TULANE
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Revolutionizing Cardiac Health:
Samsung Heart Study P 8 INSIDE PAT I E N T S T O R I E S
Care & Courage P2
PAT I E N T S T O R I E S
The 200th Patient in Tulane’s Center for Brain Health P 12
L E A DI N G T H E WA Y:
The Tulane Cancer Center P 16
Inside
TUL A NE W ELLNESS W IRE S PR I N G 2025
ON T H E C OV E R
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Samsung Heart Study
A groundbreaking study is underway at the Tulane University Heart & Vascular Institute and Tulane Research Innovation for Arrhythmia Discoveries.
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A Message from Tulane Doctors
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Neurosurgery Highlight: The neurosurgery team behind Ashley’s recovery
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Be part of the Heartbeat Research Study
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Tulane’s milestones in brain health
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Support Tulane Doctors
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After experiencing a brain aneurysm, Ashley Pisano is on a journey to recovery thanks to Tulane Doctors.
Nicholas Landry's story.
Care & Courage
The 200th Patient in Tulane’s Center for Brain Health
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CANCER CENTER HIGHLIGHT
Leading the Way: The Tulane Cancer Center Learn about the physicians leading the way in care and treatment at the Tulane Cancer Center.
W ELCOME
A Message from Tulane's Vice President of Clinical Affairs The future of medicine is here. At Tulane University School of Medicine and LCMC Health, we are proud to introduce a bold new vision for health care — one that combines world-class academic medicine with accessible, patient-centered care. This January we marked our official one-year anniversary of expanding access, services and innovation across New Orleans and southeast Louisiana. This includes over $200 million in investments, new clinic spaces, state-of-the-art operating rooms and advanced programs like transplant services and specialty cardiovascular care. And all these changes are built around what matters most — patients just like you. We’ve enhanced access, expanded services and created a stronger foundation for our communities’ health and well-being. Our aspirations are high, and our commitment to quality patient care remains paramount. To this end we’ve established four new critical care units, eight new operating rooms, 15 new clinics and three newly renovated interventional procedure rooms. And we’ve grown our workforce to match — with 1,900 medical providers and more than 500 residents and fellows all working together to provide patients with world class care. Tulane’s status as an educational institution offers an additional strength for our patient community, namely, the capacity to blend clinical care with research and education. That means many of our patients benefit from access to the latest clinical trials, emerging treatments and a collaborative team approach that brings together experts across specialties to deliver truly comprehensive care. We are also focused on working to remove barriers to care, opening doors across our community and training the next generation of medical professionals who will continue to serve this region with the skill and compassion that is synonymous with Tulane Doctors. As we look toward our bright future, our commitment to leveraging innovation to elevate care is unmatched. We are facilitating treatment through technology and innovation, such as pioneering minimally invasive procedures guided by imaging technologies and embracing a new cutting-edge electronic medical records system supported by artificial intelligence to provide the best possible care. Thank you again for choosing Tulane Doctors. Together, we are shaping a future of medical innovation and comprehensive care and are honored to stand as partners in your health journey. Warm regards,
Aaron S. Dumont, MD, MBA, FACS, FAHA, FAANS Associate Dean and Vice President of Clinical Affairs Tulane School of Medicine Co-chair of the Neuroscience Line at LCMC Health
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care
COURAGE Ashley Pisano’s Journey
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egistered nurse Ashley Pisano was working in the operating room when she suddenly began to feel unwell.
