Opelousas General Health System Announces New Chief of Staff
Opelousas, LA, 08/31/2026 – Rachael Tate, M.D., FACOG, Chief Medical Officer, announces Freddie Fandal,
M.D., family practice physician, has been voted by his peers to serve a two-year term as Opelousas General
Health System’s new chief of staff effective September 2026.
“Dr. Freddie Fandal’s appointment as Chief of Staff is a testament to the outstanding experience, leadership and
clinical expertise he brings to Opelousas General,” said Dr. Tate. “He has consistently demonstrated a
commitment to excellence in patient care while fostering collaboration among physicians, nurses, and
healthcare professionals. Dr. Fandal possesses the vision and skills necessary to lead our medical staff and
advance key initiatives focused on quality, safety, and patient outcomes. We look forward to the positive impact
his leadership will have on our organization and the communities we serve.”
Dr. Fandal is board certified in family medicine. In 1997, he received his medical degree from Louisiana State
University Medical Center in Shreveport, and in 1998, completed his internship at St. Joseph Medical Center in
Stamford, CT. In 2000, he completed his residency at University of Texas Medical Branch Hospital in
Galveston, TX.
He has been an active staff member at Opelousas General Health System since 2001 and has worked in private
practice providing primary care since August 2000. Dr. Fandal also serves Opelousas General as a hospitalist
and was instrumental in starting the hospitalist program at OGHS in 2009. Prior to his election as Chief of Staff,
Dr. Fandal served on the Medicine Committee and Credentials Committee. He has served as Chairman of the
Peer Review Committee for the past three years.
“I am honored to have been elected by my colleagues to serve as Chief of Staff,” said Fandal. “I appreciate the
confidence they have placed in me, and I look forward to working collaboratively with our medical staff,
leadership and entire hospital team. Together, we will continue to promote the highest standards of quality,
safety and patient care while supporting our physicians.”
Dr. Fandal replaces outgoing Chief of Staff, Kim Dakin, otolaryngologist, who served from September 2022 –
August 2026.
The newly elected Medical Executive Committee who will serve with Dr. Fandal include:
Paula Sharkey, M.D., Chairman – Bylaws Committee
M. Andrew Sicard, M.D., Chairman – Credentials Committee
Gerard Ballanco, M.D., Chairman – Hospital Based Committee
Adam Shepard, M.D., Chairman – Medicine Committee
Brooks Lowery, M.D., Chairman – Surgery Committee
Brian Adams, M.D., Chairman – Perinatal Committee
Amer Raza, M.D., Chairman – Pharmacy &Therapeutic Committee
Kim Dakin, M.D., – Past Chief of Staff
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About Opelousas General Health System
Since 1957 , Opelousas General Health System has been dedicated to the provision of quality healthcare through
its strong commitment and high standards. Central to the success of OGHS’s commitment to excellence is the
presence of an outstanding and highly qualified staff of physicians, nurses, technologists, and other personnel
who provide professional treatment in a caring environment. Serving as the region’s referral medical center,
OGHS is a 171-bed, full service medical center, and the area’s most comprehensive community healthcare
facility offering a wide range of medical specialties and state-of-the-art
