Meet Dr. John Ledbetter
Dr. John Ledbetter is a founding member of Louisiana Pain Care. He is also a diplomat of the American Board of Anesthesiology in both anesthesiology and pain management. Dr. Ledbetter is also a diplomat of the American Board of Pain Medicine. He has dedicated his whole life to his practice of helping people overcome their pain.
We had the chance to sit down with Dr. Ledbetter to chat about his philosophy and methods of practice.
Dr. Ledbetter, you’ve been a pain doctor for quite some time now, but what drew you to the field of pain management and anesthesiology?
Dr. Ledbetter: I was drawn to anesthesiology as a specialty because I enjoyed physiology and pharmacology in medical school. Once I started private practice, I took special interest in regional anesthesia and postoperative pain management. When I recognized the void this area had in nonsurgical spine care and chronic pain management, I did my Pain Fellowship and opened the pain clinic.
Since you are drawn to pharmacology and anesthesia, what is your approach to medication management as part of developing treatment plans, especially during this time when the opioid crisis is affecting so many?
Dr. Ledbetter: Opioids have always been an intervention of last resort in our practice. Therefore, non-narcotic analgesics are introduced first. Systemic analgesics are utilized as one part of a multifaceted pain management plan, which may also include physical therapy, home exercises, spinal interventions, weight loss, bracing and psychological treatment.
Fascinating! With all these emerging treatment options and interventional pain techniques, is there any particular treatment or new technology that you are excited about that will affect future of pain medicine? Does it open any doors for new opportunities that will help your patients?
Dr. Ledbetter: The older a person gets, the greater chance that the source of his/her neck or back pain is arthritis facet joints. Radiofrequency denervation can reduce this pain in almost all of these patients, and this modality is still underutilized. I also very much enjoy the dramatic and immediate pain relief that my partners and I can provide utilizing kyphoplasty in patients with spinal fractures.
That sounds like it could offer your patients some much-needed pain relief. Since patients and their pain are your primary focus, what is your philosophy about patient interaction and providing patient-centered care?
Dr. Ledbetter: We treat each patient has a valued person who deserves to be treated with compassion and respect and to be educated about her/his pain management problem. Once, education, that patient can participate in the development of a plan of care. This approach enhances the provider/patient relationship and gives the patient an increased level of confidence and comfort during the treatment.
It sounds like you truly care about your patients and welcome their involvement in their treatment plan! What are some things you like to do outside of work, that your patients might like to know?
Dr. Ledbetter: I enjoy spending time with my wife and family, including our grandchildren! I participate in Bible study and enjoy playing golf, reading, traveling, exercising, and hanging out at Caney Lake.
Thank you so much for your time, Dr. Ledbetter!
A Deeper Dive with Dr. John Ledbetter
Education:
- Southern Methodist University, Bachelor of Business Administration
- University of Texas at Austin, Pre-Med Studies
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, M.D.
- Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Internal Medicine Internship
- University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Anesthesiology Residency
- University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Pediatric Anesthesiology Fellowship
- University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Pain Management Fellowship
Certifications:
- Board Certified in Anesthesiology by the American Board of Anesthesiology
- Board Certified in Pain Management by the American Board of Anesthesiology
- Board Certified in Pain Management by the American Board of Pain Medicine
Accreditations/Memberships:
- American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians
- Spinal Intervention Society
- Louisiana Society of Interventional Pain Physicians
- American Pain Society
- Southern Pain Society
- American Academy of Pain Medicine
- Louisiana State Medical Society
- Ouachita Parish Medical Society