“I remember being scared and thinking, ‘something’s wrong, something’s not right,’” she recalls. Unbeknownst to her, an aneurysm in her brain had ruptured. Ashley coded twice in the ambulance en route to the Tulane Hospital emergency room, where her condition further deteriorated. Ashley’s life was saved thanks to the quick response and incredible skills of her doctors at Tulane. Now 35, she is on the path to a complete recovery, all thanks to those dedicated doctors. Ashley Pisano, her sister Dr. Catherine Pisano, their mother, Lisa Pisano, and their father, Charles Pisano, are grateful to the Tulane doctors, particu-
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larly cardiologist Dr. Asaad Nakhle and neurosurgeon Dr. Kendrick Johnson. “As a parent, it was terrifying,” says Lisa. “I was there when the ambulance pulled up. Ashley was unconscious, and they were using the chest compression machine on her because she had coded twice.” Catherine, a dermatologic surgeon at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, was at work when her father called from Tulane’s trauma room. He put her on speakerphone with the doctor treating Ashley, who detailed her sister’s massive brain bleed. “As a sister, I was in shock and very concerned,” Catherine explains. “But as a doctor, I knew how serious it really was. Having that perspective was distressing — knowing just how severe it was.”
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E Ashley Pisano (left); with her dog, Archer — named after a Taylor Swift song; and with her family.
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Neu ro s u r g e on D r. K end r ic k Johnson swiftly coiled Ashley’s aneurysm to stop it from bleeding. Catherine praised his prompt and precise action. “The quickness and the accuracy of the coiling was phenomen a l ,” she s ay s , noting that she was f lying to New Orleans whi le the procedu re was underway. But this would not be the last time a Tulane doctor saved Ashley’s life. After the successful aneurysm coiling, the family felt a sense of relief, Lisa recalls: “We thought ever y thing was going to be okay... But then they called a Code Blue on her. Her heart had stopped again.” When Catherine arrived at the hospital, she learned just how dire the situation was. “It was an impending cardiac arrest if they didn’t do anything, and they wouldn’t have been able to get her back if she coded again as her heart was barely functioning at this point.”
“As a doctor, if you’re looking at evidence-based medicine, nobody would have batted an eye if he would have said, ‘she’s too high risk, she can’t go on ECMO.’ But he said, ‘no, let’s give her a chance.’ ” 4 T U L A N E W E L L N E S S W I R E | S P R I N G 2 02 5
In this critical moment, Dr. Asaad Nakhle, an interventional cardiologist, was called in. It was 2 a.m., and he quickly gathered his team. Catherine describes how Dr. Nakhle made a courageous move that ultimately saved Ashley’s life. Recognizing that her heart was failing, he placed her on a life-support machine known as Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO), which temporarily takes over the functions of the heart and lungs by pumping and oxygenating the blood outside the body. Catherine explains that placing Ashley on the ECMO machine was very high risk due to her brain bleed and the fact that she was on blood thinners. However, by the next morning, it became clear that Ashley would not have made it without ECMO as her heart was not beating at all on its own. “As a doctor, if you’re looking at evidence-based medicine, nobody would have batted an eye if he would have said, ‘she’s too high risk, she can’t go on ECMO.’ But he said, ‘no, let’s give her a chance.’” Once doctors confirmed that Ashley would survive, the looming fear was that she might have lost all her memories — her recognition of family, her past experiences, everything. Lisa’s voice shakes with emotion as she recounts the exact moment when they discovered Ashley’s memory was intact: “She was just waking up, and we were playing Taylor Swift for her, and she knew every word to every song, and that’s the way we knew she was going to be okay.”
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H Ashley Pisano (right) and her sister Catherine (left) attended the Eras Tour in Tampa in 2023, a few months before Ashley experienced two life-threatening medical events in one day.
