About Allied Health
Allied Health is a full-service medical provider experienced with treating litigation and worker’s compensation patients. We accept most major healthcare plans, Medicare and take personal injury cases under a letter of protection (LOP). We diagnose and treat a wide range of injuries and specialize in the latest interventional pain management techniques.
We continuously strive to deliver exceptional customer service and patient care.
Allied Health Doctors
Dr. Gassan Chaiban
Medical Director - Lake Charles
Dr. Chaiban graduated from University of Texas Austin with a degree in microbiology and then obtained his medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine. He completed his Anesthesiology residency at…
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Dr. Alvah Wickboldt
Medical Director - Lafayette / Alexandria
Dr. Wickboldt is a double board-certified pain management interventionist specializing in the treatment of degenerative and traumatic disorders. Through a multimodal approach utilizing procedures, regenerative …
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Dr. Reena John
DO - Interventional Pain Management
Dr. John is a United States trained physician specializing in Interventional Pain Management and Anesthesiology. She was born and raised in the “Windy City,”
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Dr. Ramy El Khoury
Neurology / Traumatic Brain Injury
Dr. Ramy El Khoury attended Medical School at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and continued his internship training in Brooklyn, NY.
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Nurse Practitioners
Patricia Duhon
Nurse Practitioner
Tricia Duhon is a board-certified and licensed Family Nurse Practitioner with a dedicated focus on interventional pain management.
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Bethany St. Romain
Nurse Practitioner
Bethany St. Romain is a board certified and licensed Family Nurse Practitioner through the Louisiana State Board of Nursing.
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Christian Bertrand
Nurse Practitioner
Christian Bertrand is a Board Certified and Licensed Family Nurse Practitioner with an extensive background in Orthopedics and …
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Gassan Chaiban, MD
Medical Director – Lake Charles
Dr. Chaiban graduated from University of Texas Austin with a degree in microbiology and then obtained his medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine. He completed his Anesthesiology residency at University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester, MA, and then completed his fellowship in Pain Management at the University of Toledo Medical Center, Toledo, OH. He is dual board certified in anesthesiology and pain management.
Dr. Chaiban’s primary focus at Allied Health is interventional pain management of the cervical and lumbar spine, in addition to diagnosing and treating injuries to the upper and lower extremities. His extensive teaching background makes him uniquely qualified to treat patients for their existing injuries, as well as guide their future treatment plans. Dr. Chaiban is experienced with treating personal injury clients and developing life care plans.
Prior to joining Allied Health, Dr. Chaiban spent the last 9 years practicing in New Orleans at Ochsner Baptist as a Pain Management Physician and the Fellowship Director of the Interventional Pain Program.
Dr. Alvah Wickboldt, MD
Medical Director – Lafayette/Alexandria
Dr. Wickboldt is a double board-certified pain management interventionist specializing in the treatment of degenerative and traumatic disorders. Through a multimodal approach utilizing procedures, regenerative medicine, physical therapy, and medications, he treats conditions such as herniated discs, facet pain & arthritis, sacroiliitis, lumbar disc pain, sciatica, nerve injuries, and more. Dr. Wickboldt offers minimally invasive techniques to reduce recovery time and restore function as quickly as possible.
Dr. Wickboldt began his career as an organic chemist in the research division of Johnson & Johnson in La Jolla, California where he developed medications to treat rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and asthma. After three years he pursued a pathway to work directly with patients leading him to earn his Doctor of Medicine at LSU in New Orleans. He completed an internship in internal medicine at Ochsner followed by an anesthesiology residency and pain medicine fellowship at Loma Linda University in southern California. After graduating from his fellowship, Dr. Wickboldt joined the pain management team at Ochsner serving several clinics in the greater New Orleans area. During that time he was a member of the opioid stewardship committee, director of safety & quality initiatives for the pain management service line, and a member of the core faculty for the Ochsner Pain Management Fellowship Program. Dr. Wickboldt joined Allied health in 2022 and is currently accepting patients in the Lafayette and Alexandria regions.
