Ochsner St. Mary adds gastroenterology services

Ochsner St. Mary Hospital announced the addition of gastroenterology care and treatment services starting Tuesday.

Lauren Bernuchaux, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, and Brooke Gautreaux, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, will officially begin seeing patients at the Family Medicine Clinic. The hospital said in a news release that the new service brings expert digestive health management directly to the Morgan City community.

Both Bernuchaux and Gautreaux began practicing in the Ochsner Bayou region in Raceland late last year.

“Their arrival at Ochsner St. Mary introduces a new level of dedicated, patient-centered care,” the hospital said. “They partner with patients to create effective treatment plans for a wide range of stomach and bowel conditions, helping everyone take an active role in their health.”

Gautreaux is a board-certified family medicine nurse practitioner who specializes in addressing a wide range of gastroenterology-related medical needs, including gastroesophageal reflux disease, irregularity and digestive issues, dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), and irritable bowel syndrome.

She earned her Master of Science in nursing from Nicholls State University in 2021 and received her certification from the American Association of Nurse Practitioners in 2022.

Bernuchaux is a family nurse practitioner who specializes in gastroenterology, delivering comprehensive care for conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, dysphagia, irregularity and other digestive issues.
She earned her Master of Science in nursing from Nicholls State University in 2023 and obtained board certification from the American Association of Nurse Practitioners in 2024.

“Bringing this needed specialty to Ochsner St. Mary highlights a deep commitment to strengthening and expanding access to high-quality specialty care,” said Ochsner St. Mary Chief Nursing Officer/Hospital Administrator Jennifer Wise. “By introducing gastroenterology services,
Ochsner Health continues to invest in the well-being of Morgan City and its surrounding communities, ensuring residents receive expert care close to home.”

Patients can visit the new providers at the Family Medicine Clinic, 1302 Lakewood Drive, Suite 200, Morgan City. Appointments with both Gautreaux and Bernuchaux can be scheduled by calling the clinic directly at 985-380-4320. Online appointments are also available at ochsner.org/myochsner.