When Ashley first regained consciousness, she faced significant challenges. Catherine describes the situation: “She couldn’t move the whole left side of her body. She couldn’t stand up. She couldn’t walk. She couldn’t swallow.” Thanks to consistent physical and occupational therapy, Ashley has made remarkable progress and can now walk without assistance. Reflecting on her recovery, Ashley says, “It’s the little things that you never really thought of before. You take them for granted.” As a doctor herself, Catherine offers a unique perspective and is effusive in her praise of the Tulane physicians, Drs. Nakhle and Johnson, who saved her sister’s life. Lisa appreciates how the Tulane Medical staff, including
Dr. Shannon Hextrum, an ICU neurologist, consistently updated the family on her daughter’s condition and explained the treatments clearly. “It would have been difficult for my husband and me to understand everything, given how upset we were, but Dr. Hextrum was fantastic in helping us grasp the situation,” she says. Ashley is grateful to her family, particularly her sister, who stayed by her side during her hospital stay, often sleeping on the floor of the waiting room. She continues to uncover details about the severity of her health condition and the exceptional care she received from the doctors. “I was very well taken care of,” she acknowledges. “I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for what they did.” T U L A N E W E L L N E S S W I R E | S P R I N G 2 02 5
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The neurosurgery team behind Ashley’s recovery When Ashley Pisano arrived at the emergency room at Tulane University Hospital, she was suffering from a severe headache and altered mental status. Doctors quickly determined she was experiencing a life-threatening stroke caused by bleeding between the brain and its protective covering. Dr. Kendrick Johnson, a cerebrovascular and endovascular neurosurgeon and assistant professor of neurosurgery at Tulane University School of Medicine, explained the gravity of her condition. “This condition can cause significant brain swelling and is often fatal.” Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Dr. Johnson relieved the dangerously high intracranial pressure, and through diagnostic imaging, they found the source of her hemorrhage — a ruptured brain aneurysm. Doctors performed a cerebral angiogram and successfully embolized the aneurysm to stop the bleeding. “Time is of the essence in cases like this, and the critical interventions we employed played an essential role in Ms. Pisano’s survival,” Johnson said. “What made her case particularly complex was the extreme physiological strain her body endured.” The brain hemorrhage led to severe complications with her heart, which prompted Tulane’s cardiology team to take action. “Tulane’s collaborative, multidisciplinary approach is truly second to none, and it is this integrated model of care that maximizes outcomes for complex cases like Ms. Pisano’s,” Johnson said. Dr. Johnson is a dual-trained cerebrovascular neurosurgeon, having completed a seven-year neuro6 T U L A N E W E L L N E S S W I R E | S P R I N G 2 02 5
surgery residency followed by two years of specialized fellowship training in the open and minimally invasive treatment of cerebrovascular diseases. “This extensive training allows me to offer comprehensive care for patients with stroke and other vascular conditions affecting the brain and spinal cord,” he said. His journey to becoming a leader in his field is as inspiring as it is unique. “I grew up in rural Louisiana in a town with fewer than 1,000 residents, and I am the first in my family to attend college or pursue medicine. My father faced significant challenges, including lengthy periods of incarceration. However, I share this part of my story to remind others from similar backgrounds that no aspiration is out of reach. If a small-town kid like me can achieve this, anyone with determination and resilience can, too.” Now at Tulane, Dr. Johnson is part of a team providing patients with the most advanced treatment options available. With more than 1,000 patients treated using state-of-the-art technology like the Pipeline embolization device, Tulane continues to lead the way in innovation. Fellowship-trained surgeons offer the latest minimally invasive treatments for brain and spine tumors, as well as complex spinal conditions, ensuring that patients receive world-class care close to home. Beyond cutting-edge treatments, Tulane Neurosciences is also at the forefront of groundbreaking research. Tulane hosts an NIH-funded program investigating brain aneurysms, along with robust initiatives exploring endovascular technology, device
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development and clinical trials for stroke and spinal disorders. Through ongoing outcomes research in neurosurgical conditions, Tulane is committed to improving patient care both now and in the future. That commitment was evident in Pisano’s journey to recovery. Over the course of several weeks, she received intensive care at Tulane, where healthcare teams closely monitored her neurological and cardiac status, performing hourly assessments to ensure her progress. “Her recovery was nothing short of remarkable,” Johnson said, “and the intensive, multidisciplinary care she received was critical in her successful rehabilitation.”
“Tulane’s collaborative, multidisciplinary approach is truly second to none, and it is this integrated model of care that maximizes outcomes for complex cases like Ms. Pisano’s.” — DR. KENDRICK JOHNSON
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H Dr. Nasir Marrouche (left), director of TRIAD at Tulane University School of Medicine with staff of the TRIAD program.
