LSU Health New Orleans’ Dr. Demetrius Porche Selected for Friends of the National Institute of Nursing Research Ambassador Cohort

Jun 3

NEW ORLEANS – Dr. Demetrius James Porche, Dean of LSU Health New Orleans School of Nursing, has been appointed as a member of the seventh cohort of Ambassadors by the Friends of the National Institute of Nursing Research (FNINR). This prestigious selection recognizes his exceptional contributions to nursing research and advocacy.

The FNINR Ambassador program, initiated in 2014, comprises highly qualified individuals committed to advancing public, health professional and policymaker awareness of the significant research agenda of the National Institute for Nursing Research (NINR). The program’s goal is to increase research funding for scientific breakthroughs and the training of future nurse scientists.

“Dr. Porche’s selection as an FNINR Ambassador highlights his exemplary leadership and dedication to advancing the field of nursing research,” said Dr. Steve Nelson, LSU Health New Orleans Chancellor. “His work in nursing science has significantly contributed to improving health care outcomes, and this recognition is a testament to his ongoing commitment to excellence.”

Dr. Porche holds appointments in the School of Public Health and the School of Graduate Studies at LSU Health New Orleans. He has an extensive background in health care leadership and governance, having served on the Louisiana State Board of Nursing and as chair of the Louisiana Health Works Commission. Dr. Porche is also a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, and the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Throughout his career, Dr. Porche has been a staunch advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion, having appointed the inaugural School of Nursing associate dean for diversity, equity, and inclusion and served on the search committee for LSU Health New Orleans’ vice chancellor for diversity and inclusion. His efforts extend to his role as editor of the American Journal of Men’s Health and his contributions to numerous health initiatives, including the Governor’s COVID-19 Health Equity Taskforce.

As an FNINR Ambassador, Dr. Porche will focus on educating Congressional leaders about the high-impact, cost-effective interventions and quality-of-life enhancements resulting from nursing science. This role will further elevate his influence in shaping health care policies and advocating for continued research funding.

For more information about LSU Health New Orleans or Dr. Demetrius Porche, visit lsuhsc.edu.

###

About LSU Health New Orleans

LSU Health New Orleans educates Louisiana's health care professionals. The state's health sciences university leader, LSU Health New Orleans includes a School of Medicine with campuses in Baton Rouge and Lafayette, the state's only School of Dentistry, Louisiana's only public School of Public Health and Schools of Allied Health Professions, Nursing, and Graduate Studies. LSU Health New Orleans faculty take care of patients in hospitals and clinics throughout the region. In the vanguard of biosciences research, the LSU Health New Orleans research enterprise generates jobs and enormous annual economic impact. LSU Health New Orleans faculty have made lifesaving discoveries and continue to work to prevent, advance treatment   and cure disease.

Alicia Vial

Alicia Vial is a New Orleans native with more than a decade of experience elevating client stories and leading crisis response. As the senior director of strategy, Alicia acts as a leader within the Gambel Communications team ensuring each agency team member is positioned to deliver strategic public relations services that meet the highest standards of the industry. In addition to supporting the agency’s long-term business growth and development, she coordinates day-to-day account services and oversees strategic direction while staying abreast of best practices and industry trends to provide innovative solutions to meet client’s needs.

Before joining Gambel Communications, Alicia served as the communications director for the Louisiana SPCA, the oldest and largest animal welfare organization in Louisiana that impacts more than 74,000 animals per year. During her nearly eight-year tenure, Alicia oversaw numerous crises, served on national communication taskforces, oversaw all aspects of internal and external relations and worked alongside the development department to raise critical funding. Prior to that, she worked in the fast-paced New Orleans hospitality industry focusing on digital public relations for multiple hotels.

Alicia is a member of the Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL), Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF), a board member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) New Orleans Chapter and a member of the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute. An accredited public relations practitioner (APR), Alicia is also certified in crisis communications, organizational leadership, content marketing and social media.

A well respected and trusted public relations practitioner, Alicia has been recognized by SPRF as a ‘Senior Practitioner of the Year’. Dubbed early on in her career as one to watch, she also received the ‘Rising Star’ award by PRAL and was profiled in St. Charles Avenue Magazine as part of their Young Bloods series. Most recently, she was recognized at PRSA’s annual Fleurish Awards and received four Awards of Excellence for her work along with the ‘Plate Spinner’ award for her efforts on the board of directors for the chapter.

An LSU graduate, Alicia received a bachelor's degree in mass communications with a concentration in public relations and minors in business administration and leadership development. She is a frequent speaker and presenter on public relations topics, most recently presenting at the Jefferson Economic Development Commission and SPRF annual conference.

When Alicia is not at work, you can find her at the ballpark with her three boys or cheering on the Tigers in Death Valley.

LSU Health New Orleans’ Dr. Demetrius Porche Selected for Friends of the National Institute of Nursing Research Ambassador Cohort

NextOp and Bechtel Forge Partnership to Support Veteran Employment

KID smART selected as the first nonprofit in the South for Bloomberg Philanthropies Arts Internship program