LSU Health Shreveport is pleased to announce three new department chairs.
Matthew Woolard, PhD, has been named Chair of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at LSU Health Shreveport. Dr. Woolard joined the LSUHS faculty in 2009 and currently holds the O’Callaghan Family Endowed Professorship in Microbiology. Dr. Woolard earned his B.A. in Biology from Austin College in Sherman, Texas, and completed his Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences at the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth. He conducted postdoctoral research at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. A leading expert in immunology, macrophage biology, and metabolic regulation, Dr. Woolard’s research centers on the role of macrophage lipid metabolism in cardiovascular and infectious diseases. Dr. Woolard’s contributions to education and research have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Dr. Allen A. Copping Award for Excellence in Teaching, the Excellence in Intramural Funding Award, and national honors from the American Association of Immunologists. In addition to his academic and research achievements, Dr. Woolard has demonstrated strong institutional leadership as the director of a research core and multiple research programs for undergraduate and graduate students.
Hind Lal, PhD, has been named Chair of the Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy effective June 1. Dr. Lal earned his PhD in Microbiology and Molecular Biology from the Indian Institute of Toxicology Research. He completed postdoctoral research fellowships at Texas A&M University in College Station and the Center for Translational Medicine at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. A highly accomplished scientist, Dr. Lal focuses his research on the proteins and signaling pathways that regulate cardiac injury and heart failure. His work aims to develop innovative diagnostics, therapies, and preventive strategies for heart failure and related cardiovascular conditions. He currently serves as Principal Investigator on three R01 grants funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Dr. Lal has authored 60 peer-reviewed publications and contributed to multiple book chapters. He is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Physiological Society, the North American Section of the International Society for Heart Research, the American Heart Association, and the Association of Scientists of Indian Origin in America. He is also a lifetime member of the Indian Association of Microbiologists and the Indian Science Congress.
Patrick Massey, MD, MBA, has been selected as Chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery effective June 1, 2025. After graduating from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, Dr. Massey came to LSU Health Shreveport to complete his orthopaedic surgery residency, ultimately being selected as Chief Resident. He then went on to complete a sports medicine fellowship at Houston Methodist Hospital in Texas before returning to Shreveport in 2014 and joining the LSUHS Department of Orthopaedic Surgery faculty. Dr. Massey has consistently been an active leader in the department, serving as Program Director, Director of Clinical Research, Clerkship Director for Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Research rotations, and Vice Chair. In addition to teaching students and residents, Dr. Massey is a dedicated physician and dual board-certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery in Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine. He is an active member of several professional societies including the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), Louisiana Orthopaedic Association, American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) and the American Orthopaedic Association (AOA).