Leadership transitions mark defining moments in an institution’s story. At the LSU Health Foundation, we enter a new chapter alongside LSU Health New Orleans with deep gratitude for a remarkable legacy and great confidence in the future ahead.
The LSU Health Foundation welcomes David Guzick, MD, Ph.D., member of the National Academy of Medicine, as LSU Health’s next Senior Vice Chancellor.
A nationally respected physician-scientist and academic leader, Dr. Guzick has strengthened research enterprises and advanced clinical innovation throughout his career. A Johns Hopkins–trained specialist in reproductive endocrinology, he has held senior leadership roles at the University of Rochester and the University of Florida, and most recently led LSU Health Shreveport, where he played a key role in reaccreditation and research growth.
As LSU pursues its vision of becoming a Top 50 research university, achieving AAU eligibility, and securing National Cancer Institute designation, Dr. Guzick’s experience and national stature position us to accelerate that momentum. For our supporters and partners, this is a moment of tremendous opportunity. Investments in research, faculty excellence, and student support will have an even greater impact on the health and well-being of Louisiana and beyond.
At the same time, we extend heartfelt thanks to Dr. Steve Nelson, who most recently served as Senior Vice Chancellor. His nearly four decades of service has helped shape LSU Health New Orleans into the institution it is today.
Since joining the faculty in 1984, Dr. Nelson served as Professor of Medicine and the John H. Seabury Professor of Medicine, as well as Vice Chair of Research, Chief of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Dean of the School of Medicine, and President of the LSU Healthcare Network. He secured more than $45 million in research funding, authored more than 250 peer-reviewed publications, mentored generations of healthcare professionals, and most recently led to the successful completion of LSU Health’s 10-year reaccreditation review. We look forward to continuing to work with Dr. Nelson as he returns to the faculty of the LSU School of Medicine.
Because of Dr. Nelson’s steady leadership, we stand on strong footing. With Dr. Guzick at the helm of LSU Health New Orleans, the Foundation looks ahead with renewed ambition — grounded in gratitude and propelled by possibility.