Meet Our Physicians

Pain Management Physicians in Monroe and Ruston, LA

At Louisiana Pain Care, our interventional pain management team is dedicated to your satisfaction and recovery. You’ll receive one-on-one attention from board-certified, fellowship-trained physicians who offer compassionate care and cutting-edge treatment options.

John Ledbetter, MD

professional headshot of Dr. Ledbetter wearing a white coat

John Ledbetter, MD

Dr. John Ledbetter received his medical degree from Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, Texas. He completed his residency in anesthesiology at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio (UTHSC-SA) as well as fellowships in pediatric anesthesia and pain management at UTHSC-SA.

Dr. Ledbetter was the founding member of the St. Francis Pain Management Center (now Louisiana Pain Care). He is a diplomate of the American Board of Anesthesiology in both anesthesiology and pain management and is a diplomate of the American Board of Pain Medicine. He has dedicated his practice to helping people overcome pain and the resulting loss of function.

Board Certifications: American Board of Anesthesiology, subspecialty certification in pain management; American Board of Pain Medicine

Fellowship Training:

  • Pain Management, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas
  • Pediatric Anesthesia, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas

Residency: Anesthesiology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas

MD: University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, TX.

Pre-Med: University of Texas, Austin, Texas

Undergraduate: Southern Methodist University, BBA

  • Spine Intervention Society
  • American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians
  • American Academy of Pain Medicine
  • American Society of Anesthesiologists
  • Society for Pain Practice Management
  • Southern Pain Society
  • Louisiana Society of Interventional Pain Physicians, Past President
  • Louisiana Society of Anesthesiologists
  • Louisiana State Medical Society
  • Ouachita Medical Society

Vincent R. Forte, MD

professional headshot of Dr. Forte

Vincent R. Forte, MD

Dr. Vincent Forte received his medical degree from Louisiana State University at New Orleans. He completed his residency in anesthesiology at the University of Alabama Hospital in Birmingham and completed a fellowship in pain management at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio.

Dr. Forte is board-certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology as well as the American Board of Pain Medicine. Dr. Forte currently devotes his professional time to helping people from all walks of life overcome their pain and return to their lives.

Board Certifications: American Board of Anesthesiology, American Board of Pain Medicine

Fellowship Training: Pain Management, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas

Residency: Anesthesiology, University of Alabama Hospitals, Birmingham, Alabama

MD: Louisiana State University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana

Pre-Med/Undergraduate: Northeast Louisiana University, Monroe; Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond

  • International Spine Intervention Society
  • American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians
  • American Academy of Pain Medicine
  • American Society of Anesthesiologists
  • North American Neuromodulation Society
  • American Medical Association
  • Louisiana Society of Interventional Pain Physicians (President)
  • Louisiana State Medical Society
  • Ouachita Medical Society (Past President)

J. Hardy Gordon, MD

professional headshot of Dr. Gordon wearing a white coat

J. Hardy Gordon, MD

Dr. Hardy Gordon is a board-certified anesthesiologist and board-certified in pain medicine. After receiving his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia, Dr. Gordon completed his residency training in anesthesiology and perioperative medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina, where he served as chief resident. He then pursued fellowship training in pain management at the University of Alabama-Birmingham.

Dr. Gordon has made numerous presentations in the field of pain management. His main goal is to have his patients return to the activities that they love and enjoy.

In his spare time, Dr. Gordon enjoys hunting in the wonderful Louisiana outdoors and SEC football (he is a previous member of the University of Georgia football team).

Board Certifications: American Board of Anesthesiology, American Board of Pain Medicine

Fellowship Training: Interventional Pain Management, University of Alabama-Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama

Residency: Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina (Chief Resident)

MD: Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia

Pre-Med/Undergraduate: University of Georgia, Biology (Cum Laude), Athens, Georgia

  • American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians
  • American Society of Anesthesiologists
  • Louisiana Society of Interventional Pain Physicians
  • Ouachita Medical Society

J. Walker Sturdivant, Jr., MD

J. Walker Sturdivant, Jr., MD

Dr. J. Walker Sturdivant, Jr., received his medical degree from the Tulane School of Medicine in New Orleans, LA. He completed his residency and a fellowship in pain management at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) in Jackson, MS. He then joined the faculty at UMMC as assistant professor of anesthesiology and pain management and associate director of the pain fellowship program.

Dr. Sturdivant is board-certified in anesthesiology and pain medicine by the American Board of Anesthesiology. He has co-authored multiple textbook chapters on the practice of pain management. His work focuses on improving the quality of life for all of his patients, especially those with chronic pain.

In his spare time, Dr. Sturdivant enjoys rooting for the New Orleans Saints, the Boston Red Sox, the Texas Super Kings, and any team his niece or nephews plays for. He also plays racquetball.

