Meet Dr. Kortney West
Occupation: Founder & Pediatrician
Organization: West Pediatrics, LLC
Hometown: Baton Rouge, LA
Tell us a little about your Baton Rouge Story. What brought you to Baton Rouge?
I moved to Baton Rouge for college and fell in love with LSU and the Baton Rouge community… and a Baton Rouge boy who never wanted to leave home. I somehow convinced him to move with me out of state for residency. We loved our time in Dallas but both couldn’t wait to move home.
Tell us more about how you’re involved in Baton Rouge.
I am on the board of directors for The Emerge Center and so proud to be involved with the growth of the organization in opening Baton Rouge’s first tuition free charter school for children with Autism. I am also an active member of the Junior League of Baton Rouge where I serve as the chair of the Painted Playground Committee, which paints hopscotch and other games on basketball courts in local schools.
What is your favorite thing about Baton Rouge?
LSU!
What is your dream for Baton Rouge?
An all-inclusive city where everyone is supported and our children are able to thrive.
How are young professionals like yourself shaping Baton Rouge?
I think my generation is getting involved. I think we’re not shying away from difficult conversations, but rather facing them head on. I have so many friends that are working to make this city better for future generations and I’m proud to be a part of that.
What would you say to someone considering a move to Baton Rouge?
Just come for one tailgate (preferably the one weekend it’s cool) and you’ll never want to leave.
What is your Baton Rouge favorite?
- Place to eat: Chelsea’s *RIP* but seriously… Kalurah Street Grill
- Place to hang out: Downtown
- Place to capture the perfect Instagram pic: Mike’s habitat
- Place to people watch: Spanish Town Parade
- Place to network: BRAC events
- Way to give back: Painting playgrounds – its seriously so much fun!
- Event: Emerge into… (The Emerge Center annual gala!)
With significant job growth, a bustling arts scene, delectable cuisine, abundant outdoor activities and more, the Capital Region attracts talent of all ages, including young professionals. Whether straight out of college or looking to establish their own business, more and more young professionals are choosing to lay their roots in Baton Rouge.
Each month, BRAC highlights one of these young Baton Rouge Area movers and shakers in the Young Professional Spotlight.