Michelle Christine Fernandez

Michelle Christine Fernandez suddenly left us on December 25th, 2023 by tragically taking her own life. She was 49. Michelle was born in New Orleans on October 14th, 1974 to Dr. Mike Fernandez and Suzanne Schafer Fernandez, and grew up in Covington, La.

She graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Medical Technology. After graduation she was employed at Tulane Hospital in the medical technician lab and the Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine during which time she earned her masters in Public Health and Tropical Medicine.

Early in her career Michelle demonstrated a heart that truly cared for others by volunteering to work at Albert Schweitzer Hospital in Haiti. It was these self-giving experiences that drove her to become a physician and in 2007 she received her Doctor of Medicine from Tulane University. She completed her Emergency Medicine residency at New York Presbyterian Hospital Queens.

Michelle practiced as a travel ER doctor, which took her all over the United States, Virgin Islands, and high risk areas such as Balad Air Base in Iraq.

During the last years of her life Michelle loved her time in Oklahoma at Chickasaw Nation Medical Center where she fell in love with the people and the culture.

When Michelle wasn’t working she loved to entertain family and friends with stories from her adventures of “life in the ER.” These might include hilarious encounters animated with her ability to imitate, or could also express grief over the death of a patient. She also spent many off duty hours as the family doctor whenever she was called. She truly cared about people and was grateful for being able to help them, making her an outstanding physician possessing both ability and compassion.

Throughout her life Michelle loved nature, animals, especially dogs and cats (many of whom she fostered). She loved all things New Orleans, its people, music, culture, and the Bywater area, where she had a home for many years.

Michelle was preceded in death by her father, Dr. Mike Fernandez. She is survived by her mother Suzanne and stepfather Dr. Mark Siverd, her brother Todd (Natalie), niece (Madelyn) and nephew (Mike), sister Tracy Verret (Larry), niece (Taylor), and nephew (Braiden). She was dearly loved and will be missed by all her aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and colleagues. Her ashes were privately placed on family property next to her paternal grandmother. Rest in peace, Michelle.