Honoring Dr. James W. Callaghan, MD

Dr. James W. Callaghan, MD to be honored with the Frank C. Di Vincenti, MD Community Leadership Award

The Frank C. Di Vincenti, MD Community Leadership Award is presented annually to recognize an individual for his or her excellence in leadership, volunteerism, dedicated community engagement, and exemplary service in the medical field at West Jefferson Medical Center.

This year, the West Jefferson Hospital Foundation is proud to announce the 2023 recipient of this prestigious award, Dr. James W. Callaghan.

Dr. Callaghan is a physician of Emergency Medicine at West Jefferson Medical Center in Marrero, LA. Since joining the Medical Staff in 1994, and most recently serving as Chief of Staff from 2010-2012, he has embodied the essence of the Frank C. Di Vincenti, MD Community Leadership Award through his unwavering commitment to patient care and staff development alike.

The West Jefferson Hospital Foundation will honor Dr. Callaghan with the award at its West Jefferson Jubilee cocktail reception and fundraiser on November 10, 2023 at the Higgins Hotel in New Orleans.

Dr. Callaghan will be recognized for the compassionate care he delivers to our community during their times of need in the Emergency Room. He is seen as a mentor by residents and fellow emergency department physicians who look to him for his medical knowledge and procedural expertise. “For the past 30 years, he has served our patients during their sickest times with compassion, humility, outstanding acumen, and dedication”, says Dr. Andrew Mayer, Medical Director, Emergency Physicians Group (EPG).

Dr. Callaghan has led the emergency department through challenging times including the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic. Registered Nurse Tracy Battard, remembers those times saying, “In the face of absolute chaos and uncertainty, his calm and composed demeanor provide a sense of security for both patients and staff alike. Through what most would have considered the darkest hours that our department and community have faced, he fostered an environment that made staff around him feel safe and re-assured. He faced those hardships head-on with unwavering resolve.”

Dr. Callaghan is a graduate of Louisiana State University School of Medicine and completed his residency in emergency medicine at Charity Hospital - LSU. He is devoted to his family including his wife, Pam, and daughters, Chloe and Sophie. When he is not caring for patients, Dr. Callaghan enjoys fishing, antique car restoration, and supporting coastal restoration efforts.

The West Jefferson Hospital Foundation is looking forward to celebrating Dr. Callaghan for the countless lives he has touched in our community.

To learn more about the Frank C. Di Vincenti, MD Community Leadership Award, click here.

Learn more about the Frank C. Di Vincenti, MD Community Leadership Award.