Dr. Suzanne "Sally" Bourgeois

Dr. Marie Suzanne Alice Dugas, lovingly referred to as Sally, was born on December 3, 1928 in Cecilia, LA. Her father C.J. Bobby Dugas was a renowned politician, educator, editor and publisher. Her mother, Marie Suzanne Alice Durand Dugas, lovingly referred to as “Sue,” was an esteemed teacher at Donaldsonville High School. Sally and her beloved younger sister Jeanie grew up in Donaldsonville, LA.

Dr. Sally graduated from Donaldsonville High School finishing in three years, even as she endured surgery for scoliosis as a teenager which, in those days, meant being in a body cast for a solid year.

Dr. Sally received her bachelor’s degree from LSU-Baton Rouge with a straight “A” average and was chosen the outstanding freshman woman student at LSU. She graduated from medical school at LSU New Orleans and was the first woman president of Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society

Dr. Sally made her permanent home in Opelousas in 1956 where she entered private practice with her husband, Dr. George Bourgeois until she passed away in 1971. She was the first woman doctor in Opelousas. They were both members of the founding physicians of Opelousas General Hospital. She was the first woman chief of staff at OGH. Dr. Sally’s practice included general practice, pathology, and psychiatry. She served at the Acadiana Mental Health Center in Lafayette, LA, and was appointed medical director of the newly established outreach clinic in Opelousas. `

Dr. Sally and Dr. George were parents of four children, Suzanne, George Jr., Stephanie, and Michele. Besides her medical practice, Dr. Sally devoted time to helping others in the community, frequently making house calls, and advocating for social justice and racial equity, teaching catechism at Holy Ghost Catholic Church.

She loved cooking, bridge, and sewing, making her children’s dance costumes and Easter dresses even while maintaining a full-time medical practice. She was an avid Tiger sports fan, nurtured by her father who was an LSU baseball and basketball letterman. She also loved art, and Peter Paul and Mary, and her children still have visions of her dancing across the living room in her pedal pushers singing along to “If I Had a Hammer.” Dr. Sally cherished her friends, always making time for sitting at the kitchen table to visit.

Dr. Sally was known for her brilliance. Over the years, numerous people have remarked that she was the smartest person they had ever known. She was also known for her compassionate bedside manner, her intelligent sense of humor, her heart of kindness, and her dedication to her faith, family, and friends.

Opelousas General Heath System will forever be grateful for her contributions as well as her dedication, expertise, and skill.