Dr. James Dugal

James Dugal, a proud native of Opelousas, was born on July 1, 1934, to Mr. & Mrs. Edgar Dugal. His journey of learning and service began at Cathedral High School, now known as St. Thomas Moore, where he excelled and proudly graduated in 1952. He earned his medical degree from LSU in New Orleans in 1958 and completed an Internship & Residency in Radiology at Charity Hospital in New Orleans from 1958 to 1962. His dedication to learning and teaching provided a teaching appointment at Tulane University from 1960 to 1962. Dr Dugal received his Fellowship in Interventional Radiology in 1989 and is Board Certified in Radiology.

Dr. Dugal married Dianne Robichaux in 1958. His professional journey led him to join the OGHS Medical Staff in July 1963, where he tirelessly served until his retirement in November 1999. During his remarkable tenure, he actively participated in various Ad Hoc committees and served on the Hospital Board, Cancer Committee, Tumor Board Conferences, and Surgery Committee.

A true pioneer at Opelousas General, Dr. Dugal was instrumental in advancing the radiology department, advocating for the most advanced, state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment available to provide the highest quality of care to the patients he and Opelousas General served. His visionary leadership led Opelousas General to become one of the first three hospitals in the nation to have digital mammography. He also played a crucial role in acquiring other major imaging equipment, including CT Scanning machines and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). He was well known for his commitment to excellence and his high standard of care. His colleagues and medical staff highly respected him. Dr. Dugal was meticulous in his work and was known for doing everything the right way.

When Dr. Dugal wasn’t serving his community, he enjoyed his favorite pastimes, including fishing, playing on the golf course, or hunting. Dr. Dugal has been passionate about the outdoors since he was very young. Above all else, Dr. Dugal cherishes his family. He is the proud father of five children: Lisa (Joey), Bonvillain, Julie (Tim), Edens, Nancy (Dan), Perrier, Gerald (Lori), Dugal, and Thomas Dugal. He also has eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Dr. Dugal will always be remembered for his trustworthy nature, loyalty, accountability, and dedication. His care and compassion for others will forever be embedded in the hearts of those he served and worked with at Opelousas General Health System.