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For heart month, we sat down with Our Lady of the Angels Cardiology Nurse Practitioner, Lori Quinn Tate. Tate serves the Washington Parish community along with Dr. Richard Colon, Cardiologist.

What cardiology services do you offer at Our Lady of the Angels?

We offer a wide range of services including care of hypertensive patients, heart failure, structural damage including aortic valves, tricuspid valves and mitral valve conditions. We also follow rhythm disturbances with two full-time electrophysiologist (EP) physicians on staff to assist with arrhythmias. I have been following devices including loop recorders, pacemakers and defibrillators for over 35 years and we have a specialized device clinic.

I have a specific interest in cardiovascular risk factor reduction including lipid management, optimal blood pressures, smoking cessation, weight reduction and diabetes care.

Why is it important to you to practice cardiology in a rural community?

I have been practicing cardiology in Washington Parish since 1990. It is my pleasure to work in a rural, underserved parish and provide top quality care. I enjoy the conversations and the relationships that I have developed with my patients over the past 33 years. I have learned to be more empathetic by working in a rural community. The sense of appreciation that I get from helping patients is very rewarding. It is nice to be able to offer the specialty service of cardiology to patients that are unable to travel a far distance out of the community. I have the privilege of continuity of care by seeing patients in the clinic, emergency room as well as hospitalizations.

How do you build a relationship with your patients and make them feel comfortable?

I try to treat everyone as I would my own family member.

Why is listening an important aspect of healthcare?

I know patients know their body better than anyone else. I make sure my patients know they are heard by allowing them to talk and ask questions.

Outside of work, what’s important to you?

Family, church and caring for and rescuing animals.

Find the right Our Lady of the Angels provider online at doctors.oloah.org or call 985-730-6970 to schedule an appointment.