SHREVEPORT, LA — LSU Health Shreveport has named three accomplished faculty members as department chairs, marking a significant step forward in academic leadership and research excellence across multiple disciplines.
Dr. Matthew Woolard — Chair, Department of Microbiology and Immunology
Matthew Woolard, PhD, has been appointed Chair of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology. A faculty member since 2009, Dr. Woolard currently holds the O’Callaghan Family Endowed Professorship in Microbiology. He earned his B.A. in Biology from Austin College and his Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences from the University of North Texas Health Science Center. He completed postdoctoral training at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Dr. Woolard is recognized nationally for his research on macrophage lipid metabolism and its role in cardiovascular and infectious diseases. His teaching and research excellence have earned him numerous honors, including the Dr. Allen A. Copping Award for Excellence in Teaching and national recognition from the American Association of Immunologists. He also leads multiple research programs supporting undergraduate and graduate students.
Dr. Hind Lal — Chair, Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy (Effective June 1)
Hind Lal, PhD, will serve as Chair of the Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy beginning June 1. Dr. Lal earned his PhD in Microbiology and Molecular Biology from the Indian Institute of Toxicology Research. His postdoctoral work included fellowships at Texas A&M University and Thomas Jefferson University.
Dr. Lal’s research focuses on the signaling pathways and proteins involved in cardiac injury and heart failure. He is the Principal Investigator on three R01 grants from the National Institutes of Health and has published 60 peer-reviewed papers. His professional affiliations span the American Heart Association, American Physiological Society, and several Indian scientific organizations.
Dr. Patrick Massey — Chair, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery (Effective June 1, 2025)
Patrick Massey, MD, MBA, will assume the role of Chair for the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery starting June 1, 2025. A graduate of Jefferson Medical College, Dr. Massey completed his orthopaedic surgery residency at LSU Health Shreveport, where he was named Chief Resident. He completed a sports medicine fellowship at Houston Methodist Hospital before returning to LSUHS in 2014.
Dr. Massey has served in numerous leadership roles, including Program Director and Director of Clinical Research. He is dual board-certified in Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine and remains active in the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Louisiana Orthopaedic Association, and related professional societies.