Life at Ochsner

For physicians at Ochsner Health, neurology is a shared commitment to collaboration, curiosity and constant progress.

 
“Our neurology department here has grown tremendously over the last decade,” says Dr. David Houghton, system chair of neurology. “I’m fortunate to have been here now for 14 years myself.”

 
That growth has created something distinct: a fully integrated neurology program where physicians are supported by a deeply collaborative team—and empowered to shape the future of care. 

At Ochsner, neurology is intentionally designed around continuity. 

“We have the breadth and depth of a continuity of care for our patients,” Dr. Houghton explains. “That includes physicians, advanced practice providers and allied health professionals like physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech pathologists.” 

This multidisciplinary approach extends across every subspecialty. 

“We really do have all of the subspecialties that any academic medical center should expect—Alzheimer’s and cognitive disorders, Parkinson’s disease, stroke care, multiple sclerosis, neuro-oncology, epilepsy—and the list goes on.” 

For Dr. Bridget Bagert, director of the Desi Roth Harrison Multiple Sclerosis Center, that team structure is critical to delivering truly meaningful care. 

It’s a model that ensures patients and physicians are never navigating complexity alone. 

Neurology is evolving quickly, and with that comes both challenge and opportunity.

“The most challenging thing today is the increasing prevalence and complexity of neurologic diseases,” Dr. Houghton says. “But it really is a team sport for us.”

At Ochsner, that team-based approach transforms complexity into innovation, creating an environment where new ideas are encouraged, not constrained.

“We have to be mindful of the future,” says Dr. Robin Davis, senior physician and director of the neurology residency program. “Not only is medicine changing, but how we deliver healthcare is constantly changing too.”

That forward-thinking mindset is embedded in the culture.

“It’s never really a ‘no’ here,” she says. “It’s always, ‘Let’s give it a go. Let’s try something new.’”

For physicians, that means the freedom to explore new models of care, participate in research and continually evolve their practice.

While resources and innovation matter, what stands out most to physicians is the culture.

“I deeply value practicing here for the people,” Dr. Davis says. “This is a place where people are genuine. We are a crew.”

That sense of connection carries through every aspect of the work.

“These are people I’ve been through hurricanes and pandemics with—and also the best moments of life,” she says. “We take our work very seriously, but we’re able to be our authentic selves with each other.”

It’s a balance that creates both professional fulfillment and personal connection.

For Dr. Bagert, that same human-centered mindset extends directly into patient care.

“I’ve learned the importance of expressing gratitude when you walk into the room,” she says. “Just thanking patients can immediately change the dynamic and build connection.”

That perspective reflects a deeper philosophy of care: one that values relationships just as much as outcomes.

That collaborative, patient-centered vision is coming to life in a bold new way with the opening of the Debra H. and Robert J. Patrick Neuroscience Institute in October 2026.

“I couldn’t be more excited about what this represents,” Dr. Houghton says.

The five-story, 130,000-square-foot facility is designed to redefine how neurological care is delivered—bringing clinical care, rehabilitation, research and innovation together under one roof.

“This is a one-of-a-kind facility for the country and certainly for this region,” he says.

Designed with both patients and providers in mind, the Institute will feature a full floor dedicated to neuro restoration and rehabilitation, creating a centralized space for comprehensive recovery services. Advanced technologies, including virtual and augmented reality, will be integrated throughout the patient experience to support innovative treatment and rehabilitation approaches. The Institute will also be organized into subspecialty "neighborhoods" that bring experts together to foster collaboration and coordinated care. In addition, seamless integration between therapy, diagnostics and clinic visits will help streamline the patient journey and enhance the overall care experience.

“The idea that everything is available in one place is incredibly exciting,” Dr. Houghton adds. “It allows for true continuity of care and open communication between providers.”

A Place to Grow—and Stay Curious

Across every stage of a neurology career, physicians at Ochsner emphasize growth—not just professionally, but personally.

“At its core, Ochsner is a group practice,” Dr. Houghton says. “This is a place where physicians work, learn and grow together.”

Opportunities for leadership, academic advancement and program development are built into that foundation.

For Dr. Davis, growth often starts with a willingness to step outside your comfort zone.

“My advice is to say yes to the thing that scares you,” she says. “That’s how I found my path in education and leadership.”

For Dr. Bagert, growth comes from maintaining curiosity in a rapidly advancing field.

“Remain curious and open-minded,” she says. “There’s so much happening—from new therapies to clinical trials—and being able to bring that innovation to the patient in front of you is tremendously gratifying.”

Together, their perspectives highlight what makes Ochsner unique: a place where physicians are supported to evolve, explore and make a lasting impact.

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At Ochsner Health, neurologists are part of something bigger—a collaborative, forward-thinking team that is advancing care, strengthening community and shaping the future of neurology across the Gulf South.

Explore neurology physician career opportunities at careers.ochsner.org/physicians.