Louis Trachtman
Louis Trachtman was born in Buffalo, New York, in 1939. He attended medical school in New York and came to New Orleans in 1965 to intern at Charity Hospital. Trachtman studied pediatrics, met his wife, and currently works as a physician for the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, Office of Public Health. During the Vietnam War, Dr. Trachtman served in the United States Army and was stationed in Seoul, Korea. He is very involved in Jewish community organizations, such as the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans, Jewish Family Services, and the Jewish Children's Home. Tractman is also an active member of Chevra Kadisha of New Orleans and the Men's Club of Shir Chadash Conservative Congregation. He has one son, William, a geologist in Baton Rouge.
Louis describes his family history, background, and religious affiliation. He grew up Orthodox but is now a Conservative Jew and member of Shir Chadash. He says he is a member of the Chevra Kadisha, the group that prepares bodies for Orthodox burial. Louis tells the story of his father leaving Russia after the Revolution. The family remained kosher during the arduous trip. Louis talks about his early life in Louisiana, his role as a physician for the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, the Office of Public Health, and the impact on him and his work after Hurricane Katrina. After the storm, Louis ended up in the Superdome with the critical care patients. He treated special needs patients in the Superdome and the New Orleans Arena. Louis recalls the dangerous conditions and chaotic environment. Louis explains he never feared for his life serving in Korea or as a physician in the Israeli army, but Katrina was the first time that he thought that he might die. He also discusses race relations in New Orleans, his experience of PTSD, and the flood damage to his home. Finally, Louis talks about his Jewish life, family memories, and his involvement in community organizations.