Dr. Wickboldt is an avid supporter of lifelong learning in his pursuit to bring cutting edge treatments and techniques to his patients. His practice interests include disc restoration and neuromodulation (spinal cord stimulation, dorsal root ganglion stimulation, and peripheral nerve stimulation). He is certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology in both Anesthesia and Pain Management. He is a member of several distinguished organizations including the North American Neuromodulation Society, the American Society for Anesthesiology, and the American Society of Regional Anesthesia among others.
Dr. Reena John, D.O.
Interventional Pain Management
Dr. John is a United States trained physician specializing in Interventional Pain Management and Anesthesiology. She was born and raised in the “Windy City,” Chicago, Illinois.
She has served as Resident Section Committee Chair for one the largest Pain Management national organizations, American Society of Regional Anesthesia (ASRA). She is currently an active member in many national societies as organizations including, American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA), North American Neuromodulation Society (NANS), and the American Society of Pain and Neuroscience (ASPN). In addition, she holds an active medical license in the State of Louisiana and is ACLS, BLS, PALS, and ATLS-certified.
Dr. John strives to provide elite care centered around evidence-based medical practices through the use of individualized treatment plans ranging from conservative therapies, medical management, interventions and neuraxial injections, and the most up-to-date neuromodulation techniques. She has been trained on cutting-edge, groundbreaking therapies including, spinal cord stimulation, kyphoplasty, intrathecal pump placement, dorsal root ganglion stimulation (DRG), interspinous spacers, and minimally invasive fusion devices for degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis with neurogenic claudication, SI joint fusions, Intracept basivertebral nerve ablation for axial back pain, and disc herniation and annular tear therapies. In addition, she is qualified to provide advanced therapies for headaches and cervical dystonia, including Botox. She has mastered ultrasound-guided procedures for pain relief which can safely be carried out in an office setting.
As a pain management specialist, it is her goal to provide personalized medical care to each and every one of her patients. She will work alongside the Align staff to guarantee that all patients’ medical needs and concerns are addressed while simultaneously involving her patient in a focused, decision-making process regarding their pain management care and treatment plan.
Education
UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE | BIOLOGY-PSYCHOLOGY
Tufts University
MASTERS DEGREE | MEDICAL SCIENCES
Boston University
MEDICAL DEGREE
Nova Southeastern College of Medicine
ANESTHESIOLOGY RESIDENCY
Kendall Regional Medical Center
Chief Resident, Resident of the Year, & Highest Academic Achievement
PAIN MANAGEMENT FELLOWSHIP
Ochsner Health Systems
Dr. Ramy El Khoury
Neurology / Traumatic Brain Injury
Dr. Ramy El Khoury attended Medical School at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and continued his internship training in Brooklyn, NY. He also completed a neurology residency and fellowship training at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, TX.
Dr. El Khoury, founder of Neurocare of the South, is board certified in Neurology, Vascular Neurology, and Brain Injury Medicine, with additional certifications in Neuro-imaging and Neural Repair and Rehabilitation.
He regularly sees patients at the Allied Health clinics, performing EMG studies and treating patients with traumatic brain injuries, concussions, and related head trauma. He is very skilled at working with personal injury clients and caring for their unique medical needs. He is experienced in life care planning, depositions, expert reports and trial testimony.
Dr. El Khoury has supervised and mentored doctors in training, medical students, and research scholars, as well as published multiple research articles in his field. He has supervised and trained more than 30 nurse practitioners in neurology related specialties. He currently serves as Stroke and Neurology Director at both Slidell Memorial Hospital and Ochsner Northshore.
Dr. El Khoury is a member of American Stroke Association, American Academy of Neurology, American Epilpesy Society, and American Academy of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine.