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C OV E R S T O R Y
Samsung Heart Study
Revolutionizing Cardiac Health & the Aging Heart
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groundbreaking study is underway at the Tulane University Heart & Vascular Institute and Tulane Research Innovation for Arrhythmia Discoveries (TRIAD). The HEARTBEAT study, a collaboration between Tulane and Samsung Research America, aims to prevent and detect heart-related issues before they become serious health threats by using cutting-edge wearable technology. “Continuous monitoring allows us to detect heart conditions early, providing life-saving interventions before they escalate,” said Nasir Marrouche, MD, director of TRIAD, professor of medicine, and Vice Chair of innovation and Entrepreneurship at Tulane University School of Medicine. “By collecting data in real time, we’re empowering patients to take charge of their health and helping healthcare providers create personalized care plans.” The study, which is exclusive to Louisiana, invites participants to receive a Samsung Galaxy 6 smartwatch to track their health in real time. HEARTBEAT offers participants unique insight into their day-to-day health and offers the medical community promising information that could revolutionize how we monitor and manage cardiovascular health.
Erika Elliot, a patient of Dr. Marrouche, knows firsthand how heart-related issues can pass unnoticed, especially among women. “I just thought I was out of breath,” she says. However, what she was really experiencing was atrial fibrillation, or AFib — an irregular heartbeat. A few days later, she suffered a stroke at the age of 47. Under Dr. Marrouche’s supervision, Elliott now undergoes regular checkups to manage her heart condition effectively. She’s optimistic that research like that of the HEARTBEAT study will inspire more women to concentrate on their heart health and stay vigilant about the triggers and signs of potential heart problems. She points out that wearing a device that measures heart rate, such as the Samsung Galaxy 6 smartwatch used in the HEARTBEAT study can help detect irregular heartbeats and provide early warnings of potential heart issues. “The longer you’re in AFib, the more your heart wears out,” says Elliott. “You only have one, and you can’t really exhaust it, so you’ve got to take care of it.” With the HEARTBEAT study Tulane aims to improve early detection and prevention of cardiovascular diseases through continuous data monitoring. The impact for individuals T U L A N E W E L L N E S S W I R E | S P R I N G 2 02 5
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F Erika Elliott (far right) pictured with her family.
“Our goal is not just to treat heart disease, but to get ahead of it.” — NASIR MARROUCHE, MD
like Elliott could be profound, providing revealing data and opening up the path to key early interventions. This free program, open to adults ages 18 and older who see Tulane and/or LCMC providers, allows Tulane researchers to study health data from thousands of participants across Louisiana. Researchers can monitor health trends, identify early warning signs and develop personalized interventions by integrating data from Samsung smartwatches with participants’ medical records. “The pill that works today, may not work on you six months from now,” said Dr. Mar10 T U L A N E W E L L N E S S W I R E | S P R I N G 2 02 5
rouche. “As a patient, your disease is progressing. We are helping our patients to be ahead of their disease, prevent the progression of diseases if they have one, and if they are healthy, to prevent diseases.” Participants in the study will benefit from insights into their heart health while contributing to research that could transform healthcare for everyone. “Our goal is not just to treat heart disease, but to get ahead of it,” says Marrouche. “Today in my clinic, I’m seeing 24 patients, all of them at certain times, either had heart failure, or hypertension, or sleep apnea. That’s why they’re having AFib today. So, if I can tell you now, you’re going to have AFib in six months, I can do so much to prevent it.” To learn more or to see if you qualify, visit heartbeatstudy.com or contact Tulane at 504-988-3058.
