Over his 45 years with Our Lady of the Lake, John Fraiche, MD, has held numerous influential roles, contributing significantly to both the organization and our community.
A Career of Service and Leadership
Dr. Fraiche’s journey began as a family practice physician who chose to live and work in a growing region between Baton Rouge and the home of his beloved Saints. Few may be aware that it was his idea and vision to construct a new hospital and bring expanded multispecialty services to the growing Ascension Parish communities. That hospital eventually became St. Elizabeth Hospital, now known as Our Lady of the Lake Ascension. The medical practice group in Ascension has expanded to nearly 80 providers.
His leadership extended to serving as chief of staff for Our Lady of the Lake Ascension/St. Elizabeth Hospital, and on its hospital board and on the boards of Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center. He also currently chairs the Franciscan Physician Group Board. His leadership also included chairing multiple statewide and regional healthcare boards and collaboratives, such as the Health Leaders Network and the Louisiana Health Care Commission.
Dr. Fraiche’s commitment to comprehensive healthcare in Ascension Parish is evident through successful efforts to develop and grow the occupational medicine practice. By providing coordinated healthcare services, he recognized the importance of integrating the economic engine driven by industry with the family networks in the community he served. He also served as the elected Ascension Parish Coroner for nearly 40 years before his recent retirement from that office.
A Deep Connection to Our Mission
Dr. Fraiche chose to work with Our Lady of the Lake because he recognized the difference in how our health system truly lives its mission with dedication to providing care to anyone in need, regardless of their ability to pay. He has consistently served the community with humility, compassion and excellence.
One of Dr. Fraiche’s most memorable moments was the day he received a call from John Finan, former CEO of FMOLHS, informing him of the decision to acquire St. Elizabeth Hospital and, eventually, the practice group founded. This was a pivotal event that marked a new chapter in Dr. Fraiche’s career journey and turned a page in the history of healthcare services in the region.
Family Roots in Healthcare
Healthcare isn’t just a career for Dr. Fraiche — it’s a family calling. His spouse of almost 50 years was one of the earliest healthcare lawyers. His son and daughter, along with their spouses, are all practicing physicians. Medicine is truly a shared commitment in the Fraiche family.
“We live and breathe healthcare,” he says. But if you ask him, his true passion and joy derive from the precious six grandchildren (and one on the way!) who adore “Grandfather.”
When asked about his favorite aspect of his vocation, Dr. Fraiche’s answer is simple: “Taking care of patients.” The interaction and connection he shares with patients and their families is why he does what he does and loves what he does.
