School of Medicine

Dr. Juan Gershanik Assumes New Role for Pediatrics Department

Dr. Juan Gershanik has assumed the new and unique role of special “Pediatric Faculty Advocate for Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility” in the pediatrics department.

As academic medical centers, children's hospitals and health care centers recognize the power of diversity and inclusion to our ability to face the healthcare challenges of the 21^st century, one group has often been left out of diversity and inclusion discussion-those individuals with physical or developmental disabilities. By focusing specific attention on the group of individuals with disabilities, we hope to make specific and measurable progress in the years to come. Dr. Gershanik will work closely with our educational leadership to develop and implement specific training and curriculum to help our learners better understand and adapt to the needs of individuals with special needs; innovate services for patients, families, caregivers and others; and advocate for improved accessibility, social and societal inclusion.

Dr. Gershanik brings a life of expertise and experience to his new role. He has served as a practicing neonatologist in the New Orleans community for more than 40 years. Dr. Gershanik has held faculty positions at LSU Health New Orleans, Tulane University, LSU Health Shreveport and the Medical University of South Carolina. He has provided extensive leadership to all local, regional and national medical societies to include the American Academy of Pediatrics, Greater New Orleans Pediatric Society, Hispanic American Medical Association of Louisiana, Jefferson Parish Medical Society, Orleans Parish Medical Society and the Louisiana State Medical Society. Dr. Gershanik has advocated and championed opportunities for those with disabilities for many years via his work with the March of Dimes and his Touro Synagogue Krewe of VIP Kids events.

The department of pediatrics is proud to champion this innovative and unique faculty position and serve as a role model for other pediatric departments in the country.