YOUNG PROFESSIONAL

Dr. Megan Gardner, MD, FAAP, was recognized by the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and the Young Professionals Initiative (YPI) as Young Professional of the Year in 2012. As a 40 Under 40 professional, she continues to bring her energy, talents and devotion to both her patients and the community.

The Northwest Louisiana Pediatric Society she helped bring back to life has been honored by the American Pediatrics Society as the most active in the state, Gardner said. She is board-certified by the American Board of Pediatrics and is the Asthma Champion for the state through the American Academy of Pediatrics. Patients of Dr. Gardner at Ark-La-Tex Children’s Clinic 2012 “Young Professional of the Year” Megan Gardner have given her a five-star (the highest possible) rating on the website www.healthgrades.com.

Gardner, granddaughter of former Shreveport Mayor Jim Gardner, was first inspired by her high school volunteer work at Shriner’s Hospital. She went to LSU in Baton Rouge and returned to complete her education the LSUHSC Medical School. She now mentors two high school students.

“I’m helping one with a project on car seat safety and one on having a more uniform screening throughout the state for sports physicals,” Gardner said. She also volunteers with Robinson Rescue.

– Kathleen Ward