GI Conditions, Long-COVID, Parkinson’s Disease, and Sepsis

This Continuing Nursing Education (CNE) event is designed to enhance professional and clinical knowledge in key specialty areas, including gastrointestinal (GI) conditions, Long COVID, sepsis, and Parkinson’s disease. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial for nurses and healthcare professionals to stay informed about current evidence-based practices, emerging trends, and evolving standards of care.

Through expert-led sessions, this event will offer detailed insights into each specialty, emphasizing recent advancements, clinical challenges, and updated treatment protocols. Participants will develop a broader understanding of complex disease processes, interdisciplinary management strategies, and practical tools that support patient-centered care.

Dr. Donald P. Schwab, Jr., M.D., F.A.C.S. earned his undergraduate degree in Pre-Med Biology from Nicholls State University and his medical degree from LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans. He completed surgical training at LSU and Greenville Memorial Hospital. A board-certified General and Thoracic Surgeon, he specializes in advanced laparoscopic and bariatric procedures and is a member of the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and the American Society for Bariatric Surgery.

Michelle Longo, M.D., is a board-certified clinical neurologist and Assistant Professor of Neurology at Tulane University School of Medicine. A New Orleans native, she earned her undergraduate, medical, and MPH degrees at Tulane, where she also completed her residency. She specializes in adult general neurology and leads Tulane’s Post-COVID Care Clinic, focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of Long COVID symptoms.

Chris Thomas, MD, FCCP is the lead author of “Impact of a Sepsis Quality Improvement Initiative on Clinical and Operational Outcomes.” He serves as Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine at LSU Health Sciences Center in Baton Rouge and Medical Director for System Quality and Patient Safety at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System. Board-certified in Pulmonary and Critical Care, Dr. Thomas has led numerous initiatives to improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce mortality in sepsis care. His work focuses on translating evidence-based research into practice, aligning quality metrics with patient-centered outcomes, and integrating health equity into clinical reporting. Dr. Thomas has authored over 30 peer-reviewed publications and actively participates in NIH- and industry-funded clinical trials.

Bryce Casteigne, MD, is a fellowship-trained vascular neurologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological conditions, including Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease. A Thibodaux native, he earned his medical degree from LSU Health Sciences Center Shreveport, completed residency at the University of Cincinnati, and a fellowship at Mayo Clinic Florida. Dr. Casteigne brings advanced, patient-centered neurological care to his hometown community at Thibodaux Regional.

The target audience is registered nurses

Location: Nicholls State University, Betsy C. Ayo Hall - Nirmala Yalamanchili Donepudi Auditorium

Networking ………………………………………………………………….8:15 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.

Presentation time…………………………………………………………….8:45 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.

Credit……………………………………………………………………………5 contact hours

Host or Publisher Nicholls State University-NCPDP