Reeves, Trahan earn certification

SULPHUR — Melissa Reeves, RN, and MeMe Trahan, RN, with West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital have earned RN First Assistant certification from the Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses.

The AORN defines an RNFA as a perioperative registered nurse who works in collaboration with the surgeon and healthcare team members to achieve optimal patient outcomes. Through the rigorous RNFA education and certification process, Reeves and Trahan gained the necessary knowledge, experience and skills needed to successfully serve in this expanded role. As RNFAs, both serve at the physician’s direction, providing an additional pair of high-quality skilled hands to ensure comprehensive quality care is provided to the patient during a surgical procedure.

Reeves has been a member of the WCCH patient care team for over 22 years. She holds a Bachelor of Science in nursing from McNeese State University, as well as, advanced life support (ALS), basic life support (BLS) and certified perioperative nurse (CNOR) credentials.

Trahan joined WCCH in 2008 after being an educator in the public school system for eight years. She holds an Associate’s Degree in nursing and a Bachelor of Science in health & human performance from McNeese State University. Trahan also holds pediatric advanced life support (PALS), advanced life support (ALS), basic life support (BLS) and certified perioperative nurse (CNOR) certifications.

Hale elected first vice president of LOA

Dr. Steven Hale, orthopaedic surgeon with the Center for Orthopaedics in Lake Charles, has been elected first vice president of the Louisiana Orthopaedic Association. He will ascend to the role of president next year.

Hale is originally from Lake Charles and has 14 years of experience in his field. He earned his medical degree from Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans and completed his orthopaedic residency at The Campbell Clinic in Memphis. He joined the Center for Orthopaedics in 2009.

He is board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. He is also a member of the Council on Legislation within the Louisiana State Medical Society.

Hale specializes in joint replacement surgery, including robotic-assisted hip and knee replacement; sports medicine; knee surgery; shoulder surgery; hip surgery; fracture care; orthobiologics and arthritis treatment.

LOA, an affiliate of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, is the statewide, professional membership organization of orthopaedic surgeons, orthopaedic residents and ancillary health care providers that fosters exceptional quality of care through physician education and legislative initiatives.

The Clinic of Welsh joins Memorial

Lake Charles Memorial Health System welcomes Yvonne Krielow, DNP, FNP-BC and The Clinic of Welsh staff as the newest members of the Memorial Medical Group family of affiliated clinics.

Krielow began serving the health care needs of the community of Welsh in 2008 when she opened The Clinic of Welsh.

Krielow earned her registered nursing license at LSUE, followed by a 10-year role working in the ICU at Jennings American Legion Hospital. She furthered her education by obtaining a Masters in Nursing at McNeese State University and began practicing as a family nurse practitioner. In 2011, she earned her Doctorate of Nurse Practition from Texas Christian University.

The Clinic of Welsh is located at 708 E. Russell Avenue in Welsh.

Hunter appointed to state task force

Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter has been appointed by the Louisiana Municipal Association to serve in one of its two seats on the Louisiana Task Force on Early Voting.

The purpose of the Task Force on Early Voting, created by Senate Resolution 152 of the 2022 regular session, is to “propose recommendations, together with specific proposals for legislation” concerning early voting, while taking into account “the cost, voting locations, and the logistical and administrative challenges associated with early voting.”

Hunter is representing LMA’s seat from a parish containing a municipality with a population of 45,000 or more people.

McMurry named to WCCH board

SULPHUR — The Board of Commissioners of West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital has welcomed S. Mark McMurry as the new commissioner representing the Sulphur/Carlyss area.

McMurry was appointed by the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury in December 2022 to fulfill the term of Frank A. LaBarbera Jr., who served for over 18 years.

McMurry serves as president of McMurry Leadership & Management, and holds a Master’s in Public Administration degree from Louisiana State University. Prior to his current role, he served as parish administrator for the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury until his retirement in 2010. McMurry remains active in the community, where he serves as a board member for various business and civic organizations. He has received several awards for his continued community commitment throughout his career, including being the 2003 recipient of the statewide Public Service Award given by the Louisiana Public Health Association for service and support of public health efforts and activities in the community and the state.

Current members also serving on the Board of Commissioners of WCCH include Chairman Robert “Bob” Davidson of Sulphur, Vice Chairman Rickey Watson of Vinton, Bobby LeTard of Westlake and Carol “Bobbie” Fountain of Hackberry.

Koch named to Chamber board

The Chamber of Southwest Louisiana appointed CSE Federal Credit Union’s President/CEO Matt Koch to its Board of Directors and vice chair of education and workforce for the 2023 business year.

Koch’s addition to the committee allows him to facilitate partnerships among business/industry, government, education, and the community of Southwest Louisiana to provide a skilled and employable workforce that supports economic development.

His experience in the financial industry and service to the area will be beneficial in helping the Chamber of SWLA achieve their mission of making a real difference in Southwest Louisiana through networking with business professionals.

The Chamber of SWLA is a coalition of businesses and organizations working together to make Southwest Louisiana a better place to live and work. Visit allianceswla.org for more information about the Chamber of SWLA.

CSE is the largest credit union headquartered in SWLA with assets over $450 million. Membership is open to anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jeff Davis and Vernon parishes.