PAT I E N T S T O R I E S
10,000 HEARTS 1 MISSION Is your heart one of them? JOIN THE HEARTBEAT RESEARCH STUDY What is the HEARTBEAT research study? This research study will test a relationship between biological signals collected on a smartwatch and heart health issues. What will you need to do during the study? We will assign you a loaner Samsung Galaxy 6 smartwatch. We ask you to wear the smartwatch at least 18 hours per day for one year. You will have to complete a daily task on the smartwatch (it will take about 1 minute per day). Using an app on your smartphone, you will have to complete several questionnaires (once in a few months). Participating in the study is completely voluntary. You may be able to join if: You are at least 18 years of age, You have heart health problems(s): heart failure, cardiac arrhythmia(s), chronic kidney disease, coronary artery disease, history of stroke / transient ischemic attack, or diabetes mellitus. If you don't have any of these conditions, you can be part of the study’s healthy controls group
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR:
Nasir Marrouche, MD Director of TRIAD, professor of medicine, and Vice Chair of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Tulane University of code below, ScanSchool the QR Medicine. answer a few questions
Interested?
answer a few questions and we will get in touch!
To join the study or learn more about our work visit heartbeatstudy.com or scan the QR code. Or simply type in11your web browser:
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The th 200 Patient in Tulane’s Center for Brain Health
These days, United States Marine Corps veteran Nicholas Landry fights flames as a member of the Kenner Fire Department. But for more than a decade, he has waged a different battle: managing the symptoms of a traumatic brain injury that he suffered as a result of his military service. 1122 TTUULLAANNEEW WEELLLLNNEESSSSW WIIRREE | | SSPPRRI N I NGG2202 0255
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andry joined the Marine Corps in 2013, following in the footsteps of his beloved stepfather. He trained as a machine gunner and, while stationed in North Carolina in 2014, experienced an accident he describes as “a perfect storm” of weather conditions and equipment troubles. The resulting explosion knocked him unconscious and left him with facial burns and other injuries. He received medical treatment and recalls experiencing “pounding headaches” and sensitivity to light as soon as he returned to his barracks. These symptoms continued over the course of his subsequent assignment to Twentynine Palms, a training facility in the California desert. After his second deployment to Iraq, Landry began noticing memory loss as well. In May 2017, Landry was discharged from the military. He enrolled in Southeastern Louisiana University and recalls being able to handle the academic workload
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E Nicholas Landry (above), a local firefighter and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, marks a milestone as the 200th graduate of the TBI program. Landry (left) pictured with his family E Dr. Greg Stewart (upper right), director of the Tulane Center for Brain Health, co-founder and co-director of the Center for Sport and the W. Kennon McWilliams Professor of Sports Medicine in Orthopedics.
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“Being able to get answers that help me in life — or with my family — means the world.” — NICHOLAS LANDRY
but struggling with an employer who was less-than-supportive of his work /school balance. He ultimately left school to work full-time. “I decided [to work in the] fire department because I wanted to have a steady career,” says Landry. “For [the firefighter] tests, I studied for days, but retaining the information was very difficult for me. I had a lot of frustration and depression. It was a very tough time in my life.” Landry tried mental health counseling and talking to friends facing similar issues but found little relief. “I kind of lost a lot of faith in a lot of things,” recalls Landry. Then, his wife learned of the Tulane University Center for Brain Health (TUCBH) Veteran program. “I looked into it, e-mailed, and got a response back pretty quick,” says Landry, who was accepted into the Center’s three-day evaluation 14 T U L A N E W E L L N E S S W I R E | S P R I N G 2 02 5
program. During the evaluation, he met with a team of physicians and specialists who developed a care plan based on his symptoms and needs and provided additional resources for continuing care. “It was awesome,” says Landry. “I felt like I got a lot of answers from the team. “People with depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts — they might feel like the road has ended, but it’s just a curve. Sometimes you take that curve, and you go to a place like Center for Brain Health, and you realize there’s hope.” The three-day evaluation offers veterans access to a comprehensive care team, which many would otherwise find cost-prohibitive, with a customized itinerary. Providers communicate with one another to facilitate the development of a care plan, sparing veterans like Landry the difficulty of coordinating their care among various providers.
