Mark Hausmann, MD, general surgeon at Our Lady of the Lake Surgeons Group of Baton Rouge and Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group Bariatric and Metabolic Institute, always knew he wanted to make a difference in people’s lives. “It sounds cliché, but I wanted to be able to help people,” he says. “I was interested in medicine, but it’s the people-part that really motivated me to become a doctor.”
Embracing New Technology
After majoring in computer science (“I’m a computer geek at heart,” he says), Dr. Hausmann switched gears, earning his medical degree from LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans. He then completed his residency in general surgery at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson. But his background in computers proved to be beneficial when it came to learning new surgical techniques. When laparoscopic surgery first became available, he embraced the opportunity to learn how to perform it. “I’ve always been an early adopter of new technology,” he says. “I keep aware of new developments in surgery and I’m early on the learning curve. I like using technological advancements to benefit my patients.”
Laparoscopic surgery appealed to Dr. Hausmann because it allows the surgeon to use much smaller incisions, which leads to reduced recovery times for patients. Robotic surgery now provides even more benefits. “Technology is always advancing, and robotic surgery is the next iteration of laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgery,” he says. “With laparoscopy, you’re working with a 2D image and using straight instruments. Robotic surgery gives you a 3D image, more precision and wristed instruments so you can work around corners that you can’t with straight laparoscopic surgery.”
Bettering Lives Through Medicine
Soon after mastering laparoscopic surgery, Dr. Hausmann began focusing on acid reflux surgery and bariatric surgery—both areas he knew would allow him to truly improve his patients’ lives. “Some patients had been dismissed for many years as ‘just having heartburn, and for them, surgery can be life-altering,” he says. “It’s very gratifying knowing you are really improving someone’s life.” The same goes for bariatric surgery. “You’re not just improving their weight, you’re also improving their overall health and reducing risks, actually extending their life expectancy.”
Dr. Hausmann enjoys the collaborative atmosphere at the Surgeons Group of Baton Rouge, noting that each physician’s strengths complement those of the others. “When you have a need, you have partners there to help you. This allows us to offer patients a wide spectrum of surgical interventions.”
Dr. Hausmann also teaches advanced surgical techniques to other surgeons across the country. In addition to teaching skills that will benefit others throughout their careers, he enjoys the process of learning as he goes. “I think every time you teach someone, you also learn something yourself,” he says. “In order to explain techniques, you have to make sure it’s clear to you and understand it completely yourself.”
Getting Away From It All
When he’s not changing lives and teaching others, Dr. Hausmann and his wife enjoy traveling and spending time with family. “I’m from New Orleans, and my wife is from Alexandria, so we decided to split the difference with a geographic compromise and come to Baton Rouge,” he says with a laugh. “We enjoy it here. The food is good and we’re near family. It’s home.” He’s also an avid reader. “I’m usually listening to and reading a book or two,” he says. “My favorite is A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles. It’s a fascinating, beautiful novel.”
