Medical Providers

Dr. Banda, known as a lead general surgeon in Shreveport/Bossier City, was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas.

He attended Baylor University where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry in 1987. He then went on to medical school at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio where he received his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1991. From 1991 through 1998 he completed his general surgery residency and research studies at LSU Medical Center in Shreveport under the mentorship of the late Dr. John C. McDonald. In 1999, upon completion of the surgical board examination, an advanced completion of the surgical board examination, and an advanced laparoscopic surgical fellowship, Dr. Banda entered into the private practice of general surgery in Bossier City, LA.

Dr. Banda is a board certified general surgeon and is the senior partner and owner of Bossier Surgical Associates. In addition to his surgical practice, Dr. Banda is commissioned by the state of Louisiana and serves as the Chief Deputy Coroner for Bossier Parish. Dr. Banda is a staff surgeon for Willis Knighton Bossier Medical Center as well as North Caddo Medical Center. He has served as Chief of Surgery for two terms.

His memberships include the American College of Surgeons, The Louisiana Chapter of the American College of Surgeons, Barksdale Military Affairs Council, NRA Life Member and NRA Golden Eagles.

Dr. Chandler joined NCMC’s Emergency Department, full time, in 2016. However, he has been a part of NCMC for more than 10 years, as a part time ER physician.

Dr. Chandler attended high school in Bryceland, Louisiana and graduated from Louisiana Tech University in 1982. His medical school and residency were completed at Louisiana State University Medical Center in Shreveport.

He was elected Bossier Coroner in 2008 and continues to serve in this capacity. Dr. Chandler ran his own practice for 16 years before joining a fellow practice where he worked for 10 years. In 2016, Dr. Chandler retired from the clinical practice to provide Emergency Care full time.

Dr. Chandler enjoys the fast pace atmosphere of an emergency room. He appreciates the need for critical care medicine and his ability to provide the care.

Dr. Herrera obtained his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Nova Southeastern University, where he specialized in Osteopathic Medicine. Prior to that, he completed his Bachelor of Science in Biochemical Science at Louisiana State University – Shreveport. Driven by his commitment to healthcare, he also earned a Technical Diploma in License Practical Nursing from Louisiana Technical College – Shreveport/Bossier.

Dr. Herrera is a graduate of Louisiana State University Health & Science Center and North Caddo Medical Center’s Family Practice Residency Program’s Rural Tract. He gained extensive experience in various clinical settings, including inpatient medicine, outpatient clinics, labor and delivery, and the emergency department. Dr. Herrera also completed a Family Medicine Internship at Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport, where he received comprehensive training in multiple specialties, such as pediatrics, internal medicine, emergency medicine, and orthopedic and general surgery.

Dr. Herrera served as the Chief Resident of the residency program from July 2022 to June 2023. In this role, he mentored and instructed junior residents, delivered educational lectures to medical students, managed the resident call schedule, and facilitated the recruitment process for new residents.

He is recognized for his outstanding commitment to compassionate care, Dr. Herrera was inducted as a member of the Gold Humanism Honor Society by The Arnold P. Gold Foundation in May of 2020. This prestigious recognition highlights his exceptional qualities as a healthcare professional.

Dr. May joined North Caddo Medical Center in 2009 and is accepting new patients of all ages. A Board Certified Family Practitioner and a member of the American Medical Association, Dr. May dedicates his career to his patients and the training of new physicians.

He is a graduate of the LSUHSC’s Rural Tract Residency Program held at North Caddo Medical Center. Dr. May, also the Rural Residency Site Director, coordinates curriculum and teachings for the residents trained at NCMC. Dr. May and his fellow attending physicians’ goal is to prepare the residents so they will provide skilled, comprehensive, and emergent care in rural areas.

Other accomplishments of Dr. May includes, having been on the National Deans List, a member of Alpha Epsilon Delta Pre-Medicine Honor Society and Scholar Athlete of the Year. Dr. May also enjoys sharing his love of outdoors and sports with his young family.

Family Practice – Benton Medical

Dr. McCommon is a dedicated family practice physician and the Medical Director of two rural health clinics. She is committed to providing comprehensive care to her community and strongly focuses on preventative health and wellness. She also performs endoscopies, ensuring her patients receive the highest quality of care close to home.

A familiar face at the local farm stand and farmers’ markets, Dr. McCommon, is passionate about healthy living and clean eating. She and her family own a natural farm, where they grow organic produce and promote a lifestyle that connects health and nature.