During his evaluation, Landry met with a physical therapist, nutritionist and neurologist and received diagnostic radiological services. “It was different than anything else I’ve done,” he says. “Being given all of these tools, plus a team of people who are there just for me — to orchestrate it all so perfectly — it was a breath of fresh air. You get the answers that you want, but you don’t have the normal private healthcare/VA healthcare hassle.” Landry holds the distinction of being the 200th veteran to participate in the program. “It’s a cool milestone, knowing there’s at least 200 other veterans who have experienced what I did,” he says. “I hope there’s way more. People with this injury deserve answers.” Since participating in the TUCBH program, Landry says he feels “in general, a lot better.” Though he still faces headaches and memor y issues, he has applied the program’s recommendations and resources for physical therapy, mental health and other areas to navigate challenges. “Being able to get answers that help me in life — or with my family — means the world.” The recent milestone of 200 patients ref lects the expanding inf luence of the Center for Brain He a lt h , wh ic h cont i nue s to deliver for ward-thinking support grounded in expertise and empathy. Tulane is committed to leading progress in brain health and improving outcomes.
Tulane’s milestones in brain health The Tulane Center for Brain Health and the Tulane Center for Sport continue to lead the way in advancing care for those impacted by traumatic brain injuries. At the forefront of Tulane’s efforts to treat brain injuries is medical director of the Center for Brain Health, Dr. Greg Stewart. Dr. Stewart is also the co-founder and co-director of the Center for Sport and the W. Kennon McWilliams Professor of Sports Medicine in Orthopedics. “Leading these programs at Tulane is not just about advancing medical care — it’s about transforming lives,” Stewart said. “Seeing firsthand how these initiatives improve patient outcomes, provide hope and push the boundaries of what’s possible in medicine is incredibly fulfilling. It’s a privilege to work alongside dedicated professionals who are committed to making a difference every day. Watching patients regain their health and witnessing the ripple effect on their families and communities is what makes this work so rewarding.” Under Dr. Stewart’s leadership, the Center for Brain Health and the Center for Sport combine innovative research and personalized treatment to address the complex needs of veterans and professional football players, respectively. “Tulane leads in brain health treatment through cutting-edge research, personalized care and interdisciplinary collaboration. It integrates advanced neuroscience and AI, prioritizes individualized treatment and fosters teamwork among specialists with a strong focus on prevention and community engagement.” The Center for Brain Health recently celebrated a significant milestone — treating its 200th patient — marking a moment of progress for a program that has become a vital resource for veterans. Such milestones in brain health at Tulane reflect the growing reach and impact of the Center for Brain Health and the Center for Sport, which continue to provide cutting-edge care rooted in compassion and expertise. Tulane remains dedicated to shaping the future of brain health and transforming lives.
CA NCER CEN T ER HIGH LIGH T
LEADING THE WAY
The Tulane Cancer Center
Since its founding in 1993, Tulane Cancer Center has served as a nucleus for promoting and supporting trailblazing cancer-focused basic and translational research, leadingedge multidisciplinary cancer care, pioneering investigational treatment and prevention trials, and intensive preparation and education of the next generation of cancer researchers and physician scientists.
Read on to learn about the Tulane physicians leading the way in cancer care and treatment at the Tulane Cancer Center.
DR. STEFAN GRANT
An ambitious vision for the future Dr. Stefan Grant is leading a new era of cancer treatment and research at Tulane, shaping the Tulane Cancer Center into a national force in oncology innovation. As director of the Tulane Cancer Center, co-director of the Louisiana Cancer Research Center, and chief of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Dr. Grant is at the forefront of cutting-edge therapies, groundbreaking research and patient-centered care. A physician-scientist specializing in thoracic malignancies, Dr. Grant brings a multidisciplinary perspective to cancer treatment, holding an MD, JD and MBA. His leadership has been instrumental in advancing immunotherapy, targeted treatments and real-world clinical trials to improve patient outcomes. “At Tulane, we are combining cutting-edge science with a deep sense of community responsibility, and that’s what truly sets us apart,” Dr. Grant explained. His approach in leading the Tulane Cancer Center emphasizes not only groundbreaking research but also ensuring that these advancements translate directly into better patient outcomes. Dr. Grant’s research focuses on harnessing the body’s own immune system to fight lung cancer, advancing targeted therapies and leading real-world clinical trials to improve patient outcomes. One of the center ’s most exciting developments under Dr. Grant’s leadership is MAGIC-SCAN, a high-resolution scanner that detects cancer cells in tissues within minutes during surgery, significantly reducing the need for additional procedures. Funded by a $23 million Cancer Moonshot grant, the technology aims to improve cure rates and streamline surgical oncology.
