NEW ORLEANS – George S. Ellis, Jr., MD, has begun his two-year term as president of Orleans Parish Medical Society (OPMS) this month and welcomes six new board members. Dr. Ellis served as president-elect from 2016 through 2017. He replaces Royce Dean Yount, MD, cardiologist, who served as president from 2016 through 2017.
Dr. Ellis is an ophthalmologist who specializes in Pediatric Eye Diseases and Adult Strabismus. After completing a residency in Ophthalmology at the Duke University Eye Center, he received specialized training in his chosen field with Drs. Zane Pollard, Marshall Parks, David Guyton, and Clinton McCord. In 1995, after 12 years on full time faculties at the LSU Eye Center and the Tulane University Department of Ophthalmology, he assumed the Directorship of Ophthalmology at Children’s Hospital New Orleans.
In addition to beginning has term as president, Dr. Ellis welcomes new Orleans Parish Medical Society board members:
- Ann E. Borreson, MD, LOTR, allergy-immunology, Ochsner Health System
- John F. Heaton, MD, MMM, Chief Medical Officer, LCMC Health and Children’s Hospital New Orleans
- William S. LaCorte, MD, primary care/internal medicine, Ochsner Health System
- Mehdi Qalbani, MD, psychiatry/forensic psychiatry, Integrated Behavioral Health, LLC
- Michael L. Wheelis, MD, FACEP, emergency/industrial medicine, West Jefferson Industrial Medicine
- Shana Zucker, MD/MPH/MS candidate, Tulane University School of Medicine
Founded in 1878, Orleans Parish Medical Society says its mission remains to serve as the voice of and advocate for the medical profession in the Greater New Orleans area for the benefit of patients and the community, and as a primary proponent of the ethical practice of medicine.
“I’m excited about this opportunity to serve as president. Orleans Parish Medical Society has always played an important role in helping to support the unique needs of physicians and their patients in the Greater New Orleans area,” said Ellis in a press release about his new tenure.
“I look forward to welcoming our six new board members and encourage all New Orleans area physicians, residents and medical students to join us in our mission to better the healthcare of the people in our region," said Ellis. "A strong vibrant membership is key to influencing healthcare decisions and an effective OPMS."
Dr. Ellis has special interest in infant vision testing and in the diagnosis and treatment of ptosis, strabismus, amblyopia and lachrymal obstruction. He enjoys the training of residents and students, both medical and orthoptic. In recognition of his contributions to both Tulane and LSU Medical Schools, he holds the rank of Clinical Associate Professor of Ophthalmology and Pediatrics.
Dr. Ellis has been involved in multiple medical and ophthalmological organizations. He has served as president of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS); the American Eye Study Club; the Southern Medical Association; the Louisiana-Mississippi Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology Society; the New Orleans Academy of Ophthalmology; and the American Orthoptic Council. He has also served as chair of the Section of Ophthalmology of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP); chair of the Department of Surgery at Children’s Hospital of New Orleans; and incoming president of the Louisiana Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons.
About Orleans Parish Medical Society:
Throughout its history, Orleans Parish Medical Society has served as a thought leader and resource in improving population health and health outcomes in New Orleans. OPMS provides members with community engagement, CME and CE opportunities as well as information and seminars on topics related to practice management, policy and health care trends. In addition, OPMS offers physicians ample opportunity to network and socialize with peers.
Orleans Parish Medical Society’s heritage is rich and woven into the fabric of New Orleans. Its impact has been felt in the public health arena as a leader in polio eradication, the smoking cessation movement, and EMS protocol development and oversight. In the medical practice environment, OPMS, together with the Louisiana State Medical Society, has advocated for significant legislative and regulatory reform to help physicians address the changes which have come with third party insurance and government mandates.
"Physicians, residents and medical students interested in joining Orleans Parish Medical Society are encouraged to visit our website, OPMS.org and sign up. On behalf of our Board, we would love to welcome you to the organization," said Ellis.
To enroll, renew membership or for additional information about Orleans Parish Medical Society (OPMS) visit www.opms.org. Follow news information and updates about OPMS on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter (@OrleansParishMS).
