. Finally, Lafayette also supports a strong public, private, and parochial school system for all ages.

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* With a unique and interesting blend of Deep South tradition, French-Acadian, English and Indian heritage, this area offers a multitude of opportunities and experiences which make South Louisiana a great place to live, work, and enjoy life. Cultural events and resources are an integral part of life in Southwest Louisiana. Not only does Lafayette support a strong medical and business economy, it is also home to numerous outstanding art galleries, restaurants, and music entertainment venues. Plus enjoy the different cultural experiences of Baton Rouge and New Orleans, LA both just a short drive from Lafayette. Its close proximity to the Louisiana Gulf Coast and the Atchafalaya Basin, makes Lafayette an outdoor enthusiasts dream. Aside from great parks and golf courses, some of South Louisiana’s best boating and fishing is just minutes away.