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“This is a prime example of how our research translates directly into improved patient outcomes,” Dr. Grant said. But technology is only part of the equation. Dr. Grant is focused on expanding Tulane’s research capabilities, bringing in top-tier experts from National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated centers, and securing funding for cancers that disproportionately affect the Gulf South, including lung, colorectal, prostate, breast and blood cancers. He has also enhanced multidisciplinary clinics, such as the lung cancer clinic at East Jefferson General Hospital, allowing patients to see multiple specialists in one visit for streamlined, personalized care. “Our vision for the future is ambitious but achievable,” Dr. Grant said. “The center is expanding research and improving access to care — everything we do is rooted in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer in Louisiana and beyond.”
“At Tulane, we are combining cutting-edge science with a deep sense of community responsibility, and that’s what truly sets us apart.” — DR. STEFAN GRANT
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DR. JESSICA SHANK
Cutting-edge medicine meets compassionate care Dr. Jessica Shank is more than just an exceptional surgeon — she is a visionary leader in gynecologic oncology and a compassionate advocate for her patients. As the section chief of Gynecologic Oncology and the Maxwell E. Lapham Chair in Obstetrics & Gynecology at Tulane, Dr. Shank has helped shape the revitalized Tulane Cancer Center into a center of excellence, combining cutting-edge treatment with a deeply personal approach to patient care. A Louisiana native, Dr. Shank received her undergraduate and medical degrees from Tulane, then completed her internship and residency at Naval Medical Center San Diego and later became division director of Gynecologic Oncology at Naval Medical Center San Diego. After years of distinguished service in the Navy, she returned home in 2018.
Dr. Shank brought cutting-edge expertise in robotic, laparoscopic and laser surgery to Tulane, allowing her to perform complex gynecologic procedures with unmatched precision, reducing recovery times and complications. She completed her fellowship at the University of Michigan, where she gained early hands-on experience, performing over 200 robotic surgeries in two years. Now, at Tulane, she continues to lead, performing about 100 robotic surgeries annually to ensure the best outcomes for her patients. She is so skilled that she proctors other surgeons seeking robotic credentials. Her impact extends far beyond the operating room. Her vision for patient care includes providing patients with a boutique-style experience, where every patient feels like family. “From the people who check you in, to the clinic nurses, infusion nurses, doctors, medical assistants and phlebotomists — everyone is part of your support system,” she says. Rather than leaving messages with strangers at a call center, patients have a direct line to their care team, oftentimes their doctor’s cell phone number, ensuring they receive timely responses and personalized attention. “We take a hands-on, proactive approach to care,” Dr. Shank explains. “Before a patient walks out the door, they already have their next appointments scheduled — whether it’s for chemo, labs, imaging or a follow-up visit. That organization and continuity make a real difference in outcomes and help reduce stress for both patients and their families.” This patient-centered model, combined with the latest research-backed treatments, has made Tulane Cancer Center a place where cutting-edge medicine meets true compassion.
