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Highly-Specialized Doctor Leaving Louisiana Over State's Anti-LGBTQ+ Laws
"Our children come first. We cannot continue to raise them in this environment," he wrote in a social media post.
Dr. Jake Kleinmahon, one of the few doctors specializing in pediatric heart conditions at New Orleans' Ochsner Hospital for Children, is bidding farewell to Louisiana in the wake of a series of legislative actions that have raised concerns about LGBTQ+ rights.
Dr. Kleinmahon serves as the medical director for pivotal programs focusing on heart transplants, heart failure, and ventricular assist devices. Notably, he stands among merely three doctors in the state possessing such specialized expertise.
An openly gay medical professional, Dr. Kleinmahon had envisioned his retirement alongside his husband in the vibrant city of New Orleans. However, recent anti-LGBTQ+ bills passed by the state's legislature have cast a shadow on these plans, as he deems the state's atmosphere increasingly unwelcoming for families like his own.
In a candid conversation with NBC affiliate WDSU, Dr. Kleinmahon said, "I think lawmakers need to understand the ramifications of the bills they put forward."
He further highlighted the unique position of his hospital, which stands as the sole pediatric heart transplant center in Louisiana. His departure, he fears, could leave significant gaps in essential medical care for young patients.
Taking to social media to reflect on his journey, Dr. Kleinmahon expressed both pride and bittersweet sentiments.
"We have been quite successful," he wrote, recounting his accomplishments in building a preeminent pediatric heart transplant program over five years.
Yet, the pivotal factor in his decision to relocate lay in prioritizing the well-being of his family, as he articulated, "Our children come first. We cannot continue to raise them in this environment."
With mixed emotions, Dr. Kleinmahon acknowledged a new chapter, accepting a position at Cohen Children’s Medical Center in Long Island, New York. "This is a wonderful new opportunity, but it is incredibly sad to leave our home, our friends, colleagues, and patients and their families.”
Dr. Kleinmahon's journey aligns with a growing trend of health professionals, parents, educators, and LGBTQ+ advocates seeking more inclusive environments due to the implementation of laws targeting LGBTQ+ communities and issues across the nation. As his departure underscores the potential repercussions of such legislation, it's evident that his decision resonates beyond personal boundaries.
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