The saying goes that anyone who doesn't like a political policy can 'vote with their feet,' and that's exactly what one Louisiana doctor is doing.
Plenty of people do it, but this case made news because Dr. Jake Kleinmahon at Ochsner Hospital for Children in New Orleans is one of only three people in the state who can do what he does. The hospital is the only heart transplant center for children in Louisiana.
Dr. Kleinmahon is the medical director of the hospital’s pediatric heart transplant, heart failure and ventricular assist device programs.
He made the announcement of his departure on Instagram, where he posed with his husband and their two children, and wrote: "When I came back Louisiana almost exactly 5 years ago, I came with the goal of building one of the highest quality pediatric heart transplant, heart failure, and ventricular assist programs in the country. I felt that kids in Louisiana should be able to get the same quality healthcare as any other child in the United States. We have been quite successful and I’m so proud of what we’ve built.
"My plan had been to stay at my current institution until I retired. However, over the last year, Tom and I have watched state legislatures across the south pass anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. Louisiana’s last legislative session was no different. While they failed to override the governor’s veto on two of the three bills, the message is very clear."
The specialized surgeon made it clear that his family comes first. He also wants to send a message to state legislators that their votes matter at a granular level in the lives of people they serve.
“The fact that me leaving is going to leave somewhat of a hole for medical care has been quite distressing,” he told a local TV station. “If these discriminatory laws continue, the state of Louisiana is going to lose talent, they are going to lose skilled professionals, and frankly, I don’t think the state can afford to.”
Dr. Kleinmahon's announcement comes after the Louisiana Legislature overturned the Democratic governor's veto of a bill that will ban transition-related medical care, including puberty blockers, hormone therapy and surgery, for minors starting Jan. 1, 2024.
The New York Times reported supporters of the bill argued it would "protect children from medical treatments they believe are risky, unproven and could carry long-term consequences." Several Democrats joined Republicans in voting for the bill.
Dr. Kleinmahon said he accepted the position of director of pediatric heart transplants at Cohen Children's Medical Center on Long Island. A woman took the opportunity to pitch him on a different move, one to the sunny West Coast.
"I know you already have a new job but when you get tired of that winter please consider San Diego. Our mayor is gay, we don't have book bans and the medical community is stellar," she wrote.