Superior Service, Because We Care
Surgical Specialty Center of Baton Rouge was founded on the morals that surgical care should be patient-centered by offering innovative medical technology. With the design, management, staffing and operation focused on the patient’s needs and overall comfort, patients experience the difference the moment they walk through the door.
Mission, Vision, Values
Our mission is to continually strive to improve the standard of care by providing superior service that is patient-centered, cost effective and convenient for patients and physicians.
- We aspire to become the healthcare consumer’s preferred choice by offering specialized, patient-centered care with superior outcomes.
- We are invested in our community and continually strive to provide for those in need.
- We demand one hundred percent compliance with ethical and regulatory standards.
- We work to foster a fulfilling and challenging workplace for all.
- We treat patients, employees, physicians and others with respect and compassion.
The Team That Supports Our Staff
Our Administrators

Ann Heine
Chief Executive Officer

Kathryn Ponder
Chief Financial Officer

Kari Ulrich
Chief Nursing Officer

Lori Talamo
HR Director
Board of Managers
Medical Executive/Credentials Committee
Continuous Quality Improvement Committee
Board of Managers
BOARD OF MANAGERS
- Thomas Hansbrough, M.D., Chair
- Robert Easton, M.D.
- Carey E. Winder, M.D.
- V. Keith Rhynes, M.D.
- Benjamin Walton, IV, M.D.
- Kenneth Kleinpeter, Jr., M.D.Jennifer ClowersChuck Spicer
Medical Executive/Credentials Committee
MEDICAL EXECUTIVE/CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE
- Benjamin F. Walton, M.D., Chief of Staff
- Catherine J. Riche, M.D., Vice Chief of Staff
- Brent W. Allain, Jr., M.D., Secretary/Treasurer
- Wame Waggenspack, M.D., Past Chief of Staff
- William S. Kubricht,III, M.D., Department of Clinical/CQI Chair
- Mark Shoptaugh, M.D., Department of Support
- Brian Perry, M.D., Member
- Carey E. Winder, M.D., Member
Continuous Quality Improvement Committee
CONTINUOUS QUALITY IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE
Clinical Department
- William S. Kubricht, III, M.D., Section Chief of Urology
- Brent W. Allain, Jr., M.D., Section Chief of Pediatric/General Surgery
- Wame N. Waggenspack, M.D., Section Chief of Orthopaedic Surgery
- P. Elise Scallan, M.D., Section Chief of Otolaryngology
- Mark Shoptaugh, M.D., Section Chief of Pain/Anesthesiology
- C.W. Lovell, M.D. OLOL Clinical Representative
Department of Support Services
- Robert M. Branstetter, M.D., Section Chief of Radiology
- Robert L. Koscick, M.D., Section Chief of Pathology
- Mark Shoptaugh, M.D., Section Chief of Anesthesiology