Patricia Duhon
Tricia Duhon is a board-certified and licensed Family Nurse Practitioner with a dedicated focus on interventional pain management. She has been a member of the Allied Health team since 2020, playing an instrumental role in patient care and practice development. Tricia served as Practice Manager at Allied Health during a period of rapid growth demonstrating strong leadership skills and a commitment to excellence. Her clinical expertise lies in diagnostic accuracy and the implementation of treatment plans that include interventional procedures, physical therapy, and medication management.
Tricia’s healthcare journey began in 2011 as a Registered Nurse in Labor & Delivery and Women’s Health. Her early experiences provided her with a solid foundation in clinical practice and a deep appreciation for patient-centered care. She completed her Master of Science in Nursing from McNeese State University in the Fall of 2019 and is currently licensed through the Louisiana State Board of Nursing and credentialed by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. She values the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with her patients and strives to provide individualized care.
Tricia was raised in Lake Charles, Louisiana. She finds her greatest fulfillment in cherishing the joys of family life with her husband and three wonderful boys. Her family serves as her inspiration and motivation to excel both personally and professionally.
Bethany St. Romain
Bethany St. Romain is a board certified and licensed Family Nurse Practitioner through the Louisiana State Board of Nursing. Graduating from McNeese State University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2010, Bethany embarked on a journey marked by a dedication and commitment to patient-centered care. With a diverse background spanning various specialties including Intensive Critical Care and Interventional Radiology, Bethany has honed a comprehensive skill set focused on high-quality care across a spectrum of healthcare needs.
Building upon her foundation in nursing, Bethany pursued advanced education earning a Master of Science in Nursing from McNeese State University in 2020. Her commitment to excellence further extended to certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) empowering her to expand her scope of practice and deliver comprehensive care.
Bethany has been a dedicated member of the Allied Health team since 2020. She provides compassionate care to patients with diverse neuromuscular and musculoskeletal injuries. Bethany believes in employing a multi-modal approach to treatment, integrating the latest evidence-based practices with personalized care plans tailored to the unique needs of each patient. She seeks to empower patients through education, support, and collaboration in their healthcare journey. Whether managing acute injuries or chronic conditions, Bethany is committed to fostering a therapeutic partnership built on trust, empathy, and respect.
Christian Bertrand
Christian Bertrand is a Board Certified and Licensed Family Nurse Practitioner with an extensive background in Orthopedics and Neurosurgery. Based on his prior experience, he is highly trained to treat multiple orthopedic injuries and spine related conditions utilizing across a spectrum of modalities including joint injections, medication management, guided rehabilitation, and recommendation for surgery. This skillset enables him to provide excellent care across an array of pain etiologies.
Christian graduated with his Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from McNeese State University in the Fall of 2011 and began his career as a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Department & Intensive Care Unit at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital. During that time, he also served as a Flight Nurse for Acadian Ambulance AirMed Service. In 2018, he graduated from McNeese State University with a Master of Science in Nursing to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. From there he gained valuable experienced in the fields of Orthopedic Sports Medicine Surgery, Orthopedic Trauma Surgery, and Neurosurgery across various clinics in southwest Louisiana. He is licensed through the Louisiana State Board of Nursing and is credentialed through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). Mr. Bertrand also holds a Registered Nurse First Assist (RNFA) Certification enabling him to assist physicians in surgical procedures.
His professional interests include treating neuromuscular conditions, particularly spine related injuries. During his advanced studies he conducted a scholarly research project evaluating the skills and knowledge of Louisiana-based nurse practitioner’s treatment of acute low back pain according to practice guidelines.
Christian is originally from Crowley, Louisiana and currently resides in Welsh, Louisiana with his wife, Megan, and three children (John Christian, Jane, and Thomas). In his off time, he is an avid deer hunter, outdoorsman, and fan of LSU athletics.
