Once Christine Soileau, MHA, LRPSGT, began working at Our Lady of Lourdes she immediately knew this is where she would retire.
Soileau began her journey with our ministry shortly after graduating from LSU Medical School’s allied health program for neurodiagnostics.
“A fellow neurologist thought I would be a good fit to join the Lourdes team,” Soileau says. “Once I started working, I immediately felt like a part of the family. Never once did I consider leaving. I knew I would retire here.”
A Series of Firsts
Solieau’s first role with the health system was as a technician in the neurophysiology department. After a couple of years, she and Robert Martinez, MD, opened the first two-bed sleep lab within the department, which quickly expanded to four beds.
Dr. Martinez was the first Board Certified sleep specialist in Acadiana, and Solieau was the first registered sleep technologist. Together they operated the first accredited sleep center in Southwest Louisiana.
“My greatest memory was 18 years ago when my colleagues and I went before the Louisiana House and Senate to introduce the Polysomnography Practice Act into law,” Solieau recalls. “This instantly brought awareness of sleep disorders to the medical community as well as the general public.”
A Passion for Helping Others
Like most people who devote their careers to healthcare, Solieau has a passion for helping others. Her favorite part of her job is seeing the difference her work makes in the lives of her patients and their families. “Once people are diagnosed and treated for their sleep disorder, they become so much more productive and more involved in their family life,” she says.
As Solieau celebrates 45 years of service in our ministry her current focus is on leaving her department in good standing and devoting her time to family, friends, animals, photography and traveling.
During October, our health system celebrates team member anniversaries, recognizing those who have achieved milestone years of service within our organization. We will be featuring team members across our ministry all month long!
