We want to shine some light on Charity Hospital by providing some stories and pictures from people's time at Charity. If you have any stories or pictures, please contact emily.langlois@lcmchealth.org to be featured.
Spotlight of the week: Melissa Howard
My nursing career began at Charity Hospital in 2004. I worked in Neurosurgery ICU at Charity and was activated during Hurricane Katrina.
Fun fact, I was pictured evacuating patients on the helipad in The Times Picayune. The title of that article was “Angels of Mercy.” I’ve been in our system all this time, from University Hospital (ILH) to UMC.
Prior to becoming a house supervisor, I had always been an ICU nurse in MICU. I attained my BSN degree from University of Louisiana at Lafayette this past December 2023 and plan to return to school for a masters degree in nursing.
What Does the Spirit of Charity mean to me?
The Spirit of Charity embodies both humbling and rewarding experiences for me. In the past, stepping into Charity Hospital demanded humility. The grandeur of the building itself instilled a sense of awe. Its historic architecture whispered tales of a legacy far greater than any individual. And if the physical structure didn't humble you, the inscription, "where the unusual occurs and miracles happen," certainly did. These words served as a reminder that the Spirit of Charity is an essential beacon of compassionate goodwill. I have always felt fortunate to play even the most minor role in bringing those miracles to fruition. In the Spirit of Charity, I endeavor to humble myself and integrate values of humility and benevolence into my practices at UMC.
Moreover, the Spirit of Charity has fostered a profound sense of belonging, where both patients and employees, regardless of background, stand on equal ground. At UMC, I take pleasure in caring for all walks of life and consider myself fortunate to be part of a team where my colleagues feel like an extended family to me.
Photo from the first Charity Hospital reunion after Katrina
