Long Term Projects

Interested in starting a NEW Long Term Project? CLICK HERE
Please copy and paste this sheet in an email and send it to OMSAOutreach@ochsner.org.

Global Health is Local Health

ALS Voice Banking

Ochsner’s ALS Voicebanking team is made up of student volunteers who volunteer their time on the weekends to help patients with newly diagnosed ALS record their voice. Using a program called ModelTalker and a professional recording booth, we create an inventory of thousands of words which is used to synthesize a voice that sounds much like their own. They are then able to download their voice and use it when their voice is eventually lost to the disease. It is really a fascinating feat of modern technology and a great way to connect with patients with ALS.

Contact: Bryn Rubin

Habitat For Humanity

HYP-OMSA is a part of the New Orleans area chapter of Habitat for Humanity. This organization is based on the goal of making homeownership more attainable for hard working families and revitalizing local communities. Partner families are able to keep costs down through the work of volunteers. As a volunteer, you will get to help build homes in local communities around New Orleans. No prior experience is necessary and all building supplies are provided. Builds are organized once a month on Saturdays and generally run from 8am to 3pm.

If you have any questions, feel free to email. Hope to work with you soon!

Contact: Aaron Kurtti

JoJo's Hope

Luke's House

Luke’s House is a free clinic that aims to serve the Spanish speaking population of the greater New Orleans area. The clinic runs with the help of medical student volunteers who perform the intake and history taking. UQ-Ochsner students volunteer for primary care clinic every Thursday evening and occasional gynecologic clinic whenever they are held. If you’re interested in volunteering to provide free primary care and gynecologic services to those in need, Luke’s House is the place to use your Spanish and hone your clinical skills.

Contact: Monique Salazar

Miracle League

Play sports with kids! The Miracle League provides an opportunity for children with disabilities to participate in sports. It is a great way to take a step back from rotations and participate in a great cause. I promise you’ll enjoy it!

In general, seasons take place as follows. COVID may affect certain seasons as we are only allowed to play outside as of right now.

Soccer:  Jan-Feb (6 weeks) – Sat mornings

Spring Baseball: March-May (8 weeks) – 6-12yo play Sat mornings; >13yo play Wed/Thurs evenings

Basketball: June-July (8 weeks) – Sat mornings

Fall Baseball: Sept-Nov (8 weeks) – same as Spring Baseball

Please check out the Miracle League Website to get excited and learn more!

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Luay Naji. We will be keeping track of UQ-Ochsner student participation, so please register via the button below. Looking forward to seeing you on the field!

UQ-STAR Program

The UQ STAR mentorship program is an extension of the Ochsner STAR summer program which is held for 16 outstanding high school seniors. The high school students selected have an interest in STEM field, are amongst the top students in their high schools, and come from a variety of different backgrounds. The aim for our mentorship program is to pair each student with a UQ-Ochsner student, to serve as a mentor. Mentors participate in the STAR program by teaching the students clinical examination skills and running a mock OSCE to evaluate the students on their physical exam skills and overall medical knowledge. Mentors also help out students with choosing which colleges to apply to, navigating financial aid and extracurricular activities, and answering questions about everyday life. The commitment will vary based on the student, however we aim for the relationship to last until the students are ready for their next step after graduating high school.

Contact: Rachel Thomas-Little

Walk with a Future Doc

Walk with a Future Doc is a national non-profit organization whose mission is to encourage healthy physical activity in people of all ages and reverse the consequences of a sedentary lifestyle in order to improve the health and well-being of the country. The Walk with a Doc concept is simple: Physicians organize walks in their communities and invite their patients, their patients’ families, and community members to join them. It offers a comfortable space for community members to interact with healthcare providers and each other while engaging meaningful discussions about overall health and well being. It’s just a Walk! It’s a simple, effective way to make a difference in the community. We are always looking for volunteers and people willing to be involved. Enthusiasm is encouraged but not required.

We meet in Audubon park every first Saturday of the month and walks typically last no more than 1 hour. See Google Calendar for dates.

Contact: Kundanika Lakkadi