Touro Infirmary Foundation celebrated the conclusion of its sixth edition of the Paul S. Rosenblum Healthcare Institute, formally known as the Rosenblum Leadership Series. Hosted by the Touro Infirmary Foundation, the interactive five-week series provided participants with the opportunity to discuss the landscape of healthcare in the State of Louisiana, mental health and adolescent emotional trauma, race and bias as it pertains to healthcare, and the opioid crisis.
The goal of this series is to ensure the hospital’s success for the long term by engaging the brilliant, talented minds of today in conversations and analysis of our community’s current healthcare state of affairs.
The series was co-founded by Touro Tomorrow chairs Jonathan Brouk, Adrian Cohn, and Clay Smith.
Twenty-five participants were selected for the sixth series from various backgrounds and industries including community advocacy and health organizations, education, technology, and law. The series focused on the overall status of healthcare with a focus on topics such as early causes of adult mental health issues, governmental influence and focus from a state and local level, cost analysis of social and health issues, and how local organizations are confronting the topics we see in the news.
“Touro is continuously expanding its services and abilities. This leadership series helps keep young professionals in the conversation as this growth continues. Healthcare is always evolving and it is important to get the input of young professionals to provide invaluable perspective,” said Brouk.
The institute wrapped up with a cocktail reception at Bar Frances that included special guests from Touro Infirmary, LCMC, Rosenblum Leadership Series alumni, Touro Tomorrow, and the Touro Infirmary Foundation Board.
“It was so refreshing to participate in an institute with discussions that were open, honest and presented the fullness of what the City of New Orleans healthcare landscape is like. The current healthcare landscape is full of promise, but also has its inequities and it is up to us to assist in the creation of equitable opportunities/access for all. The experience was refreshing, eye-opening, and I will take what I have learned to continue in advocating for New Orleanians' equal access to equitable healthcare. I am so appreciative to Mr. Rosenblum for his funding of this great institute that assists Touro Infirmary in evolving into a more innovative healthcare institution”, said Rashidah Williams, a member of the 2018 cohort.
Rosenblum is a past chairman of both Touro Infirmary’s Governing and Foundation boards. Rosenblum has served in leadership roles at Touro for more than 35 years. His leadership has also been vital to the New Orleans community at large, particularly Tulane University, The Anti-Defamation League, Southern Institute for Education and Research, and The Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans.
He has received Touro Infirmary’s highest honor, the Judah Touro Society award, and he and his wife, Edie Levy Rosenblum, have been recognized by the Jewish Endowment Foundation with the Tzedakah Award for their unselfish and meaningful service to the community.
Candace Weber, an alumni facilitator of the series, said, “I’ve been involved for three years in Paul S. Rosenblum Healthcare Institute at Touro because it offers most of my favorite things—continuing education/great programming that helps me stay informed and updated on all NOLA focused health industry topics. It gives me opportunity to hear from impressive speakers in healthcare – and best of all – networking and connecting with peers has been invaluable. This is the only series of its kind, and I recommend it for those who want to keep up with the latest and greatest healthcare topics.”
The 2018 Institute included Benjamin Griswold, Kari Elgin, Kelley Adamec, Kim Steely, Shelly Koch, Valerie Fontenot, Philomene Allain, Jeanie Donovan, Linele Barrow, Shira Glazer, Gary Lessell, Jan Amethea Mandani, Rashidah Daneth Williams, Jessica Caffarel, Sarah Refvem, Melissa Ehlinger, Nicole Williams, Brittany Cruickshank, Janie McNamee, Kaja Elmer, Kellyn Queyrouze, Graham Patterson, Zachary Hoyt, and Stephanie Most.