Michael Banda, M.D.
NCMC Chief of Surgery - Bossier Surgical Associates
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.
Jody D. Chance, M.D.
Family Practice - Vivian Medical & Surgical & Blanchard Medical
Dr. Chance is Board Certified in Family Medicine. He accepts patients of all ages within his practice. Dr. Chance is skilled in performing endoscopies, including EGD’s and colonoscopies. He is an instructor for Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Pediatric Life Support and has been certified by the American College or Surgeons in Advanced Trauma Life Support.
Dr. Chance began his pursuit of a medical career at Louisiana State University where he received the Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Research and Graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor Degree of Science in Biology.
His Medical Doctorate was earned from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport. Dr. Chance was accepted by LSUHSC Rural Residency Tract, therefore receiving his extensive rural health training at North Caddo Medical Center. Dr. Chance now joins other NCMC attendings in training new, rural physicians.
Dr. Chance is proud to have served his country in the National Guard for eight years. He received an Army Accommodation Medal and Army Service Award for Outstanding Performance.
John Chandler, M.D.
Emergency Department
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.
Chase Herrera, DO
Family Practice - Vivian Medical & Surgical
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.
Walker May, M.D.
Family Practice- Vivian Medical & Surgical
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.
Nicole McCommon, M.D.
Family Practice - Plain Dealing Medical &
Plain Dealing Medical & Benton Medical
Dr. McCommon came to North Caddo Medical Center as a resident of Louisiana State University Health Science Center’s (LSUHSC) Rural Tract Residency Program but has been full time attending since 2008. Patients of all ages are accepted by Dr. McCommon at the Plain Dealing Medical Clinic as well as the Benton Medical Family Practice which opened in November of 2015. Dr. McCommon along with her medical partners see patients in both locations for convenience of the patients.
She earned her Medical Doctorate from LSUSHC and received the esteemed Family Medicine of the Year Award and the Leonard-Tow Humanism in Medicine Award. She was a member of Gamma Beta Phi, received the TH Harris Scholarship and received recognition of her academic achievements by winning the Academic Excellence Award for Chemistry and Biology.
Dr. McCommon and her family own a natural farm where she combines her passion for health and outdoors by helping people live healthier lives through clean eating.
Catherine Sharpe, M.D.
Family Practice - Women's Health - Vivian Medical & Surgical
Dr. Sharpe joined NCMC as a full time attending physician July of 2018.
She began her journey at North Caddo Medical Center as a resident physician during her Rural Family Practice Residency through LSUHSC.
Dr. Sharpe is board certified in Family Medicine and is accepting patients at NCMC’s Family Practice Clinic, in Vivian. She treats patients from birth to end of life. Dr. Sharpe also focuses on women’s health, which includes the delivery of babies at NCMC as well as gynecology health.
Dr. Sharpe is originally from Nova Scotia. Though she is familiar with the extreme cold, she loves the Louisiana weather. Dr. Sharpe completed her undergraduate, majoring in biology, on Academic Scholarship at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She went on to the Medical University of The Americas to complete her Medical Doctrine and is a recent graduate of LSUHSC Rural Family Medicine of Shreveport.
Dr. Sharpe’s leadership and dedication was witnessed, and appreciated, by NCMC and their staff during her residency. Not only did she serve as the Chief Resident, but she also went the extra mile for her patients. It was not uncommon for Dr. Sharpe to come on her days off to participate in a delivery of a newborn or assist in surgery.
Dr. Sharpe is currently accepting appointments. Medicare, Medicaid, and the majority of insurances are accepted by Dr. Sharpe at the Medical & Surgical Clinic in Vivian.
John Woods, M.D.
Emergency Department
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.
Wenwu Zhang, M.D., Ph.D.
Cardiovascular Consultants, L.L.P. / NCMC Specialty Clinic
Dr. Zhang is a partner at Cardiovascular Consultants, L.L.P. and accepts cardiology patients at NCMC’s Medical and Surgical Clinic in Vivian twice a month. Patients may schedule appointments through Dr. Zhang’s office, 318-631-6400. He obtained his Medical Doctorate in 1985 from Wuhan University School of Medicine in Wuhan, China. He earned his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Physiology in 1998 from the LSU Health Science Center Graduate School in New Orleans.
He subsequently served as an intern and resident in internal medicine at the LSUHSC in Shreveport during 1998 through 2001. Dr. Zhang later completed a fellowship training in general cardiology and preventative cardiology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. He is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and its Subspecialty Board of Cardiovascular Disease.
