While you will be the sole pediatric gastroenterologist on-site at Ochsner Lafayette, you'll become part of a distinguished network of GI specialists throughout the Ochsner system. This arrangement provides the perfect balance—clinical autonomy in your daily practice with robust support from an accomplished team of colleagues just a phone call away. The professional isolation that can challenge solo subspecialists is replaced by a collaborative environment that combines the best aspects of independent practice with the security of a larger group.
Dr. Ryan W. Himes, who serves as Section Head of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, leads a team of accomplished specialists across the Ochsner network. Dr. Himes brings more than a decade of experience from one of the nation's largest pediatric liver transplant programs and has developed a comprehensive regional program for children with liver disease. His leadership creates opportunities for you to participate in clinical trials and access cutting-edge therapies for your patients while maintaining your practice independence.
The Ochsner pediatric GI team includes specialists with diverse clinical interests and expertise:
Each of these physicians contributes to a supportive network that allows for consultation on complex cases, coverage for time away, and opportunities for professional development. While you'll practice independently day-to-day, you'll never be truly alone in managing difficult cases.
Your daily practice will be supported by a dedicated clinic team who are committed to pediatric care. The previous pediatric gastroenterologist established excellent working relationships with nursing staff, endoscopy technicians, and administrative personnel—all of whom are eager to welcome a new specialist to the team.
At Ochsner Lafayette, you'll find a culture of mutual respect and collaboration. Dr. Katie Lindell, the pediatric cardiologist, practices in the same building and will be a valuable colleague. Dr. Matthew Cortez, the NICU medical director, is passionate about expanding pediatric subspecialty care and will be an important collaborator for your youngest patients. The pediatric nurses on the inpatient unit are experienced in caring for children with gastrointestinal conditions and will provide excellent support during consultations.
The administrative team understands the unique aspects of a pediatric subspecialty practice and is committed to ensuring your success. The clinic manager will work closely with you to develop appointment templates that balance new patient access with follow-up care, and the endoscopy scheduling team will efficiently coordinate your procedural sessions.
This position offers a unique advantage in the pediatric subspecialty landscape. Unlike large academic practices where individual contributions can be diluted, or truly solo practices where professional isolation can lead to burnout, Ochsner Children's provides the ideal middle ground. You'll establish your own clinical identity and build personal relationships with referring providers, while having access to the collective wisdom and support of experienced colleagues throughout the Ochsner system.
You'll be part of a larger, collaborative Ochsner GI team with regular academic meetings, pathology and radiology case reviews, and a strong mentorship culture. This balance promotes both professional growth and personal satisfaction, allowing you to practice high-quality, evidence-based gastroenterology while developing your own distinctive approach to patient care. The opportunity to collaborate with specialists across multiple disciplines also creates a rich clinical environment that keeps practice engaging and rewarding throughout your career.