A Q&A With Senator Norby Chabert
October 17, 2018
Global Production Could Mean Local Boom
October 17, 2018
DIRECTOR OF RADIOLOGY AND INDUSTRY LIAISON, GULF COAST ORTHOPEDICS
Q: What is the key to being successful as a health care provider?
Providing a good patient experience. You must be knowledgeable, available and personable. Each patient requires special attention. Being open minded and readily available to each unique case is a major plus to patients. It’s what I try to facilitate for each patient that I encounter.
Q: How has the medical industry changed from the start of your career to now?
The biggest change for me has been the evolvement of electronic medical records. When I first started here, all of our charts were paper. Now that we are completely electronic, we have all the patient’s information at our fingertips immediately. It helps us provide complete and more efficient care. We can be better stewards of our patients’ time.
Q: As a child, did you see yourself having a career
in the medical field?
Yes. Through all my years of education, I chose healthcare for projects, term papers, etc.
Q: What was your path to Director of Radiology
and Industry Liaison?
I graduated from Charity Hospital in Radiology on August 19, 1987 and started here at Gulf Coast Orthopedics, which was previously Houma Orthopedic Clinic, on August 22, 1987. I learned how to do casting and bracing as well as many other things while being a radiologic technologist. I became a registered MRI technologist in 1998. I learned about a need for quick orthopedic, MRI and surgery services for the work industry. With the help of a claims adjuster, I implemented a program that caters to the work industry. It continues to evolve and grow and I am enjoying it very much.
Q: What does an average day look like for you?
Work starts at 7:30 a.m. in MRI. I get several phone calls and texts from nurse case managers, claims adjusters, safety professionals, company managers and owners, etc. I also attend meetings frequently. As the industry liaison for Gulf Coast Orthopedics, I don’t have a certain time off. Part of my duties is to always be available for our clients to facilitate patient appointments and follow-up care. Since our clients are working 24/7/365, I try and give them the same commitment.
Q: What advice would you give to a high school senior looking to enter the medical field?
Decide what you want to be and don’t stop until you get that degree. If you cut yourself short saying you will go back to school later, it may never happen.
Q: What is your greatest accomplishment when it comes to your career in orthopedics?
Making myself known and available to our community for when they are in need.
Q: If you could describe Gulf Coast Orthopedics in one word, what would it be and why?
Compassion. We all work so hard and go out of our way so that patients
experience the best care.
Q: What are the future plans for Gulf Coast Orthopedics?
We have recently added Gulf Coast Physical Therapy and we now have a lab for pre-op work ups. GCO is not an idle company; we are constantly exploring ways to improve our patient’s experience. The owners are very supportive of new ideas that we bring and that is what makes working here so exciting.
Q: What makes a successful leader?
You must be engaged in your organization. When others that you work with see that you are invested in them and their success along with the success of the organization it makes everyone better. Being available to your team and willing to help in any way needed is also a great leadership quality.•
