Clinical Spotlight: Ryan Watson, MMS, PA-C
Ryan Watson, MMS, PA-C serves as the Lead Advanced Practice Provider (APP) at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center (OLOL), a Baton Rouge-based hospital with an emergency department serviced by Franciscan Emergency Physicians, an Emergency Care Partners (ECP) local private practice group. Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center is a 988-bed hospital and the area’s only Level I trauma center. OLOL is a leading healthcare innovator in Louisiana and part of one of the state’s largest health systems.
Watson was born and raised in Louisiana, in the town of Walker, just outside Baton Rouge. He earned a B.S. degree in Integrative Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Southeastern Louisiana University. Watson obtained a Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies from the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University PA Program. In addition to his role as Lead APP, Watson also serves at OLOL as a Trauma Surgery Physician Assistant.
Clinical Leadership in Emergency Medicine
Watson is a highly valued member of the tight-knit FEP team. “His persistence and determination are a true testament to his character and work ethic. He consistently demonstrates a positive, go-getter attitude and a hunger to learn and improve processes whenever possible,” said Dr. Mark Laperouse, President of FEP. Watson’s day-to-day responsibilities include the evaluation, treatment, and dispositioning of patients as well as overseeing the APPs supporting the emergency department. On average, he manages between 7 and 9 patients concurrently, performs consultations, orders tests, and interprets labs and imaging.
As Lead APP, Ryan is responsible for building schedules for Our Lady of the Lake’s 50+ APPs and assisting with hiring and training new APPs. Watson has been instrumental in facilitating FEP’s growing APP bootcamps. The bootcamp is part of FEP’s onboarding and integration process, focusing on quality, leadership, and overall patient care management.
“Ryan exemplifies all aspects of great leadership. As a colleague of Ryan’s, I have witnessed firsthand his tireless efforts to deliver results, even under the most challenging circumstances. His persistence and determination are a true testament to his character and work ethic. It is a pleasure to work with someone who consistently demonstrates such a positive attitude and willingness to set a higher standard,” said Maci Copeland, FEP Credentialing Coordinator.
Watson’s insights and ideas have helped the FEP group grow as a team and innovate in all areas of emergency medicine.
Interview with Ryan Watson, PA-C
When did you decide you wanted to work in Emergency Medicine?
I started working in healthcare in high school. I first started as a phlebotomist. I made the decision to become a PA while in college, while I was working in an emergency department. I went into emergency medicine after school because I enjoy both the diversity of patients and the fast-paced environment.
What is your favorite part about working with FEP and Emergency Care Partners (ECP)?
My favorite part about working with FEP and ECP is the culture and strong sense of family that we have built.
What do you find most challenging about your job?
The complexity of the patients that we see in the emergency department, but that’s also what I enjoy the most.
Outside of work, how do you like to spend your time?
I like spending my free time with my family, my wife Emily, and I have a daughter, and I enjoy cooking and visiting aquariums.