Dr. Zhang joined Cardiovascular Consultants, L.L.P. in July, 2006. In addition to general cardiology and preventative cardiology, he provides a complete array of service in interventional cardiology including complex and high risk coronary intervention and peripheral vascular interventions. In September of 2007, Dr. Zhang performed the first percutaneous repair of an atrial septal defect in the region. Dr. Zhang also performs percutaneous closure of patient foramen ovale using a similar technique.
Jennifer Hart, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC
Family Practice - Blanchard Medical
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 Hill, ANCP-C
Family Practice - Plain Dealing Medical
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.
Sean Landreneau, FNP - C
Family Practice - Vivian Medical & Surgical
Providing excellent, patient centered care is a passion and talent of Ms. Landreneau. She has served the patients of the Medical and Surgical Clinic of Vivian since 2003. Ms. Landreneau accepts patients of every age as a Family Practitioner.
Ms. Landreneau began serving rural Louisiana as a Registered Nurse after earning her Bachelors of Science Degree from Southeastern Louisiana University in 1985. After eleven years as a registered nurse for surgery and emergency departments throughout the area, Ms. Landreneau utilized her invaluable clinical experiences to earn a Master’s of Science Degree from Northwestern Louisiana University. She is certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center as a Family Nurse Practitioner and has completed courses in Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support.
Ms. Landrenau has strong dedication to helping those in need, not only in her medical practice but in community outreach as well. More than twenty years she has coordinated and directed student ministry programs to serve the underprivileged.
Summer Robin, FNP-BC
Family Practice - Plain Dealing Medical
Summer has joined Plain Dealing Medical and is accepting new patients!
Summer, Family Nurse Practitioner, has worked in the Shreveport area since 2014. She has experience with internal medicine in hospital and clinical settings. She also has experience providing care in long term care facilities.
Summer attended Northwestern State University for her degrees: Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing.
Jere W. Thompson, FNP-C
Family Practice - Benton Medical
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.
Jere has a special interest in treating Type 2 Diabetes.
Kayci Wilson, FNP - BC
Family Practice - Vivian Medical & Surgical
Kayci has lived in the north Caddo area her entire life and loves that her children will have the same opportunities and traditions of life in the rural area.
Kayci, earned her Bachelors in Nursing from Northwestern State University in 1999. While working at a family practice clinic, Kayci decided to further her education with a Masters in Nursing as a Family Practice Nurse Practitioner, giving her the ability to help patients on a broader level. After her time in the family practice clinic, Kayci went on to work in a rehabilitation facility focusing on stroke patients as well as patients with severe orthopedic diagnosis.
She has spent the last 7 years in Shreveport Bossier working for a cardiology practice. Kacyi is excited to bring her experience of the specialties to her patients while getting back to comprehensive care. As a proud mother and wife, Kayci stays busy with a great deal of baseball! She also enjoys fishing with her two sons and husband. Kayci is excited about her new adventure and very happy to be close to home serving her neighbors in the surrounding communities.
Leah Gibson Freeman, M.A., L.P.C., L.M.F.T
Family Practice - Vivian Medical & Surgical
Leah Gibson-Freeman, MA, LPC, LMFT, is a Licensed Professional Counselor, as well as a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Leah has provided therapeutic services for Caddo, Bossier, & Webster Parish’s children, teens and adults since 2006. Therapy services with Leah have been available for NCMC patients since 2008.
Adults are counseled with Leah for many reasons including: anxiety, addiction, divorce, relationship challenges, grief, depression, trauma, life changes and challenges. Leah strives to create a comfortable and nurturing atmosphere, which people can identify their main problems. She is available to give support her patients’ efforts to navigate those problems and cope with the pains and changes that life throws their way. She believes that sometimes you just need a place to talk.
Leah has experience working with children & teens with ADHD, Bi-polar Disorder, behavioral problems, family discord, school issues, bullying experiences, as well as childhood anxieties. Through her years of practice she has found that giving a child their own voice, a safe place to work on their problems, and teaching them specific life coping skills can be the key for positive outcomes.
Leah has a master’s degree in Counseling & Guidance, from Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, Louisiana, and is licensed by the state of Louisiana as a Licensed Practicing Counselor and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. She is one of our own, having grown up in the oil fields of northern Caddo Parish and lived here most of her life. Outside of NCMC, Leah likes to volunteer in her community and spend time with her family.
Leah accepts Medicaid and most major insurances.