The Daily News

Supporters want details on LaRavia, residency program

BOGALUSA - Any thoughts anyone might have that last month's firing of Dr. Dennis LaRavia as head of the LSU Rural Family Medical Residency Program would be allowed to fade quietly away should be reevaluated.

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That's because a growing number of people are becoming more and more involved in the effort to obtain an answer as to why the popular physician was fired, have him reinstated and, at the very least, jeopardize the jobs of those who participated in his ouster.

On Tuesday, about 50 persons attended a meeting at City Hall to show their support of LaRavia. In addition, nearly 350 persons have signed an online petition at www.PetitionOnline.com/keepdrd/petition.html. That petition is to be delivered to Gov.-elect Bobby Jindal, along with a traditional paper petition.

"We want answers ... we want to know why (he was fired)," organizer Sandy Bloom told the group.

LaRavia was fired because of a difference in "management, philosophy and direction," of the residency, a training program for doctors and medical students that many believe will eventually become an economic boon for the area, LaRavia's supervisor, Dr. Kim LeBlanc, told The Daily News.

And while Louisiana is what is known as an "at will" employment state - meaning a person's employment can be terminated at any time - LaRavia's supporters are unwilling to accept LeBlanc's failure to explain the dismissal.

"There are a lot of unanswered questions and a lot of inconsistencies in what is said," hospital advisory committee member Joe Fannin said. "It seems that there is a concerted effort to put out misinformation."

Joe Ball, who was one of a group who met with LeBlanc when LaRavia's firing was disclosed, said he asked LeBlanc why the decision was made.

"He was dogmatic in his attitude and said he was supported by his supervisors," Bell said. "He never would tell us anything."

But if nothing else happens, the group hopes to exert enough political pressure to get action.

And to do that, LaRavia supporters are being urged to contact Jindal, State Sen. Ben Nevers, State Rep. Harold Ritchie, LSU Chancellor Larry Hollier and LSU Dean Steve Nelson.

"This is a political move," one supporter said. "It reeks of politics and the only things politicians understand is pressure."

Another said: "I credit him (LaRavia) with saving my life. He got more done in two-and-a-half years to come in here, establish the clinic and get it accredited ... You will step on toes and there are people in the (LSU) organization resistant to change."

Dorothy Miller, whose name has long been associated with health care in the community, said she would like for the LSU administration to "tell us where we fit in the LSU philosophy.

"Do we know if this clinic fits into the LSU philosophy of the system ... are we in the plans?"

Nina Carter, who signed the online petition and also attended the meeting, said the community should be concerned about more that just LaRavia.

"What you are losing is addition to the medical care is the direction of the rural residency program," Carter said, joking that her participation could cost her job. "Look at what you lose in the residency program ... it was built for two-and-a-half years and in the last two weeks, it has been eviscerated and dismembered."

She added that "You need the quality of vision he (LaRavia) has put into that residency program and it's not there now."

Organizers said they would call a second meeting after they had confirmed a date when Nevers and Ritchie could attend. They also said Jindal and LeBlanc would also be invited.

"Until then, get your friends to sign the petitions," Bloom said.