Louisiana's Favorite Doctor

Recognizing Healthcare Royalty

Everywhere else, a job well done earns you a plaque. But in Louisiana, it deserves a celebration.

Each year, in observance of National Doctors’ Day, LHA Trust Funds is honored to present Louisiana’s Favorite Doctor, an annual statewide contest honoring physicians who go above and beyond for their patients and communities.

Louisiana residents are invited to nominate a doctor who has made a meaningful impact on their lives. The physician who receives the most nominations will be crowned Louisiana’s Favorite Doctor and receive a $1,000 grand prize along with a special celebration hosted by LHA Trust Funds.

• Nominations Open: February 2027
• Nominations Close: March 2027
• Winner Announced: March 30, 2027

Meet Louisiana's Favorite Doctor for 2026

Casey Steen, MD
North Oaks Medical Center

LHA Trust Funds is excited to announce Casey Steen, MD, of North Oaks Health System, as the winner of the 2026 Louisiana’s Favorite Doctor contest.  This honor recognizes his exceptional compassion, clinical excellence and leadership in patient care.

Dr. Casey Steen received the highest number of nominations, earning him the title of Louisiana’s Favorite Doctor 2026. To celebrate this achievement, LHA Trust Funds and North Oaks Health System surprised Dr. Steen with a live presentation on National Doctors’ Day, where he was awarded a $1,000 grand prize.

Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, Dr. Steen also is North Oaks’ reigning Physician of the Year.

Dr. Steen earned his medical degree from the LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans and completed his internship and residency through LSU’s internal medicine program at Ochsner University Hospital and Clinics in Lafayette. Since joining the North Oaks Medical Staff in 2018, he has played a vital role in advancing patient care and medical education. Since 2024, he has served as a core faculty member for the North Oaks Graduate Medical Education Program’s Internal Medicine Residency. He also serves as the medical director of the North Oaks Hospital Medicine department and contributes to several key committees, including the medical staff’s bylaws and credentials committee and the hospital’s committees for antimicrobial stewardship and performance improvement.

A consistent theme throughout nominations of Dr. Steen for LHA Trust Funds’ Louisiana’s Favorite Doctor award was his exceptional bedside manner and commitment to patient-centered care. Patients praised his ability to explain complex medical information with clarity and compassion, ensuring they and their families feel informed, supported and valued. Colleagues likewise commended his respect for every member of the care team and his collaborative approach to medicine.

Other nominations highlighted his demonstration of transformative leadership in his role as Medical Director of Hospital Medicine. Examples were given of how he fosters a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement, contributing to positive patient outcomes and enhanced team engagement across the health system.

Residents and medical students noted his dedication to teaching and mentorship in their nomination.

“He is present, engaged and always pushing us to become better, more compassionate physicians,” shared one resident. “He meets people where they are and works tirelessly to remove barriers to care.”

Beyond the hospital, Dr. Steen’s commitment to service extends into the community, where he is known for promoting wellness, teamwork and mentorship in both formal and informal settings. Colleagues describe him as approachable, humble and deeply committed to his calling.

“He pours his heart and soul into his profession,” one nomination reads “His faith, compassion and dedication make him a true hero in healthcare.”

“The Louisiana’s Favorite Doctor award honors physicians who dedicate their lives to caring for others with no expectation of recognition,” affirms Cindy Dolan, President and CEO of LHA Trust Funds. “This year’s selection reflects the powerful impact one doctor can have, as shown by the overwhelming support from patients, colleagues and the community. Dr. Steen’s compassion, skill and dedication to those he serves truly make him a ‘ray of sunshine’ in the lives of so many.”

“Dr. Steen embodies what it truly means to care for others with skill, humility and a servant’s heart,” shares Michele K. Sutton, FACHE, President and CEO of North Oaks Health System. “In every interaction, he lives our mission of improving lives, every time, every touch, whether he’s comforting a patient, supporting a colleague, or mentoring the next generation of physicians. At North Oaks, we don’t just work together; we care for one another like family. Dr. Steen is a shining example of that culture, and we are incredibly proud and grateful to call him part of our North Oaks family.”

Meet Previous Years' Winners

Daniel Linarello, MD

North Oaks Surgical Associates

Our 2025 winner is a general surgeon who specializes in diagnosing and surgically treating conditions such as colon cancer and gallbladder disease.

Wayne Barksdale, MD

Hardtner Medical Center

Our 2024 winner is a family medicine specialist with over 20 years experience who performs flight physicals for pilots from Louisiana, Texas, and Arkansas.

Clifton Salmon, Jr., MD

Homer Medical Clinic

Our 2023 winner is a family medicine specialist who is beloved by his patients for his compassionate care and dedication to making a meaningful impact on their lives and the broader medical community.