I quit trying to fix every crisis myself and instead empowered my team to solve problems, which freed me to focus on patient experience and reduced complaints.
Anita Douget, BHA, AAS, M.A., CPXP · In Her Own Words
Her Story
About Anita
Anita Douget, BHA, AAS, M.A., CPXP, serves as Supervisor of Patient Advocacy at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center in Lafayette, Louisiana, where she is dedicated to strengthening the patient experience and ensuring that patients and families feel heard, respected, and supported. She facilitates the Patient Family Advisory Council for Quality and Safety and oversees the Advocacy Volunteer Program, which she developed from the ground up. In her leadership role, Douget manages patient grievances and complaints in accordance with CMS guidelines, working collaboratively with patients, families, and healthcare teams to achieve appropriate resolutions and promote a culture of compassionate, patient-centered care.
With more than 20 years of experience in healthcare, Douget has built a career defined by professional growth, leadership, and service. She began her medical career as a medical assistant after earning an associate degree in science and medical assisting in 1999. She later spent nearly a decade as a manager of outpatient clinics within a previous health system before joining Our Lady of Lourdes. During her tenure there, she advanced from Patient Advocate to Supervisor of Patient Advocacy within three years. She earned her bachelor's degree in healthcare administration in December 2023 and achieved her Certified Patient Experience Professional (CPXP) certification in October 2025, further demonstrating her commitment to excellence in patient-centered care.
Douget is also a member of The Beryl Institute and participates with the CPX team, continuing to expand her knowledge and contribute to the advancement of the patient experience profession. She attributes her success to supportive leadership, an intrinsic desire to care for and serve others, and the guidance of her father, who taught her the importance of maintaining professionalism and a positive attitude in the workplace. Through her leadership, advocacy, and commitment to continuous improvement, Douget continues to make a meaningful impact on patients, families, colleagues, and the broader healthcare community.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Anita
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the people who have believed in me, the great leaders who have guided and encouraged me, and my genuine drive to care for and support others. I am also deeply influenced by my father’s guidance to leave personal challenges at the door, show up with a positive attitude, and always give my best. His words have stayed with me throughout my career, and I strive to live by that mindset every day.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is, “Those who show up, go up.” I believe in showing up every day in the best possible way, bringing a positive attitude, giving my full effort, and consistently doing my best. I’ve learned that reliability, dedication, and a willingness to give your all can make a lasting difference in both your career and the people you work with.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the field is to go for it and learn everything you can about patient advocacy. Be curious, seek out opportunities to grow, and never underestimate the value of your own experiences. Every chapter of your life can provide valuable perspective, skills, and insight that will shape the professional you become. Embrace those experiences, trust your journey, and allow them to guide you as you pursue a meaningful and impactful career.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is managing patient expectations and ensuring that every patient has a positive experience throughout their stay. Patient surveys and satisfaction scores provide valuable insight into how care is being perceived, but it is equally important that staff understand what those scores mean and how their day-to-day interactions influence the patient experience. I see a significant opportunity to use this feedback to strengthen communication, engage staff, and continuously improve the quality of care and service we provide.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are reliability, accountability, integrity, and being there for others. I believe in being on time, showing up consistently for my team, coworkers, and leaders, and giving my best every day. I strive to lead by example because I believe the way I show up influences how others show up as well. Above all, I believe in doing the right thing, even when it may not be the easiest choice, and maintaining integrity in everything I do.
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