DR. SUSAN OVELLA JOINS THE AVALA PHYSICIAN NETWORK BRINGING MORE THAN 25 YEARS OF PRIMARY CARE EXPERIENCE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 5, 2026
Media Inquiries: Kristen Dupuy | 985.801.2028 | kdupuy@avala.com

COVINGTON, LOUISIANA – The AVALA Physician Network is proud to announce a significant expansion of its primary care services with the addition of Dr. Susan Ovella, a highly respected, double board-certified physician with more than 25 years of experience. Dr. Ovella will join AVALA Care and begin seeing patients on February 2, 2026, marking an exciting milestone for comprehensive, family-centered care on the Northshore.

Dr. Ovella is board-certified in both Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, allowing her to care for patients across every stage of life—from newborns to geriatrics. Her unique, combined training brings a rare and valuable level of continuity to families seeking trusted, long-term primary care under one roof.

A lifelong New Orleans-area resident, Dr. Ovella was born in New Orleans and raised in Metairie. She completed her undergraduate education locally before earning her medical degree from the LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans. She went on to complete a combined Internal Medicine and Pediatrics residency at LSU New Orleans, where she also served as Chief Resident in 2000—a testament to her clinical excellence and leadership.

“I treat patients as a partnership,” said Dr. Susan Ovella. “With respect, I try to educate each patient so they can make the best healthcare decisions for themselves. I truly value that they chose me for their primary care.”

Driven by a lifelong passion for science, learning, and service, Dr. Ovella finds deep fulfillment in building meaningful, long-term relationships with her patients. “Caring for families feels as if they are part of my own,” she added.

Dr. Ovella was drawn to AVALA by its unwavering commitment to patient-centered care and physician-led medicine. “I am excited to join a practice that values quality, trust, and relationships above all else,” she said.

AVALA Chief Medical Director Dr. K. Samer Shamieh emphasized the importance of this addition to the growing AVALA network:

“Dr. Ovella represents exactly who we are as an organization—an exceptional physician, a trusted partner to patients, and a leader in comprehensive care. Her ability to serve entire families strengthens our mission and significantly expands the depth of services we can provide to the Northshore community.”

Dr. Ovella will begin seeing patients on February 2, 2026, and appointments can be scheduled today.