John Michael DePaula, MD

While growing up in New Orleans, I was fascinated with the concept of medicine. As a medical student training at LSU medical school, and as an Internal Medicine resident at University of Mississippi Medical Center, I discovered a passion for taking care of the entire person, not focusing on one organ system. During this period, I developed an interest for infectious diseases. I then completed my fellowship in Infectious Disease at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Specializing in infectious diseases allows me to continue to treat the entire person with a focus on infections. I enjoy the unique challenges infectious diseases presents, and the bonds I form with my patients and their families over the years. I always strive to provide individualized care for my patients. My treatments are based upon the best medical practices while taking into account my patients’ treatment goals. If needed, I reach out to other medical providers to form a team approach for medical management of complex diseases.

This field is constantly changing and requires dedication to stay up to date with the most recent research in the treatment and diagnosis of bacterium, viruses (including HIV), fungus and parasites. The rapid changes of infectious diseases have recently been highlighted by the constant evolution of HIV management, treatments of multidrug-resistant organisms and the COVID-19 pandemic. This specialty also allows me the privilege of taking care of a wide range of disease severities from a person with a simple skin infection to a person with septic shock in the intensive care unit.

I have been practicing medicine at East Jefferson General Hospital for over 10 years with Infectious Diseases Associates. This allows me to provide comprehensive treatment for my patients. Also, I serve in many administrative positions at East Jefferson General Hospital including the Chairman of Infectious Disease Department. This partnership has ensured that Infectious Diseases Associates will be able provide the best care for our patients both while in the hospital and at our office.

Work Experience

  • East Jefferson General Hospital · Metairie, LA
    • Infectious Disease Specialist, August 2010 – Present
  • Bridgepoint Continuing Care Hospital · Metairie, LA
    • Infectious Disease Specialist, June 2019 – April 2020
  • North Oaks Medical Center · Hammond, LA
    • Infectious Disease Specialist, August 2009 – July 2010
  • G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery Veterans Affairs Medical Center · Jackson, MS
    • Hospitalist, July 2008 – June 2009 Part-time
  • G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery Veterans Affairs Medical Center · Jackson, MS
    • Emergency Medicine Physician, July 2007 – June 2009 Part-time
  • G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery Veterans Affairs Medical Center · Jackson, MS
    • Internal Medicine Physician Instructor, July 2006 – July 2007
  • G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery Veterans Affairs Medical Center · Jackson, MS
    • Emergency Medicine Physician, July 2005 – June 2006 Part-time

Education & Training

  • University of Mississippi Medical Center, Fellowship in Infectious Diseases, 2007 – 2009
  • University of Mississippi Medical Center, Residency in Internal Medicine, 2003 – 2006
  • Louisiana State University School of Medicine in Shreveport, Class of 2003
  • Loyola University, BS in Biology, 1995 – 1999

Certification & Licensure

  • LA State Medical License
  • Board Certified in Infectious Diseases by American Board of Internal Medicine

Awards, Honors & Recognition

  • Physician of the Quarter for the 4th Quarter of 2017, East Jefferson General Hospital
  • Physician of the Year of 2017, East Jefferson General Hospital
  • Recognition of distinguished service as a member of the East Jefferson General Hospital medical executive committee, 2015 – 2018
  • Acknowledged for role in COVID-19 pandemic as front-line physician and Infectious Diseases expert on the Emergency Response Committee, 2020 East Jefferson General Hospital

Publications & Presentations

  • Sepsis care improvement through an automated clinical decision support solution at East Jefferson General Hospital .DePaula J, Merwin C, DeCorte R, Chen Y, Palermo B, Mayo A, Carbajal D…The 2016 Annual National Forum on Quality Improvement in Health Care, Orlando, Florida – 12/2016
  • Impact of a novel automated clinical decision support solution on quality of care and outcomes by sepsis severity. DePaula J, Merwin C, DeCorte R, Chen Y…The American Society for Microbiology Microbe 2017, New Orleans, Louisiana – 6/2/2017
  • A novel automated clinical decision support solution reduces mortality in patients with severe sepsis. Presented at: ; March 29-31; St. LouisDePaula J, Merwin C, DeCorte R, Chen Y, Palermo B…Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America spring conference 2017, St. Louis, Missouri – 3/2017
  • Trauma-Induced Clinical Complications in the Context of Health and Social Disparities. Michael Michel, Xinchun Zhou, Jake Olivier, James Hamilton, Marjolyn Brock, Paul Redmond, John DePau…13th Annual SHRP Meeting – 5/2008

Committees

  • Antibiotics Stewardship Committee at East Jefferson General Hospital, Chairman 2019 – Present
  • Infection Control at East Jefferson General Hospital, Chair 2015 – Present
  • Infectious Diseases at East Jefferson General Hospital, Director 2015 – Present
  • Sepsis Practice Improvement at East Jefferson General Hospital,Team Member 2015 – Present
  • Infectious Diseases Division at East Jefferson General Hospital, Chief 2011 – Present
  • COVID-19 Emergency Response Committee – East Jefferson General Hospital, Infections Diseases Expert 2020
  • Chair of Department of Medicine at East Jefferson General Hospital, Chair 2016 – 2019
  • Medical Executive Committee at East Jefferson General Hospital, Chair of Department of Medicine 2016 – 2019
  • Antibiotics Stewardship Committee at East Jefferson General Hospital,Team Member 2016 – 2019

Professional Memberships

  • Infectious disease Society of America Member
  • Society for the Healthcare Epidemiology of America Fellow
  • HIV Medicine Association Member