Honoring Dr. Robert J. Chugden, MD

Dr. Robert J. Chugden, MD to be honored with the Frank C. Di Vincenti, MD Community Leadership Award

The Frank C. Di Vincenti, MD Community Leadership Award is presented annually to recognize an individual for his or her excellence in leadership, volunteerism, dedicated community engagement, and exemplary service at West Jefferson Medical Center.

This year, the West Jefferson Hospital Foundation is proud to announce the 2024 recipient of this prestigious award, Dr. Robert J. Chugden.

Dr. Chugden joined West Jefferson Medical Center in 1987 as an emergency medicine physician and served as Medical Director of Emergency Services for 13 years. During his time as medical director, the West Jefferson Emergency Department was the first in Louisiana to have all board-certified ED physicians on staff around the clock.

Dr. Chugden has been West Jefferson's Chief Medical Officer for the past seven years, collaborating closely with physicians, healthcare professionals, and leadership to develop and uphold policies and procedures ensuring top-quality care at the hospital. During his tenure, Dr. Chugden managed the recruitment and training of new physicians. His leadership fostered exceptional physician engagement, consistently achieving scores in the 90th percentile throughout his service.

The West Jefferson Hospital Foundation will honor Dr. Chugden with the award at its West Jefferson Jubilee cocktail reception and fundraiser on November 8, 2024 at the Hyatt Regency in New Orleans. The celebration will be particularly special as Dr. Chugden recently announced his retirement.

“Dr. Chugden’s ability to positively engage and mentor physicians over the years at West Jefferson Medical Center has made a direct and positive impact on patient care. Under his leadership, we have achieved some of the highest quality scores in history as well as being recognized as one of the Top 100 Best Hospitals by Healthgrades”, says Rob Calhoun, President and CEO of West Jefferson Medical Center.

Dr. Chugden provided crucial support and leadership for the hospital during some of its most challenging periods. He led the Emergency Department as the primary trauma center for New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina and was actively involved in public health education during the pandemic. Upon Dr. Chugden’s retirement, Chip Cahill, Chairman of West Jefferson Medical Center’s Board of Managers, stated, “Dr. Chugden was a reliable presence in tough times. His selflessness and team spirit will be sorely missed.”

Dr. Chugden is a graduate of Louisiana State University School of Medicine and completed his residency at Baylor College of Medicine. During his career, Dr. Chugden served as president of the Jefferson Parish Medical Society, Chairman of the Louisiana State Medical Society Board of Councilors, Chair of the LSMS Council on Public Health and has been appointed to four state boards and commissions by four different governors. He has been married to his wife Elizabeth for 39 years and has four children and five grandchildren. In his spare time, Dr. Chugden enjoys playing the guitar, collecting pocket watches, and travelling to interesting places.

The West Jefferson Hospital Foundation is looking forward to celebrating the legacy of Dr. Chugden, whose impact will be felt in the halls of West Jefferson Medical Center for years to come.

To learn more about the Frank C. Di Vincenti, MD Community Leadership Award, click here.

Learn more about the Frank C. Di Vincenti, MD Community Leadership Award.