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McCall McDaniel, MD PEDIATRIC ORTHOPEDIST
ST. TAMMANY HEALTH SYSTEM
From fractures and sports injuries to conditions like scoliosis or neuromuscular disorders, Dr. McCall McDaniel is the northshore’s pediatric orthopedist. Parents and kids alike trust this board-certified surgeon, and they love her kid-side manner. “I believe strongly in speaking directly to my patient,”
Kelly LaRocca
ST. TAMMANY PARISH LIBRARY St. Tammany Parish Library Director Kelly LaRocca wants to get the word out: “The library is open and ready to serve St. Tammany Parish.” Though the pandemic did cause the library to close temporarily, the staff
says McDaniel. “Even if mom and dad are answering my questions, the child is
continued to serve the public throughout the quarantine while also enhancing the
the patient and needs to know that I see them as the focus. Visiting the doctor can
virtual and online resources for those residents uncomfortable leaving their homes.
be a frightening experience for a child. My goal is to provide a comfortable and
“I recommend everyone explore the website at sttammanylibrary.org to discover
welcoming environment.’’
everything we have to offer the community,” says LaRocca. The library has countless
Dr. McDaniel has been with the Bone and Joint Clinic of St. Tammany
resources for children, teens, college students and adults, either in person or virtually.
Health System for five years. She has been instrumental in the system’s expanded
“We’ve issued about 3,000 virtual library cards to residents of St. Tammany Parish;
pediatric specialty capabilities, including the northshore’s only pediatric
these cards permit access to thousands of downloadable ebooks, audio books, music,
emergency department and pediatric intensive care unit, in partnership with
movies and various virtual programs and tutorials,” she explains. For example, using
Ochsner Hospital for Children. All of these added pediatric specialty services
one of three apps, library members can download a book or a movie for 28 days, at
enabled Dr. McDaniel to begin providing pediatric spine surgery close to home
which time the rental expires, preventing the reader from incurring any library fines.
for northshore families in 2019.
(Fines are suspended for the time being because of the pandemic.)
Influenced by her OBGYN grandfather, Dr. McDaniel was inspired to pursue a
The library has also stepped up the resources for students who are learning
career in medicine. After graduating from Louisiana State University School of Medicine
virtually, including a large selection of research materials available in person
in New Orleans and completing a residency at Tulane Department of Orthopaedics, she
or online. From small children to teens, there’s an amazing array of activities
completed a fellowship in pediatric orthopaedics at University of Utah.
and resources, such as take-and-make crafts, Storywalk (RTM) for Families at the
As soon as she could, Dr. McDaniel returned to her northshore roots. She
Northlake Nature Center, Graphic Novel Book Club for ages 8-11 and virtual
enjoys spending time with her family, and being a mom to three wonderful
story time over Zoom. There’s an entire section devoted just to teens, offering
children gives her special insight as to what kind of care parents deserve when
everything from age-appropriate crafts to free ACT practice tests.
choosing a doctor for their kids. “Caring for patients who have been with me
Whether you want a quiet place to study with exceptional Wi-Fi that can
since just after birth and watching them grow is the best part of my job. Getting
also be accessed from the parking lot, books presented to you curbside, or a
children back to running, jumping and playing while being a major stepping
myriad of downloadable entertainment or study materials, St. Tammany Parish
stone in their personal process is truly rewarding.”
Library is open to serve you.
St. Tammany Health System Bone and Joint Clinic is located at 71211 Hwy. 21 in Covington. 985-893-9922, StTammany.Health/BoneJoint. 86
Inside Northside
For more information, go to sttammanylibrary.org.