Louisiana is setting new benchmarks for patient access to primary care—and South Louisiana Medical Associates (SLMA) is at the heart of the transformation. From Houma and Terrebonne to Lafourche and surrounding parishes, SLMA continues to expand local medical access, train new physicians, and drive healthcare excellence with a physician-owned model focused on patient needs. Recent findings from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services now confirm it: Louisiana’s primary care provider ratios are rising, and local families are now more likely to be connected to a personal doctor than ever before.
SLMA’s Expansion Powers Louisiana Health Gains
SLMA now counts more than 25 providers in Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Women’s Health—reinforced by a robust internal medicine program with 24 MDs. Many physicians trained at SLMA remain in the region, amplifying long-term provider availability and continuity of care. As the largest physician-owned practice in Louisiana, SLMA fuels growth across Terrebonne, Lafourche, St. Mary, and neighboring communities.
Recent U.S. Department of Health and Human Services data show Louisiana’s primary care provider ratio climbing from 183.9 in 2018 to 264.3 in 2024, outpacing national averages. A record 86% of adults in the state now report having a dedicated doctor or provider—a key improvement over the national rate of 84%.
“At SLMA, our mission is to ensure every patient in our region has timely access to exceptional primary care. We are proud to train, recruit, and support outstanding physicians dedicated to the communities we serve. By continually investing in both today’s and tomorrow’s healthcare leaders, SLMA is making Louisiana a healthier place for all,” said Dr. Michael Garcia, President and CEO of SLMA.
The SLMA Difference: Local Excellence
Since 1978, SLMA has operated as Houma’s trusted partner for comprehensive healthcare—serving not only individual patient needs but training the next generation of medical professionals for local impact. With specialties from women’s health to behavioral care, SLMA’s patient-centered approach ensures comfort, access, and quality for every visit.
SLMA physicians are accessible across Terrebonne, Lafourche, and surrounding parishes—building a stronger, healthier region for generations to come.
Healthcare Access for Every Family
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More than 25 primary care providers in Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Women’s Health
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Robust internal medicine program with 24 MDs—many remain locally
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Largest physician-owned medical practice in Louisiana
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Serving Terrebonne, Lafourche, Houma, and surrounding parishes
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Commitment to local workforce growth, patient access, and quality care
Read the full source article at The Advocate:
The Times-Picayune | Baton Rouge Advocate’s Margaret Delaney reports
Experience the SLMA Difference
Schedule your appointment with SLMA at 985-262-1639 or visit www.slma.cc.
Join our growing team and help build a healthier Louisiana—one patient, one doctor, one community at a time.