Business & Leadership: Pelican Urgent Care

Pelican Urgent Care

FAMILY-RUN, COMMUNITY-FOCUSED, AND NOW IN MANDEVILLE

For 25 years, Pelican Urgent Care has quietly built a reputation as one of the Northshore’s most trusted names in walk-in care. Founded in Slidell by emergency physician Dr. Kumar K. Amaraneni, Pelican was born from a simple idea: that urgent care could feel personal, not transactional.

Today, that vision is carried on by the next generation - Dr. Kumar’s children, Jenny and Johnny Amaraneni, and his nephew, Dr. Ujwal Meka, who help lead the business and patient engagement. Still family-owned and locally rooted, Pelican offers something that sets it apart from the chain clinics: real clinical depth and the ability to seamlessly coordinate care. Between Dr. Kumar, Dr. Meka, and longtime emergency physician Dr. Eddie Lirette, Pelican brings more than 80 years of combined Emergency Medicine experience to the exam room.

At Pelican, patients two and older are seen for everything from colds and flu to fractures, cuts, and occupational health needs. But it’s what happens behind the scenes that really distinguishes them. Thanks to their longstanding partnership with Slidell Memorial Hospital and Ochsner Health, Pelican providers can access medical records, coordinate with your primary care doctor, refer to specialists as needed, or facilitate a transfer to the ER when a situation calls for more than urgent care.

That level of seamless integration is rare and intentional. “We’re here to be part of your whole care journey, not just a quick stop,” Jenny says.

This fall, the Pelican team is expanding to Mandeville, with a new clinic opening September 4 at 804 Heavens Drive, Suite 102. Leading the Mandeville location is Dr. Eddie Lirette, who brings over 20 years of experience in Emergency Medicine and will serve as Medical Director.

A public ribbon cutting will take place September 9 at 11:30 a.m., a celebration not just of a new location, but of a local family’s commitment to community care.

From the front desk to the exam room, Pelican’s team treats every patient like a neighbor. It’s urgent care done the way it should be: quick, capable, and centered on connection.

2375 Gause Blvd | East Slidell, LA 70461

63025 West End Blvd | Slidell, LA 70461

1839 Cooper Rd, Ste 100 | Picayune, MS 39466

804 Heavens Drive, Ste 102 | Mandeville, LA 70471