“We take a hands-on, proactive approach to care.” — DR. JESSICA SHANK
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DR. RALPH CORSETTI
Advancing cancer care through treatment, research and advocacy Dr. Ralph Corsetti is a highly skilled surgical oncologist, advocate and researcher specializing in breast, endocrine and melanoma surgery. His approach combines cutting-edge surgical techniques with a philosophy that places patient education at the forefront. “By incorporating patients into the decision-making process and prioritizing education, we ensure they are making the right decision for them — and for the right reasons,” he says. At the revitalized Tulane Cancer Center, Dr. Corsetti is shaping the future of cancer treatment through clinical trials. “It’s exciting to have revolutionary care come out of New Orleans, where we’re setting the stage for treatment guidelines nationally.” A pioneer in de-escalation, he focuses on minimizing interventions while maintaining survival rates. Using
“By incorporating patients into the decision-making process and prioritizing education, we ensure they are making the right decision for them — and for the right reasons.” — DR. RALPH CORSETTI
molecular genomics, doctors can now determine which patients truly need chemotherapy, radiation or surgery and which can safely avoid them — reducing side effects and improving quality of life. Tulane is advancing this approach through two national clinical trials. The DEBRA Trial explores whether certain breast cancer patients can safely skip radiation after lumpectomy, while the DECIDE Trial examines whether melanoma patients with low-risk tumors can avoid lymph node biopsies. For about eight years, Dr. Corsetti has been a leader in healthcare advocacy, using legislation to expand access to life-saving screenings and treatments. His work began when a patient — also a state legislator — challenged him to help improve insurance coverage for 3D mammograms, which were previously only available with an out-of-pocket fee. Together, they pushed for a bill requiring insurance companies to cover these screenings, reducing unnecessary biopsies and follow-ups. T U L A N E W E L L N E S S W I R E | S P R I N G 2 02 5
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We Heal Communities
At Tulane, we understand that whether treatment is routine or life-threatening, it can be one of the most challenging times for patients and their loved ones. That’s why we are dedicated to providing compassionate, world-class healing and care to our patients, whom we consider family. We recognize that when we care for an individual, we are also entrusted with the well-being of their family, friends, and loved ones. This is why one of the core aspects of our mission is “We Heal Communities.” Your support helps us continue delivering exceptional patient care by funding innovative technologies, advancing research into complex diseases, and training the next generation of caregivers. Together, we can ensure that our mission to improve human health and foster healthier communities continues to thrive.
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PAT I E N T S T O R I E S
At Tulane, we recognize that a decision to make a gift to medicine is often for a deeply personal reason, and we provide many options to ensure that your gift is making an impact in the most meaningful way for you. From honoring a specific caregiver or endowing future research in a medical field that has touched your life, we will work with you to design your giving to reflect your priorities.
Join Us in Making a Lasting Impact •
Make a gift in honor or memory of a loved one
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Make a gift in honor of a caregiver
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Support medical research that is important to you
Continue the Conversation •
Share your story about a special caregiver who has made a difference in your life
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Include Tulane medical school in your estate plan
gratefulgiving.tulane.edu
If you would like more information about ongoing treatment and research options at the Tulane School of Medicine or some of the groundbreaking physician research from Tulane Doctors – please contact us to see how your partnership can make a difference. Contact: Krystal Oliveira Springgate, CFRE Executive Director, Health Systems Office of Advancement koliveira@tulane.edu Cell: 504.224.1715 Michael Richmond, CFRE Director of Annual Giving, Health Systems mrichmond@tulane.edu Cell: 702.813.5713
WELLNESS WIRE WRITING AND EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Quinn Armstrong, Christine Hoffman, Krystal Oliveira Springgate, Michael Richmond, Hannah Topping DESIGN Anna Toujas CONTRIBUTORS Mary-Elizabeth Lough, Michael Richmond, Mary Sparacello, Maggie Smith, Krystal Oliveira Springgate
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Thank you for entrusting Tulane to be your healthcare provider. Our Tulane Doctors work tirelessly to provide exceptional care, lead groundbreaking research and train the next generation of medical professionals through our network of clinics and centers. They are the heart of Tulane’s mission to move medicine forward. Together, we can ensure our doctors continue to deliver the high-quality care and innovative treatments that define Tulane’s legacy. By making a gift at gratefulgiving.tulane.edu, you help to enhance care and spark medical breakthroughs. Your generosity is more than a donation — it is a testament to your profound trust and appreciation for Tulane Doctors.