It was 1984, and two young physicians – Drs. Libeau Berthelot and Mark James – began working together, serving the needs of rural Northshore residents as partners in Dr. Gerald Foret’s family medical practice in Franklinton.
This month, the two old friends and business partners are going out the same way they practiced for those 37 years: together.
“To work with the excellent physicians at St. Tammany Health System – I’ve really been honored to do that,” Dr. Berthelot said at a recent sendoff at the Folsom clinic at which he and Dr. James have been working since it was relocated from Franklinton six years ago. “It’s been a really good ride, and I’m going to miss it.”
The feeling, by all accounts, is mutual.
“These two guys are also role models and mentors to a generation of physicians, including myself,” St. Tammany Health System Chief Medical Officer Dr. Patrick Torcson said. “We are deeply honored to have had you as members of our team and for all you’ve done for this community in St. Tammany and Washington parishes.”
Joining Torcson was St. Tammany Health System President and CEO Joan Coffman; STHS Assistant Vice President Dionne Williams, who oversees the health system’s St. Tammany Physicians Network; and enough friends, family and co-workers to fill the waiting room at the STPN Folsom waiting room.
Also notably among them: Dr. Gerald Foret, the retired founder of the practice who welcomed Drs. Berthelot and James into the fold so many years ago; and his son, Dr. Chris Foret, who has practiced alongside them – and who will continue to practice out of the office they’ve all shared.
“You guys have been so much more than people in an office,” the younger Dr. Foret said. “You have been mentors and friends, and I love you both. And, I’m telling you, it’s not ‘goodbye.’ It’s ‘see you later.’”
Once Drs. Berthelot and James make their retirement official at the end of December, Dr. Foret and Folsom Nurse Practitioner Patrick Wainright will be joined in the practice by longtime St. Tammany Health System physician Dr. Robert Brinkman and Nurse Practitioner Laura Read.
An additional provider is expected to join the practice in August 2022.
As for what comes next, Dr. Berthelot intends to spend more quality time with his eight grandchildren, including a planned family trip to Walt Disney World.
Dr. James also plans on traveling, first for a couple of weeks of hunting, and then hitting the road to visit family members in Georgia, Alaska, Australia and Italy.
“The only thing we have to figure out is which one to visit first,” Dr. James said.
Wherever they wander, both also said a part of their hearts will remain with their old team in Folsom, and they promised not to be strangers.
“You’re the best,” Dr. James said. “It’s truly been an honor and privilege to work with you all.”