SHREVEPORT, La - A local physician prepares for a major role in Gov. Jeff Landry's administration. Dr. Wyche T. Coleman III is Louisiana's new deputy surgeon general. Coleman will serve in a supportive role to the surgeon general, Dr. Ralph Abraham. Abraham is in a co-equal role with the secretary of the Department of Health, which is responsible for implementing the surgeon general's recommendations. Abraham was appointed by Landry as the first surgeon general for Louisiana. Abraham and Coleman will be "outward-facing roles" for the LDH, focusing on public health policy. Issues such as access to healthcare in rural areas, health insurance and improving health outcomes for the state are of concern. "I really am focused on credentialing. It takes a long time to get credentialed in Louisiana compared to other states. So we're really trying to cut that time down because I think we're losing health care workforce to other states just because we're not competitive in getting people employed fast enough," Coleman said. His appointed position is considered a part-time, and he is spending additional time after his normal practicing hours to devote to this role.
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Local physician prepares for major role in Gov. Landry's administration
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