COVERSTORY
CATHERINE
O’NEAL
CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER/ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF CLINICAL MEDICINE-INFECTIOUS DISEASE, OUR LADY OF THE LAKE REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
BIO
Hometown: Mamou Age: 45 Family: Husband, Hollis O’Neal, and three children (16, 13 and 10) Years with company: 13 years
MILESTONES
2009: Completes fellowship in infectious disease from Vanderbilt University. 2012: Becomes medical director of infection prevention for Our Lady of the Lake. 2018: Develops a citywide mycobacterial clinical case conference to address clinical gaps in the treatment of mycobacterial infection in the Baton Rouge region. March 2020: Is named chief medical officer for OLOL. 2020: Serves on the Louisiana Legislative Advisory Task Force on Economic Recovery. 2020-’22: Is a co-leader of the SEC medical task force.
Q&A
Proudest accomplishment My work over the past two years regarding COVID-19, helping to ensure the safety of health care workers by establishing protocols and securing supply lines and adequate PPE. Life-changing experience My grandmother was on hospice in our home when I was in high school. That experience helped me understand the importance of a medical home and of wraparound medical services that help families provide comfort to their loved ones while continuing the necessities of their everyday lives (like going to work and school). That was the most fulfilling medical experience I’ve had in my lifetime. Inspiration or mentor My college agriculture teacher, who taught me to work hard to achieve what many small-town kids feel is impossible. Also, my infectious disease and infection control mentor, Dr. Tom Talbot. He is a true mentor who continues to look out for opportunities for my own growth and answers my phone calls when I am panicked. He also told me to be ready for pandemic!
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