Mission and Priorities
Our Mission
- To be advocates for all children in Louisiana
Priorities
-
Dedicated to promoting the interests of Louisiana pediatricians in the American Academy of Pediatrics.
-
Dedicated to increasing involvement of pediatricians in the legislative arena to positively influence the quality of pediatric practice and the welfare of children in Louisiana.
-
Dedicated to increasing pediatricians’ knowledge of and participation in legislative and advocacy activities at a local level.
-
Dedicated to building coalitions with other organizations working towards improving children’s health and well-being.
Chapter Leadership
- President
Joseph Bocchini, Jr., MD, FAAP
Shreveport - Vice President
Kim Mukerjee, MD, FAAP
New Orleans - Secretary/ Treasurer
Katie Queen, MD, FAAP, DABOM
Covington - Early Career Physician
Megan Louque, MD
Baton Rouge - At-Large Members
Joseph Ortenberg, MD
New OrleansTina Simpson, MD, FAAP
New Orleans - Immediate Past President
Rachel Chatters, MD, FAAP
Lake Charles
Chapter Staff
- Ashley Politz, Executive Director (exec@laaap.org)
- Julia Vanchiere, Education Coordinator (cme@laaap.org)
- Shannon Martrain, Executive Assistant (admin@laaap.org)

Purpose of Committees
LA AAP depends on the active participation of its members to accomplish the Chapter’s objectives. One of the most important areas of service is through membership on committees. By carefully recruiting volunteers with interests in each committee’s mandate, LA AAP can leverage its human resources to achieve the best results.
Regional Louisiana Pediatric Societies
Baton Rouge Pediatric Society
Northwest Louisiana Pediatric Society
- President
Dr. Stephanie Kelleher - Vice President
Dr. Brannon Perrilloux - Secretary
Dr. Helen Hedgeman - Treasurer
Dr.Jay Graham
- Dr. Aimee Ferrell
- Dr. Charlotte Hollman
- Dr. John Lopoo
- Dr. Ashley Lucas
- Dr. George Schwartzenburg
- Dr. Steve Spedale
- Dr. David Thomas
Contact brpedsociety@gmail.com
www.nwlapediatricsociety.com
Megan Gardner, MD, FAAP
NWLAPS@gmail.com
2400 Hospital Dr., Suite 120
Bossier City, LA 71111
- President
Abbey Carroll
acarroll1@wkhs.com - Vice-President
Monica Haynes
mhaynes@wkhs.com - Secretary/Treasurer
Nafisa Ahmed, MD - LSUHSC Executive Council Rep
Sheyenne Carper, MD