Eight from Tulane Medicine named as 2024 Health Care Heroes

New Orleans City Business annually recognizes outstanding individuals in the healthcare field through its Health Care Heroes list, celebrating those who exceed expectations in their professional roles and personal lives. Eight Tulane University School of Medicine members have earned a spot among these distinguished honorees this year.

Since 2007, this prestigious list has highlighted healthcare professionals in the New Orleans area across five categories: first responders, nurses, physicians, professionals, and volunteers. Honorees are chosen for their exceptional contributions to the industry and their active engagement in the community. The complete list is available here, and the Tulane School of Medicine honorees are listed below:

Nurses:

William Rowalt, NP-C

Instructor of Medicine, EJGH Cardiology

Physicians:

Sonia Malhotra, MD, MS, FAAP

Associate Chief, Palliative Medicine; Associate Program Director, Internal Med-Peds Residency

Kimberly Mukerjee, MD, MPH

Tulane Pediatrics Residency Program Director, Assistant Professor; Section of Community Pediatrics and Immigrant Health

Smita Prasad, MD

Psychiatric and Behavioral Specialist 

Benjamin Watkins, MD

Pediatric Hematology and Oncologist Specialist 

Professionals:

Jacquel Benion. LMSW

Clinic Manager

Heddwen Brooks, PhD

Professor and Chair, Department of Physiology

Danielle Metz

Community Worker for the FIT Program