Fellowship Training: Pain Management, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS

Residency: Anesthesiology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS

MD: Tulane School of Medicine, New Orleans LA

Undergraduate: Emory University (BA), Atlanta, GA

  • ACLS Certified, 06/17/2020-Present
  • PALS Certified, 04/18/2021-Present
  • DEA Registration #: FS 8711043
  • Mississippi State Permanent Medical Licensure 05/02/21-Present #28842
  • Diplomate, American Board of Anesthesiology 03/03/2022-Present
  • Diplomate in Pain Management, American Board of Anesthesiology 09/17/22-Present
  • 2023 – Pain Fellowship Teacher of the Year, University of Mississippi Medical Center Department of Anesthesiology
  • 2024 – Faculty Honor Roll, University of Mississippi Medical Center Department of Anesthesiology
  • 2024- Faculty Professionalism Award – University of Mississippi Medical Center Department of Anesthesiology

Oral Presentations

  • Christian, S.I., Kalarickal, P.L., Howard, J.C., Fox, C., Rosinia, F.A., Porcelli, M., Tiu, J., Sturdivant, W., Brooke, K., Rosenlof, T., Rubino, A., Lange, A., Baumgarten, L., Lloyd, J., and Eldrich, S.. (January, 2012). “Exploring Opportunities for Training Leaders in Medicine: A Cost-Focus Comparison of M.B.A. Programs Before, During, and After Residency Training.” Oral Presentation presented at: American Society of Anesthesiologists Conference on Practice Management; Orlando, FL, USA.
  • Sturdivant, J.W., Eriator, I. I. (March 2020). “Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Anesthesia.” Grand Rounds presentation, University of Mississippi Medical Center Department of Anesthesia; Jackson, MS, USA.
  • Sturdivant, J.W. (August 2020). “Elective Noncardiac Surgery After Stent Placement.” Resident Lecture to CA-1 Class, University of Mississippi Medical Center Department of Anesthesia; Jackson, MS, USA.
  • Sturdivant, J.W. (August 2021). “Diagnosis and Management of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Types I and II.” Lecture to Interventional Pain Fellow Class, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA.
  • Sturdivant, J.W., Rugnath, A.P. (March 2022). “Evolution of Prescribing Tools in Management of Outpatient Medications: an Overview.” Grand Rounds presentation, University of Mississippi Medical Center Department of Anesthesia; Jackson, MS, USA.
  • Sturdivant, J.W. (September 2023). “Basics of Local Anesthetics.” Resident Lecture to CA-1 Class, University of Mississippi Medical Center Department of Anesthesia; Jackson, MS, USA.
  • Sturdivant, J.W. (May 2024). “Everything I Can Teach You About Drugs in 30 Minutes or Less.” Resident Lecture to incoming CA-1 Class, University of Mississippi Medical Center Department of Anesthesia; Jackson, MS, USA.
  • Sturdivant, J.W. (December 2024). “Anesthesia Delivery Systems” Resident Lecture to CA-1 Class, University of Mississippi Medical Center Department of Anesthesia; Jackson, MS, USA. Sturdivant, J.W. (January 2025). “Chronic Pain Topics for the ABA ITE.” Resident Lecture, University of Mississippi Medical Center Department of Anesthesia; Jackson, MS, USA.
  • Sturdivant, J.W. (January 2025). “Perioperative Management of Patients With Chronic Pain Conditions.” Grand Rounds presentation, University of Mississippi Medical Center Department of Anesthesia; Jackson, MS, USA.
  • Sturdivant, J.W. (January 2025). “Diagnosis and Management of Cervical Spine Pain.” Lecture to Interventional Pain Fellow Class, University of Mississippi Medical Center Department of Anesthesia; Jackson, MS, USA.
  • Sturdivant, J.W. (February 2025). “Pain in Pregnancy.” Lecture to Interventional Pain Fellow Class, University of Mississippi Medical Center Department of Anesthesia; Jackson, MS, USA.
  • Sturdivant, J.W. (March 2025). “ABA Basic Exam Review.” Resident Lecture to CA-1 Class, University of Mississippi Medical Center Department of Anesthesia; Jackson, MS, USA.

Journal Articles

  • Sturdivant, J.W., Bacon, D.R., “African-American Healthcare in Early 20th Century Greenwood, Mississippi: An Overview.” Journal of the Mississippi State Medical Association, Vol LXIII, No 1. January 2022. pp10-14

Textbook Chapters

  • Sturdivant, J.W., Orzechowicz, C., Sioufi, H.J., Robison, J.W., Eriator, I., “Piriformis Muscle Injection.” Practical Atlas of Ultrasound for Anesthesia in Chronic Pain, edited by A. Kaye, M. Jones, N. Rakesh, and A. Gulati, CRC Press, 2025, pp. 120-126.

Discover personalized pain relief at Louisiana Pain Care.

Experience lasting pain relief and enhance your quality of life.

request an appointment
Call: (318) 323-6405