This Women’s History Month we will highlight the women in our organization who ensure the well-being of our patients and staff. These women are leading the way to help women make their health and life a priority. We thank each of these women for their dedication to providing our patients and staff with the best possible care.
Penny Diamond
Accounting Specialist Sr
For more than 14 years, Senior Accountant Penny Diamond has worked at Woman’s ensuring patient accounts are up-to-date and accurate after receiving care. Penny was first introduced to the healthcare industry as a teenager when she volunteered as a ‘Candy Striper’. This really inspired her to pursue her own career helping patients through her work in accounting. “I love the feeling of making a difference for other women, even in a small way,” Penny said.
Why did you decide to go into women’s health?
I volunteered at a hospital when I was a teenager. At that time we were called “candies”. I was fascinated with everything that goes on in the different departments of a hospital.
Why is it important for women to work on women’s health?
As women, we are the best advocates for other women. We can talk from a woman’s perspective and understand the complexity of the female body.
What do you enjoy most about working in women’s health?
I like to feel like I’m making a difference for other women, even in a small way. Without accurate financial reporting, a hospital would cease to exist primarily in the ever-changing healthcare environment.
Working in the health sector has many dynamic aspects. Typically, when many of us think of a hospital or healthcare, we think of doctors, nurses, and people who provide direct patient care. However, it takes an entire team across multiple departments to ensure our patients receive quality care. Click here if you are interested in making a difference in the lives of patients at Woman’s Hospital.
Neelima Sukhavasi, MD
Assistant Professor, OB/GYN
Associate Residency Program Director, LSU OB/GYN Residency Program
Dr. Neelima Sukhavasi is not only a practicing OB/GYN, but is also an educator of our future OB/GYNs. Dr. Sukhavasi has been with the LSU OB/GYN Clinic at Woman’s Hospital since September 2018. Her primary role is to supervise attending physicians as they see patients in our clinic, assessment center, labor and delivery, and operating rooms . Additionally, he “helps them with patient visits, delivering babies, surgeries, and generally making sure these physicians are learning from every interaction while getting the best possible care for our patients.”
Why did you decide to get involved in Women’s Health?
“I have always been interested in issues related to maternal and child health and reproductive justice. I’ve learned that if you can educate a woman and help her make reproductive choices that best fit her life goals, you’re not only impacting her life, but the lives of her family, her children, and her community.”
Why is it important for women to work on women’s health?
“I think women are more likely to open up and be honest with female providers. As women, we can relate to what our patients are going through on a more personal level and that helps us care for our patients in all aspects of their health.”
What do you enjoy most about working in women’s health?
“I love that I get to experience some of the happiest moments in a woman’s life with them, but also help her through some of her most vulnerable moments. The field of OB/GYN is full of ups and downs and you can really play an important role in this part of someone’s life. All in all, it’s very satisfying!”
Dr. Sukhavasi continues to share her medical skills by educating the future and bringing forth the children of our future while providing the best care to women.
Nia’Ja Mack, FNP-C
Gynecological Oncology Nurse Practitioner
Nia’Ja Mack is a nurse practitioner with extensive experience in gynecologic oncology care. She began her nursing career in 2013 as a Registered Nurse specializing in Med Surg/Oncology. Nia’Ja joined Woman’s Hospital in 2014 and became a nurse in 2018. She provides care for women with gynecologic cancers and works closely with gynecologic oncologists to directly support patients from the beginning of their cancer journey through surveillance. In addition, it diagnoses and treats benign gynecological diseases.
Nia’Ja provides care to a patient population that requires consistent care from our staff while maintaining a high level of trust in them, and is dedicated to “giving them a safe space to ask difficult or uncomfortable questions.”
Why did you decide to go into women’s health?
“I have always had a special interest in women’s health. I am a woman and I can relate to other women. There is unspeakable trust between women. I want to give women a chance to be vulnerable and give them a safe space to ask tough or uncomfortable questions. Women should be empowered to know and understand their bodies. I want to educate women and reduce their morbidity and mortality with preventive care.”
Why is it important for women to work on women’s health?
“It’s important for women to work on women’s health because we need an advocate and someone who can relate and understand our issues. Here at Woman’s Hospital, women go through some of their happiest and most difficult times. In both cases, women deserve love and support.”
What do you enjoy most about working in women’s health?
“I love the evolution of being a woman. I am constantly learning, growing and building new relationships. Our journey as a woman or health care provider has no end. Women’s health work is part of a true sisterhood. I help my patients and they help me. It’s a daily reward to take care of all women.”
Nia’Ja has dedicated her professional career to the well-being of women and continues to provide exceptional care to every patient. If you would like to make an appointment within her specialty, please call (225) 216-3006.
Brooke Sunenberg, MS, RDN, LDN
Director of Nutrition Services
Brooke Schoonenberg is a nutrition services manager at Woman’s Hospital. She has been working at the Women’s Hospital since June 2014. She primarily supervises dietitians in all external clinical areas. In addition, she plans and implements the quality improvement of the nutritional programs at the Women’s Wellness Center. Below Brooke shares her story of providing the best nutritional care for women’s health.
Why did you decide to get involved in Women’s Health?
“The Women’s Hospital has a reputation as a great place to work, and when I saw a job opening, I knew it was an opportunity I had to take. I love teaching women about nutrition and how healthy eating can affect your quality of life in such an amazing way. As a woman and a mom, I know we tend to put ourselves last, so seeing women put themselves first to learn what it takes to improve their health is extremely gratifying.”
Why is it important for women to work on women’s health?
“I don’t know if I can say this, but it takes someone to find out. As women, we understand the feelings of fluctuating hormones, postpartum sleep deprivation, difficulty losing weight, and the constant need and desire to “do it all” – having another woman to confide in and support is invaluable.
What do you enjoy most about working in women’s health?
“Hearing someone say what a difference you’ve made in their life, no matter how big or small. I am caring for someone who is experiencing something that I may have experienced personally. Helping women ‘do it all’ while keeping themselves top priority.”
Brooke continues to work tirelessly to care for her patients and staff. If you may be interested in finding the best nutritional options specifically for you, please call 225-924-8705 to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced dietitians.