Dr. McCommon completed her family practice residency at North Caddo Medical Center through the Louisiana State University Health Science Center (LSUHSC) Rural Residency Program. She has been serving as a full-time attending physician since 2008. Dr. McCommon earned her Medical Doctorate from LSUHSC and was honored with the Family Medicine of the Year Award and the Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award, recognizing her compassionate care and dedication to her patients. She also excelled academically, receiving the TH Harris Scholarship and the Academic Excellence Award in Chemistry and Biology, and was a proud member of the Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society.

Dr. McCommon’s commitment to her patients and community is evident in every aspect of her work, both in the clinic and on the farm. She aims to help others lead healthier, more fulfilling lives through compassionate care and sustainable living.

Dr. Nguyen is an Emergency Department physician with strong Louisiana roots and a commitment to providing compassionate, high-quality care. A native of Baton Rouge, Dr. Nguyen earned his Bachelor of Science in Biological Engineering from Louisiana State University and his Doctor of Medicine from LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport. He completed his residency training at LSU Health Shreveport and North Caddo Medical Center.

Dr. Nguyen is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians, Louisiana Academy of Family Physicians, and American Medical Association. His dedication to service extends beyond the hospital through volunteer medical work locally and internationally, including providing care to communities in Kenya and Honduras and supporting Special Olympics athletes in Shreveport.

Through his clinical practice, community service, and medical education efforts, Dr. Nguyen is dedicated to making a positive impact on the patients and communities he serves.

Dr. Sharpe joined North Caddo Medical Center (NCMC) as a full-time attending physician in July 2018, following her residency in Rural Family Practice through LSUHSC at NCMC. She is board-certified in Family Medicine and now practices at South Bossier Medical, where she provides comprehensive care for patients of all ages and genders. Dr. Sharpe is dedicated to addressing a wide range of health needs, from preventive care to chronic disease management, and she continues to offer specialized care for women’s health.

Originally from Nova Scotia, Dr. Sharpe enjoys the warmer Louisiana climate. She completed her undergraduate studies in biology on an academic scholarship at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and earned her Medical Doctorate from the Medical University of the Americas. She is a graduate of LSUHSC Shreveport’s Rural Family Medicine Residency Program.

During her time at NCMC, Dr. Sharpe’s leadership and commitment to her patients were highly valued by her colleagues. As Chief Resident, she frequently went above and beyond, volunteering her time to support patient care and assist her team.

Dr. Sharpe is currently accepting new patients at South Bossier Medical and welcomes those with Medicare, Medicaid, and most major insurance plans.

Chief of Staff

Dr. Woods came to North Caddo Medical Center from Louisiana State University Health Science Center’s Rural Tract Residency in 2009. Dr. Woods serves as a full time physician in NCMC’s Emergency Department.

Dr. Woods is a decorated soldier, having earned many service medals through the United States Armed Forces. He still serves our country today through the Reserved Forces. Dr. Woods uses his training as a soldier and a doctor to support the healthcare needs of the rural area.

His medical training is well rounded and he has vast experience in emergent care, in the field as well as the Emergency Department. Dr. Woods is a vital member of the Medical Staff and provides great opportunity and education for the Rural Residency Tract students at NCMC. 

Jennifer is excited to join North Caddo Medical Center and their newest family practice clinic, Blanchard Medical. She will be accepting new patients of all ages.  

As a nurse practitioner, Jennifer has worked in Shreveport since 2009. She loved her practice and patients but was excited to have the opportunity to work in her community.

Jennifer attended Northwestern State University for all of her degrees which include: Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice.

She also serves as Adjunct Faculty in the Family Nurse Practitioner Program at Northwestern University since 2016.

Kristen is a dedicated Certified Nurse Practitioner with a wealth of experience in the healthcare field. She brings her experience as a provider as well as a registered nurse.

From 2020 to 2023, Kristen served as a Nurse Practitioner in a long-term care facility, where she demonstrated her expertise in managing complex medical conditions, coordinating care plans, and providing compassionate treatment to geriatric patients.

Prior to her role as a Nurse Practitioner, Kristen worked as a Registered Nurse at North Caddo Medical Center from 2009 to 2019. During this time, she gained valuable experience in various clinical settings, preparing her skills in patient assessment, medication administration, and collaborating with healthcare teams to deliver high-quality care.

