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Trust Healthcare Again

AVALA, located in the heart of St. Tammany Parish, is a premier 21 bed hospital where the region’s most skilled physicians practice in an elevated, progressive environment.

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Our Campus

AVALA Hospital, a 21-bed hospital offers some of the most innovative and minimally invasive surgeries and procedures in Louisiana. Offering a wide range of specialties and services including robotic surgery, AVALA Hospital scores in the top 6% in the nation when comparing quality healthcare.

Our physician partners are at the top of their surgical specialties and are committed to providing the best services to our patients with the most comfort and care possible.

Leadership

Samer Shamieh, MD

Chief Medical Director

Samer Shamieh, MD

Chief Medical Director

J. William (Bill) Hankins, FACHE

Chief Executive Officer

J. William (Bill) Hankins, FACHE

Chief Executive Officer

Jay Buras, DNAP, MBA, CRNA

Chief Operating Officer

Jay Buras, DNAP, MBA, CRNA

Chief Operating Officer

Brooke Cummings, MBA

Chief Financial Officer

Brooke Cummings, MBA

Chief Financial Officer

Joy Melgar, MSN, RN

Chief Nursing Officer

Joy Melgar, MSN, RN

Chief Nursing Officer

Brooke Russell, MBA

Chief Marketing Officer

Brooke Russell, MBA

Chief Marketing Officer

Stephen Desforges

Chief Information Officer

Stephen Desforges

Chief Information Officer

Jomel Whittington, MHA

President AVALA Physician Network

Jomel Whittington, MHA

President AVALA Physician Network

Eddy Vargas, MJ-LEL

Executive Director Human Resources & Corporate Compliance

Eddy Vargas, MJ-LEL

Executive Director Human Resources & Corporate Compliance

Events

September 2025

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