Ochsner Health is a system that delivers health to the people of Louisiana, Mississippi and the Gulf South with a mission to Serve, Heal, Lead, Educate and Innovate.
Current Fellows - Pain Medicine Fellowship Program
Born and raised in Houston, TX, I always enjoyed visiting New Orleans with my family. I soon learned the name Ochsner and knew it was a place I wanted to train at. The Chronic Pain Program offers not only excellent clinicians but also ample procedural volume with an incredibly diverse patient population. I look forward to honing my skills in an exciting and welcoming environment.
Originally from Raleigh, North Carolina, I've embraced the dynamic experience of living in different cities throughout my medical journey. Having visited New Orleans multiple times, I have always appreciated the city's vibrant culture, cuisine, and community. During my interview at Ochsner, I was impressed by the program's comprehensive curriculum, holistic approach to pain management, and extensive exposure to diverse procedures. Moreover, the camaraderie among the attendings and fellows was evident and fostered a supportive atmosphere that is essential for professional growth. Given these factors, Ochsner emerged as an ideal training ground for me to develop into a skilled pain clinician under the mentorship of renowned experts. I am eager to contribute to the program while immersing myself in all that NOLA offers.
I chose the Ochsner Pain Medicine Fellowship because of its outstanding reputation and leadership in the field. The program is led by experts who have made significant contributions to the academic landscape of pain medicine across the country. I was confident that Ochsner would provide me with the best multidisciplinary training and the most current advancements in interventional pain management. Additionally, the diverse and complex patient population at Ochsner offers a unique and enriching clinical experience, which was very important to me in choosing a fellowship program. As someone coming from an emergency medicine background, it was crucial for me to find a program equipped to train physicians like myself, and Ochsner met that need perfectly. During my visit, everything felt right. I fell in love with both the hospital and the vibrant culture and cuisine of New Orleans, making it an ideal place for both professional growth and personal enjoyment.
I was born and raised in South Florida and moved to New Orleans for my undergraduate studies at Tulane. I have been fortunate enough to stay in New Orleans for my entire educational career, being with LSU for medical school and physiatry training. I chose Ochsner for my pain medicine training because of the large procedural volume, complex patient pathology, and cutting-edge evidence-based medicine practiced at Ochsner. The combined knowledge of the esteemed faculty and the extensive procedural training will prepare me to treat even the most challenging cases.
New Orleans has been an integral part of my life since my family moved here during my sophomore year of high school. What I initially thought would be just another temporary stop became the first place I truly called home. Over the 15 years I lived there, Ochsner became my family's trusted source of medical care and New Orleans went from being just a city on the map to a community that embraced me with open arms. As someone born in Baghdad and raised in many different places, I had never fully grasped the meaning of a hometown—until New Orleans. In New Orleans, I built lasting bonds and discovered a deep sense of belonging. I was fortunate to attend medical school in this city, and now I’m honored to return to continue my training in pain medicine at Ochsner. Having been a patient at Ochsner for years, I’ve experienced firsthand the high level of care and commitment they provide—which made it an easy choice when applying for fellowship. I chose Ochsner’s pain medicine fellowship because of its comprehensive training program, which offers robust didactics, high procedural volume, a diverse patient population, and an evidence-based approach to pain care. This fellowship represents more than professional growth—it is a return to my roots and a chance to give back to the community that gave me so much. New Orleans changed me for the better, and I can think of no better place to begin the next chapter of my career.
Originally from Montgomery, AL, I attended undergrad at Ole Miss, medical school at UAB, and Anesthesia residency at UMMC in Jackson, MS. I sought a pain medicine fellowship that would challenge me clinically while also fostering mentorship and growth. Ochsner stood out for its high procedural volume, multidisciplinary approach, and commitment to evidence-based care. During my interview, I was struck by the program’s collaborative environment and the enthusiasm of both faculty and fellows. The breadth of pathology seen at Ochsner ensures exposure to complex, nuanced cases that will refine my diagnostic and interventional skills. Combined with the opportunity to live in a city as rich in culture and character as New Orleans, Ochsner was the clear choice for my fellowship training.
Why Choose Ochsner?