Kristen’s commitment to advancing her education led her to obtain a Master of Science Degree in nursing from the University of South Alabama in Mobile, AL. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Northwestern State University in Shreveport, LA. Her certifications include: American Nurses Credentialing Center and Adult Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner.

April Moody is a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and a dedicated professional with over 17 years of experience in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric settings. A graduate of Herzing University with a Master of Science in Nursing, April brings a rich background in direct patient care, triage, crisis intervention, and medication-assisted treatment. Her clinical rotations included a broad spectrum of mental health services, encompassing care for adults, children, adolescents, geriatrics, and individuals battling substance use disorders.

Driven by a deep empathy for individuals impacted by mental illness, April’s personal philosophy centers on the belief in every patient’s capacity for recovery and resilience. She emphasizes building therapeutic rapport, honoring patients’ lived experiences, and promoting dignity through all stages of care.

Amber is a dual board-certified nurse practitioner. She holds certifications in Family Practice from the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and Adult-Gerontological Acute Care from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Amber accepts patients of all ages and welcomes all insurances, including Medicare and Medicaid.

Amber’s career in healthcare started at North Caddo Medical Center, where she worked as a billing clerk shortly after high school. Her passion for patient care inspired her to transition to a role as an ER technician, later becoming a registered nurse in the emergency department. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Northwestern State University—Shreveport. She completed her Master of Science in Nursing at the University of South Alabama, obtaining dual certifications in Family Practice and Adult-Gerontological Acute Care.

With experience in intensive care units and emergency departments across various hospitals, Amber brings a wealth of expertise back to North Caddo Medical Center’s family practice clinic.  Raised in a nearby rural community, she feels deeply connected to the Plain Dealing area and is excited to serve its residents.

“It feels like home,” Amber shares. “I’m looking forward to meeting the healthcare needs of this community. The future is bright, and I’m grateful to be part of it.”

When not in the clinic, Amber enjoys duck hunting with her husband and spending time on the lake with her family. Her commitment to providing compassionate, focused care drives her passion for improving the lives of the patients at Plain Dealing Medical.

Summer, a Family Nurse Practitioner, joined North Caddo Medical Center in 2022 and is now accepting new patients at South Bossier Medical. A native of the area and alumna of the local high school, Summer is proud to be serving the community she calls home.

Since beginning her nursing career in 2014, Summer has gained extensive experience in internal medicine, working in both hospital and clinical settings. She also has a strong background in providing high-quality care at long-term care facilities, offering compassionate and comprehensive treatment to patients across all stages of life.

Summer earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing from Northwestern State University. Her dedication to patient-centered care and her deep ties to the community make her an invaluable addition to the team. Summer is excited to provide personalized and compassionate care to her patients and looks forward to meeting the health needs of her community.

Matt is a Certified Physician Assistant with more than 17 years of clinical experience. He has a strong background in managing complex chronic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, and now brings that expertise to family practice.

Matt provides comprehensive care for patients of all ages, offering preventive health and wellness visits, management of everyday illnesses, and support for long-term conditions. His experience in cardiology gives him a unique perspective on heart health, while his broad clinical skills ensure personalized, whole-person care for every patient.

He earned his Bachelor of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from LSU Health Sciences Center and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Northwestern State University. Matt is certified in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) and is now accepting new patients.

Jere joined NCMC’s Benton Medical in May of 2017. She is accepting new patients of all ages at the family practice clinic on Burt Boulevard in Benton.

Jere has Lived in Bossier Parish over 30 years, Benton for more than 10 years. She is excited about her practice now being in the community she calls home. Jere  has a Bachelors of Science in Nursing and a Masters of Science in Nursing, and is a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner.

She has over 12 years of experience caring for patients.  Jere serves as a facility member of NSU Family Nurse Practitioner Program and has experience with the pediatric population.

Heather Walker, FNP-C, is a compassionate Family Nurse Practitioner who delivers personalized, patient-centered care at Oil City Medical. With a strong commitment to helping individuals and families reach their highest quality of life, Heather provides comprehensive healthcare services to patients across the lifespan—from infants to seniors.

A proud graduate of Northwestern State University of Louisiana College of Nursing in Shreveport, Heather holds both a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing. Her diverse clinical background includes experience in pediatric, adult, women’s, and geriatric care throughout clinics across Northwest Louisiana.

Known for her warm demeanor and dedication to long-term patient relationships, Heather believes that building trust and rapport is key to achieving lasting, positive health outcomes.