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Ochsner Lafayette General Andrews Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute opens to provide advance orthopedic care for more patients in Acadiana
A New Era of Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Care in Acadiana
High-res photos available here.
LAFAYETTE, LA – Ochsner Lafayette General celebrated the grand opening of the Ochsner Andrews Institute in Lafayette, marking a significant leap forward in comprehensive orthopedic care and sports performance in the Acadiana region. The facility officially opened its doors with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and guided tours on November 11, 2025.
The Ochsner Andrews Institute delivers a full spectrum of services and brings advanced technology, increased capacity and cutting-edge rehabilitation equipment – all designed to deliver a seamless, patient-centered experience under one roof. The $19 million project adds a 17,200-square-foot enhancement to Ochsner Lafayette General’s existing orthopedic facilities and introduces a 14,000-square-foot expansion dedicated to physical therapy and sports medicine services, bringing a new era of orthopedic and sports medicine care to the community.
Key Enhancements Include:
Eighteen (18) new exam rooms and two triage rooms
Four private physical therapy exam rooms
Advanced radiology and treatment rooms
Enhanced lobby and patient access areas
Professional-grade turf and training surfaces
Private rooms for in-office procedures Sports performance workout space with top-of-the-line equipment
Hand therapy space and more
“Today marks a pivotal moment for orthopedic care in Acadiana,” said Patrick Gandy, chief executive officer, Ochsner Lafayette General. “This investment reflects our vision for a healthier region—one where expert teams, advanced technologies and purposefully designed spaces come together to provide world-class, specialized care right here in Acadiana. It strengthens our commitment to advancing healthcare and ensures patients, athletes and families have access to the best in orthopedic and sports medicine care for generations to come.”
The facility and clinic include 11 board-certified orthopedic surgeons and fellowship-trained sports medicine specialists, supported by a team of 69 therapy clinicians. At the expanded location, physical therapists deliver personalized rehabilitation and recovery services, while 38 athletic trainers serve more than 8,000 student athletes throughout Acadiana’s schools and athletic programs. Whether patients need a joint replacement, fracture repair, or support after an injury, the team uses the latest technology and evidence-based treatments to deliver coordinated care, from the first visit through recovery.
"This expansion empowers our team to provide highly integrated and personalized care plans. Whether we're treating a high school athlete, a weekend warrior or someone recovering from joint replacement, our goal is to restore function and optimize performance," said Ochsner Lafayette General Chief of Orthopedics Paul Buzhardt, MD. “By combining orthopedic surgery, therapy and performance training in one location, we can give athletes and active individuals a seamless path from injury prevention to recovery. It’s a team approach designed to keep our community moving.”
"The Ochsner Andrews Institute elevates sports medicine and brings it to the next level by providing advanced technology and specialized rehabilitation spaces to deliver comprehensive, coordinated care,” said Brian E. Etier, MD, Co-Medical Director, Ochsner Lafayette General Sports Medicine. “Our goal is to help every athlete perform at their best—whether that’s getting back in the game after an injury or staying strong to avoid one altogether."
For more information about the new Ochsner Lafayette General Andrews Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute, visit http://www.ochsner.org/Lafandrewsinstitute or call 844-371-5806 to schedule an appointment.
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About Ochsner Lafayette General
Ochsner Lafayette General has more than 5,500 employees and serves 220,000 patients per year. The organization includes Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center (Ochsner LGMC); Ochsner Lafayette General Orthopedic Hospital; Ochsner Lafayette General Surgical Hospital; Ochsner St. Martin Hospital; Ochsner University Hospital & Clinics (Ochsner UHC); Ochsner Acadia General Hospital; Ochsner Abrom Kaplan Memorial Hospital; Ochsner American Legion Hospital; and a number of clinics, urgent cares and professional centers. Ochsner LGMC is the only Level II Trauma Center in Southwest Louisiana. Both Ochsner LGMC and Ochsner UHC are major teaching hospitals, providing graduate medical education across many disciplines. To learn more, visit ochsner.org/Lafayette.
Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Care at Ochsner
With more than 36 highly trained orthopedic surgeons at 25 locations, a team of experienced physicians and more than 65 advanced practice providers, 14 fellowship trained surgeons, 13 sports medicine physicians, and 50 orthopedic surgeons at 30 locations. and the latest surgical and rehabilitation equipment, Ochsner provides the highest level of specialized care in the Gulf South, including joint replacement, pediatric orthopedic program, orthopedic oncology and more. Ochsner is a nationally recognized Center of Excellence for total joint and spine procedures and is proud to have earned the Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval® for Advanced Total Hip and Knee Replacement—one of only three hospitals in Louisiana with this certification. Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Disease-Specific Care in joint replacement for the hip, knee and shoulder.
The nationally and internationally recognized Ochsner Andrews Sports Medicine Institute team includes 16 orthopedic surgeons fellowship trained, and subspecialty certified in sports medicine as well as 13 sports medicine physicians trained in ultrasound guided OrthoBiologics treatments and other non-operative therapies. These experts work in direct concert with 220 highly skilled athletic trainers and a dedicated team of performance training coaches and sports medicine assistants that support student athletes at more than 160 high schools, colleges, and club organizations. Ochsner is also proud to be the Official Healthcare Provider of the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans. The singular goal of the OASMI team is to get all types of athletes into peak physical condition for pain-free competition.