Litigation Experience
Our team’s experience with litigation and worker’s compensation clientele ensures a swift approval process and the appropriate medical-legal documentation. We are pleased to offer:
- Expedited appointments, dictations, approval requests, and work comp submissions
- Litigation support services (expert reports, life care planning, attorney/ physician conferences, depositions, and courtroom testimony)
- A highly knowledgeable, patient-focused team of medical professionals
- A competitive and global fee schedule
- Decades of experience with medical-legal cases
Personal Injury medical services provided under Letter of Protection (LOP)
Interventional Pain Management
Interventional pain management focuses on relieving, reducing, and managing a patient’s pain to improve their quality of life through minimally invasive techniques specifically designed to diagnose and treat their conditions. A primary goal of interventional pain management is to help patients return to their everyday activities as soon as possible and without being dependent on medications. The fellowship-trained and board-certified pain management physicians at Allied Health treat a wide range of conditions and perform a variety of interventional procedures.
Conditions Treated
Degenerative Disc Disease
Disc Injuries (Annular Tear, Herniation, Extrusion, or Bulging)
Arthritis of the Spine (Spondylosis)
Facet Joint Syndrome
Low Back Pain
Neck Pain
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
Cervical Radiculopathy
Lumbar Radiculopathy
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Facial Pain
Headaches & Migraines
Joint Pain (Hip, Knee, Shoulder, Elbow)
Osteoarthritis
Post Laminectomy Syndrome
Rotator Cuff Tears
Sacroiliac Joint Pain
Sciatica
Spinal Stenosis
Compression Fractures
Whiplash pain
And More!
Procedures Performed
Epidural Injections (Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar, and Sacral)
Transforaminal Epidural Injections
Facet Injections
Medial Branch Blocks
Cervical Radiofrequency Ablation (Rhizotomy)
Thoracic Radiofrequency Ablation (Rhizotomy)
Lumbar Radiofrequency Ablation (Rhizotomy)
Sacroiliac Joint Injections
Sacroiliac Joint Fusion
Joint Injections (Hip, Knee, Shoulder, Elbow)
Sympathetic Blocks (Stellate, Celiac, Lumbar, Ganglion Impar)
Neuromodulation
Spinal Cord Stimulation Therapy (Trials & Implants)
Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation Therapy (Trials & Implants)
Peripheral Nerve Stimulation
Synvisc-One Injections
BOTOX Injections for Migraine Headache
Intrathecal Pump Trials & Implants
Occipital Nerve Block
Ultrasound Guided Nerve Blocks
Via Disc Injections
Intracept (BVN Ablation) for Vertebral Pain
PRP (Platelet-rich Plasma) Joint, Tendon, and Spine
Kyphoplasty
Vertebroplasty
Discography / Discogram
Trigger Point Injections
Life Care Planning
The life care plan is a dynamic document based upon published standards of practice, comprehensive assessment, data analysis, and research, which provides an organized, concise plan for current and future needs with associated costs for individuals who have experienced catastrophic injury or have chronic health care needs.
At Allied Health, we create future needs assessments and life care plans using evidence-based medicine. Our experience in treating patients involved in litigation, along with expertise in pain management and rehabilitation, allows us to develop, coordinate and execute plans that are beneficial to the patient and fully supported in the courtroom. We recognize that other life care planning experts are often already part of the litigation team and are pleased to work alongside other professionals to support, manage or implement future treatment plans for patients.
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Contact Allied Health
Lake Charles, LA
814 W McNeese St
Suite 100
Lake Charles, LA 70605
Phone: (337) 602-8686
Fax: (337) 419-1997
Hours
Monday – Friday
8 AM to 5 PM
Lafayette, LA
105 Patriot Avenue
Suite 102
Lafayette, LA 70508
Phone: (337) 602-8686
Hours
Monday – Friday
8 AM to 5 PM
Alexandria, LA
4002 Jackson St
Suite B
Alexandria, LA 71303
Phone: (337) 602-8686
Hours
Wednesday
9 AM to 3 PM