March 18, 2008

East Jefferson General Hospital’s Dr. Mark Peters, Dr. Michael Brothers and Debbie Schmitz among the honorees

Metairie, LA – East Jefferson General Hospital congratulates Dr. Mark Peters, Dr. Michael Brothers and Debbie Schmitz, RN, for being named CityBusiness Health Care Heroes.  The second annual award given by CityBusiness seeks to honor healthcare professionals throughout the metropolitan area for their clinical excellence and their dedication to the community.  Categories include physician, nurse, first responder, professional, volunteer and animal care.

Dr. Mark Peters is East Jefferson’s President and CEO and is honored in the healthcare professional category.  Dr. Peters has been in this role since 2002.  Prior, he served as EJGH’s Senior Vice President and Medical Director.

Dr. Peters has recently served as Chairman of the Metropolitan Hospital Council of New Orleans and board member of the Louisiana Hospital Association. In addition, he is the Chairman of the Board for the Coalition of Leaders for Louisiana Healthcare and lends his expertise to the Jefferson Economic Development Corporation and Greater New Orleans, Inc.

Dr. Michael Brothers is an East Jefferson Cardiovascular-Thoracic surgeon truly on the leading edge of care.  Recognized in the physician category, Dr. Brothers is one of the few surgeons in the country performing minimally invasive procedures in the areas of lung cancer and atrial fibrillation. Using the VATS procedure, also known as Video Assisted Thoracic Surgery, he uses the smallest incision possible to give patients shorter hospital stays, less risk of infection and dramatically less recovery time than traditional methods.

Dr. Brothers received his medical degree from the University of North Carolina and is Board Certified by the National Board of Medical Examiners, American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Thoracic Surgery.  In addition, Dr. Brothers is a Colonel in the United States US Air Force and has served our country through several overseas missions.     

Debbie Schmitz, RN, is recognized in the nurse category for the care and compassion she provides for cancer patients in our community.  She is currently the Breast Care Navigator for the EJGH Breast Care Center and also serves as the Cancer Care Coordinator for the Oncology Department. 

When a patient is diagnosed with cancer, it is often overwhelming for them and their family.  There are tests, treatment options and many decisions to make. Enter Debbie.  Her role is to work with the cancer patients and their families to navigate them through all aspects of their cancer journey.  She coordinates all parts of care, explains what everything means and makes sure they can concentrate all their positive energy on fighting cancer.

The Health Care Hero winners will be recognized at a special awards luncheon on May 22 at the Downtown Sheraton.