Opelousas General Health System Announces New Chief of Staff

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