#LeadingWomen

on the Frontlines

Across the world, healthcare professionals and essential workers are serving at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19. Facing enormous challenges, they are responding with courage, resolve, and exemplary professionalism.

McGehee alumnae are #LeadingWomen on the frontlines of this pandemic, too. Their dedication is inspiring, and their work invaluable.

We are deeply appreciative of their commitment.

Read on to hear their stories.

Dr. Beverly Ogden-Dickinson '75

The newly minted “River Road Testing Lab” at LSU’s School of Veterinary Medicine has at its helm a McGehee alumna. Baton Rouge-based pathologist, Dr. Beverly Ogden ’75, is the lab’s new director. Ogden was recruited to the lab from the Baton Rouge Woman’s Hospital.

“It is a whirlwind out here!” she shares. Ogden's team developed a federally approved test that can generate coronavirus test results within 24 hours. “I am just a small cog in an amazing wheel, but am honored to be a part of it. These scientists are unbelievably smart and talented...it is humbling to be around them.”

The Advocate recently featured the lab for its revolutionary advancements in coronavirus testing.

Blythe Perry Craft '96

On March 20th, Blythe Craft was deployed from her work as a pulmonary nurse practitioner at Ochsner. She was reassigned to a Cardiac Medical Intensive Care Unit that is now exclusively dedicated to the care of COVID-19 patients.

“The work is brutal, you must be able to physically care for the needs of the patients whose bodies are unable to function and then you must also become their brain, using the titration of medications to help keep their blood pressure, heart rate, and respirations in a safe zone- as this virus affects everything.

"McGehee women are doers. I volunteered to go back to the bedside even before my official reassignment. I am no Clara Barton, but I knew I could be of use and despite the terror of it all, know that this is where I belong for now.

Nursing is not glamorous. It is dangerous even on a good day. Yet I don't know what else I would do with myself, especially in times like this.”

Dr. Elizabeth "Betty" Penick '52

Dr. Betty Penick is the Director of the Division of Psychology in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas. Much of their hospital has ceased operations for everything but essential services. However, Dr. Penick and her team of 19 PhD psychologists have rallied to offer a series of supportive and consultative services to the University and hospital personnel on the frontlines.

“Everyone working within a hospital setting has been affected in a profound way by the epidemic, which has taken such a great toll on our people. Our support has been well received.

As a 1952 alumna of McGehee’s, I am pleased and proud to report the efforts of our Psychology group.”

Dr. Melanie Sheen '02

Dr. Melanie Sheen is an oncologist with Touro/Crescent City Physicians, who is still treating cancer patients daily. “As oncologists and oncology nurses, our job is to make sure to take care of and protect our patients, who are especially vulnerable, from this virus,” she shares. “Cancer does not wait and we continue to fight along with our patients. We're thankful for all the frontline workers, many of whom are our colleagues and friends. We're all taking this a day at a time.”

Loni Wilson Ice '97

Loni Ice has been working tirelessly as a farmer during the pandemic, only taking Sundays off here and there for relief.

Agriculture is one of the essential industries according to the Department of Homeland Security. Wilson owns and operates Nashira Farms, producing food for the community, and is continuing to work as a farrier and large animal vet tech. She is qualified to work stockyards and her farm produces goat milk and goat milk products for those intolerant of cow’s milk, in addition to eggs and vegetables.

“The farmers and ranchers of the United States are still out here working to put food on everyone’s table. We do it happily.”

Dr. Catherine Geoghegan McDermott '02

Dr. Catherine McDermott works in her own private practice as a mental health therapist. Recently, she shifted her practice online, continuing to offer counsel to her clients - both adult and adolescent - through this pandemic.

“I am particularly impacted by listening to how deeply my adolescent clients' lives have changed overnight and how out of control they feel. My job is to sit with my clients in their pain and not only validate but also value their experiences. There is a lot of pain as we grieve the loss of our 'normal' lives. I wish I had more time and energy to hear everyone's story; if I did, my message would ultimately be the same to each person: you matter, your feelings are real, and the work you are doing is important.”

Dr. Kathy Kreutziger Baumgarten '87

Dr. Kathy Baumgarten is a practicing Infectious Disease physician at Ochsner Health System, serving as the Medical Director of Infection Control and Employee Health. Her day to day work includes instituting measures to prevent infection, keeping patients and Ochsner caregivers safe from infections, and responding to current infectious diseases like Ebola, Zika, and now COVID-19.

Dr. Baumgarten’s work has been extremely challenging and rewarding, as she continues to battle the Coronavirus directly on the frontlines. She credits McGehee in helping her prepare for her career in medicine, “In this close, engaged environment I learned how to study and acquire knowledge, skills I use each and every day as I continue to learn from my family, patients, students and colleagues.”

Valerie Blackman Posner '04

Lambeth House comprises three continuums: Independent Living, Assisted Living and Nursing Care. McGehee alumna, Valerie Blackman Posner, is the social worker for St. Anna's, the Nursing Care continuum. Posner is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), presently focusing on crisis intervention, grief and anticipatory grief management; as well as serving as the liaison between Lambeth House and residents' families.

“Life has been hectic, but it’s starting to slow down, and become more manageable and predictable,” she shares. “I am working remotely, as I am 35 weeks pregnant (another girl!), but I have been working closely with all staff members, especially our nurses and other social workers, families and physicians who treat our residents in St. Anna's. Having worked at Lambeth for four years, my residents and their families have become near and dear to my heart.”