With a medical career spanning continents and decades, Raghubir Mangat, MD, has dedicated her career to pediatric medicine, culminating in her impactful work in Bogalusa.
Recognized as a master pediatrician in 2022 by the Louisiana Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and board certified in pediatrics and pediatric emergency medicine, Dr. Mangat’s approach is a blend of clinical excellence and compassionate care. In 1992 she became the first board-certified pediatric emergency medicine physician in the state of Louisiana
Building a Pediatric Legacy
Originally from India, Dr. Mangat has led the creation of the pediatric clinic at Our Lady of the Angels Health, dedicated to improving the health and well-being of children in the community. Her leadership in creating comprehensive pediatric access has been instrumental in shaping the healthcare landscape of rural Washington Parish.
In addition to her role with Our Lady of the Angels, Dr. Mangat is also clinical professor of pediatrics, Nick Gagliano professor of pediatric emergency medicine, and division head of pediatric emergency medicine in the LSU School of Medicine’s Department of Pediatrics. Her story reflects a deep commitment to her patients and a passion for training future medical professionals.
From India to the U.S.: A Journey of Care
Dr. Mangat’s journey in medicine began long before she joined Our Lady of the Angels. Growing up in a family that valued close-knit community and education, her early years laid the foundation for her medical career.
She received her medical training in Bhopal, India, at Gandhi Medical College and Hamidia Hospital, graduating among the top of her class. During her pediatric residency in her home country, she gained extensive experience treating critically ill patients, despite the limited resources typical of a developing country.
“The population was so big my experience and exposure were to all types of very critically ill patients,” Dr. Mangat recalls. This connection between her roots and her current work fuels her passion for serving the children of Washington Parish.
Dr. Mangat didn’t intend to immigrate to the U.S., but her husband, also a physician, had friends in Dayton, Ohio, where they could work as physician assistants while working toward their U.S. licenses. The Mangats eventually moved to New Orleans to complete their U.S. residencies, and Dr. Mangat found her groove there with a career in pediatric emergency medicine from 1980 until 2020.
“I practice total pediatrics no matter where I am, and I still do,” Dr. Mangat says.
The Impact of Hurricane Katrina: A New Career Path Emerges
Hurricane Katrina made landfall in August 2005, upending countless lives, including the Mangats. The family lost their home in New Orleans East, which led to significant changes in Dr. Mangat’s career.
“There was no longer a pediatric ER medicine site, but we still had to train the doctors,” Dr. Mangat says. “We did not have a place to practice our skills, residents still needed training and kids still needed care.”
Administrators from what was then LSU Bogalusa Medical Center contacted Dr. Mangat, inviting her to start a pediatrics program at the hospital that would later become Our Lady of the Angels.
She quickly recognized the immense need of the community and was a pioneer in creating comprehensive pediatric access for the families in Bogalusa and the surrounding area. Since that time, she has helped to recruit and lead an incredible team of pediatricians to the clinic.
“My life has been full of changes and learning to adapt to every change with a positive attitude,” Dr. Mangat says. “’We can make it work’ has always been my motto.”
At the same time, Dr. Mangat established pediatric ER training at Children’s Hospital New Orleans. She continued to lead that endeavor and practice half-time there while developing pediatric services in Bogalusa. She transitioned to practice predominantly at Our Lady of the Angels in 2018 but was still covering the ER and teaching at Children’s Hospital New Orleans until December 2020.
A Place of Healing and Hope
Dr. Mangat is deeply connected to her faith, and her Sikh beliefs align closely with the philosophy and values of the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Sisters who founded the health system that includes Our Lady of the Angels. When the Sisters answered the call to Bogalusa in 2014 — just as Dr. Mangat had several years earlier — the hospital became known as Our Lady of the Angels.
“It was the best change that could have happened to that organization,” Dr. Mangat says. “What the ministry brought was support. The backing of the health system to a small rural community improved the total healthcare of children of Louisiana.”
At Our Lady of the Angels, Dr. Mangat has found a place that resonates with her values and mission. The hospital’s commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate care aligns perfectly with her own.
Training the Next Generation of Pediatricians
One of Dr. Mangat’s most enduring legacies is her dedication to training young medical professionals. Over the years, she has mentored numerous residents who have gone on to thrive in their careers.
The LSU Rural Family Medicine Program began at Our Lady of the Angels in 2007, and Dr. Mangat has played an important role in that program’s development. Her joy in educating others is evident in her approach to mentorship.
“[I love seeing] a resident’s face when I’ve explained something, taught something or showed them something that pans out and they say ‘Wow,’” she says. “There’s some joy in my life every day with what I practice in medicine.”
As she looks to the future, Dr. Mangat remains committed to advancing pediatric care. She continues to stay informed about the latest developments in medicine, ensuring that her patients receive the most up-to-date treatments.
“Medicine is always evolving, and it’s important to keep learning,” she says. “The only consistent thing in medicine is change.”
Championing Preventive Care
Throughout her career, Dr. Mangat has emphasized the importance of preventive care, believing that early intervention and education are key to keeping children healthy. Whether vaccinations, nutrition or safety, they are the building blocks of lifelong health. Dr. Mangat helps her patients access that vital information and care.
Listening and observing are cornerstones of Dr. Mangat’s approach to caring for her patients.
“I’ve been made cognizant of listening,” she says. “No matter how much time I have with a patient, I have listened to them. I listen to their stories and see their stories on their faces.”
As Dr. Mangat continues her career, she remains a key part of the Louisiana medical community. Her current work involves not only patient care but also ongoing involvement in medical education and community health initiatives.
“I’m having too much fun to retire,” she says.
