Special to

L’Observateur

LUTCHER — St. James Parish Hospital recently welcomed Dr. Charles McGaff, general surgeon, to its family and announced the opening of its new surgery clinic, St. James Surgical Specialists.

McGaff brings an impressive background and has served as St. James Parish Hospital’s Director of Surgical Services for over eight years. He attended Medical School at Ohio State University College of Medicine and went on to complete post-graduate training at Stehlin Foundation for Cancer Research, Louisiana State University Department of Surgery at Charity Hospital of New Orleans and trained in Burn Surgery and Critical Care at the U.S. Army Institute for Surgical Research.

In addition, Mc  Gaff earned his Mas ter’s in Business Ad     ministration at Louisiana State Uni versity.

His professional experience includes leading a private practice in general surgery and surgical oncology, serving as medical director of River Parishes Hospital’s Wound Care Clinic and participating as team surgeon/tactical medical support for the St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office Crisis Management Unit. McGaff is board certified with the American Board of Surgery and specializes in general surgery, surgical oncology and wound care.

McGaff’s office will be in David Reynaud Medical Plaza, located next to St. James Parish Hospital. McGaff will offer uninterrupted care to his current patients across the River Parishes, but his primary practice will now be in St. James Parish.

The venture between McGaff and the hospital benefits our community through additional on-site surgery clinic days, 24/7 consults as needed for ER patients and more flexibility and options for local procedures, St. James Parish Hospital officials said.

“Our vision to be the community’s first choice for health care-needs begins with our commitment to determine what those needs are.,” Mary Ellen Pratt, St. James Parish Hospital CEO, said. “Through internal research and community feedback, it was evident that there was a great opportunity to benefit our patients through more consistent surgical support.

“We welcome Dr. McGaff’s extensive experience, and we are thrilled to open a surgery clinic that not only can fulfill our current needs, but also offer room for growth in the future.”

St. James Surgical Specialists will open in June. McGaff will see patients Monday through Friday. To schedule an appointment, call 225-258-2080.