In 1984, when Drs. Libeau Berthelot and Mark James joined the small family medicine practice opened some 16 years earlier in Franklinton by Dr. Gerald Foret, their intentions were fairly straightforward.
They wanted to join Dr. Foret in providing convenient access to quality medical care for the families of rural Washington Parish and other parts of the Northshore. Simple as that.
There were a few logistical bumps in the road along the way, resulting in an eventual relocation to Folsom and the St. Tammany Physicians Network Clinic there. Regardless, the three now-retired men of medicine lived that initial mission for more than three decades each.
On Jan. 23, those years of caring for the community were recognized, as Drs. Berthlot, Foret and James were named Citizens of the Year for 2023 by Franklinton Mayor Gregory Route.
“I felt they had never really been recognized for everything they’ve done here in Franklinton,” Mayor Route said in explaining his decision to honor them. “I was happy to do it. They’ve just been a blessing to Franklinton.”
He would know. Before he was mayor, Route got to know the three when he worked at Franklinton’s Riverside Medical Center.
“They were the heart and soul of Riverside Medical Center, those three doctors,” Mayor Route said.
The three former St. Tammany Health System physicians were among six recipients of this year’s award, all of whom were honored during a recent meeting of the Franklinton Board of Aldermen.
The others honored were former SUNO professor Dr. V.T. Johnson, retired Franklinton High baseball coach Jeff Tajeant and community volunteer Armand Barker.
Each received a personalized plaque inscribed with the words, “You are a shining example to the town of Franklinton. Thank you.”