Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine: A New Era in Medical Education

Xavier University of Louisiana (XULA) and Ochsner Health have joined forces to establish the Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine (XOCOM). This partnership aims to address health disparities in diverse communities and tackle the shortage of physicians in Louisiana and the nation. Announced on April 29, 2024, this initiative marks a significant advancement in medical education.

The Vision Behind XOCOM

Dr. Reynold Verret, President of Xavier University of Louisiana, stated that the establishment of XOCOM is driven by the mission to promote a more just and humane society, a vision gifted to Xavier by St. Katharine Drexel. The partnership with Ochsner affirms their commitment to advancing health equity and excellence.

Dr. Gary C. Seoane, Dean of Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine, emphasized that XOCOM was born from a collaborative vision between Xavier University of Louisiana and Ochsner Health. It embodies their collective dedication to providing academic excellence in training the next generation of physicians, while fostering healthcare equity in New Orleans and throughout the United States.

Addressing Healthcare Disparities and Physician Shortage

XOCOM aims to address the critical shortage of physicians in the Gulf South, pursue diversity in medicine, and ensure equitable representation in healthcare to better serve communities for generations to come.

The Association of American Medical Colleges has projected a total shortage of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036. Louisiana is projected to rank third nationally for a shortage of physicians by 2030, with rural and underserved communities expected to be impacted the most. Studies also show that representation in medicine truly matters, with a 2022 report in the National Library of Medicine emphasizing that diversity in medicine plays a crucial role in enhancing health outcomes, improving quality access to health care services, and fostering patient trust.

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A Transformative Partnership

Pete November, CEO of Ochsner Health, stated that Ochsner Health is committed to meeting the needs of the diverse communities they serve and are honored to continue their work with Xavier University of Louisiana to improve the health and wellbeing of New Orleans, the state, and the region. By providing excellent training to more diverse physicians so they may better serve communities, they are not only investing in the future of healthcare, but also in the long-term prosperity and wellness for neighbors, friends, and family members throughout the Gulf South.

The establishment of XOCOM is a reimagination of healthcare to improve outcomes, aspiring to redefine the landscape of medicine by nurturing a new cadre of physicians who authentically mirror the communities they serve.

XOCOM's Facilities and Curriculum

XOCOM will feature state-of-the-art medical technology and facilities, providing students with immersive learning experiences and hands-on training opportunities. The curriculum will emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration, clinical proficiency, and compassionate patient care, equipping graduates with the skills and knowledge to address the complex healthcare challenges of the 21st century.

Accreditation and Growth

Xavier University of Louisiana will seek approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The new medical school, XOCOM, will seek preliminary accreditation from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME). Accreditation is expected to take about three years and will be followed by recruitment. XOCOM aims to seat 50 students in the first class, and the medical school will continue to grow as it develops.

Joining the Ranks of HBCU Medical Schools

When it opens, the Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine will join the nation’s four existing historically Black medical schools: Howard University College of Medicine, Morehouse School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, and the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science.

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A Brief Look at Existing HBCU Medical Schools

Medical schools at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) play a vital role in producing qualified Black or African American health care providers. They educate a large percentage of graduates who attain doctorates, and their graduates often commit to primary care in underserved areas.

Howard University College of Medicine: Founded in 1868, Howard University College of Medicine is one of the nation's first HBCUs to establish a medical school.
Meharry Medical College: Established in 1876, Meharry was the first medical school in the South for Black Americans and is affiliated with the United Methodist Church.
Morehouse School of Medicine: Established in 1975, Morehouse School of Medicine is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of individuals and communities.
Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science: Opened in 1966, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science offers a range of degree programs designed to address critical health care needs and promote diversity in the medical field.

The Significance of HBCUs in Medical Education

For nearly 100 years after the Civil War, due to racial segregation, most higher education institutions would not admit Black students or severely limit their enrollment. A number of HBCUs created medical schools, and two of the oldest, Howard University College of Medicine and Meharry Medical College, persist to this day.

The Impact of the Flexner Report

The Flexner Report led to five out of seven HBMSs closing down. Had this not occurred, a 2020 report estimates there would have been 29% more African American medical school graduates in 2019 alone.

Black and African-American students comprise about 10% of the average medical school student body at many predominantly white institutions (PWIs). Since such statistics were recorded, enrollment of Black Americans in medical school has remained stagnant. For example, Black med school applicants comprised about 7% of total applicants in 1970 and only 8% in 2016.

XULA, along with Howard University, sends the most Black students to medical school, the Journal of Blacks in Higher Education reported.

Morgan State University's Upcoming Medical School

In the fall of 2024, Morgan State University plans to open a med school. Morgan State University is an HBCU established in 1867 in Baltimore, Maryland. This will be the first medical school opening at an HBCU in over 50 years.

Xavier and Ochsner: A Strong Foundation

Xavier and Ochsner are uniquely qualified to open a new HBCU medical school. For decades, Xavier has produced more Black students who achieve medical degrees and doctorates in the health sciences than any other higher education institution in the nation. Ochsner has a history of investing in communities and health equity, and demonstrated experience training physicians, annually instructing over 330 residents and fellows through graduate medical education.

Ochsner and Xavier’s partnership began in the 1980s with the College of Pharmacy, which ranks among the top in the nation in producing Black graduates with Doctor of Pharmacy degrees. More recently, the two institutions partnered to create a Physician Assistant (PA) program, new graduate programs in health sciences and the Ochsner Health and Xavier University Institute for Health Equity and Research (OXIHER).

Working Together in the BioDistrict

Working together in the BioDistrict, leaders in economic development, higher education, business, and nonprofits are creating a vibrant, authentic, and engaging place where industry and the community convene to tackle global challenges in health and wellness.

Additional Medical Education Opportunities in Louisiana

Beyond XOCOM, Louisiana offers a variety of medical education opportunities:

Allopathic Medical Schools (MD)

Tulane University School of Medicine (TUSOM): Founded in 1834, TUSOM is a private institution located in the central business district of New Orleans.
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans (LSUHSC-New Orleans): Founded in 1931, LSUHSC-New Orleans is located in the central business district.
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport (LSUHSC-Shreveport): Officially established in 1966, LSU Health Sciences Center-Shreveport is the only allopathic medical school in North Louisiana.
University of Queensland-Ochsner: An international allopathic medical school that rotates at Ochsner facilities, with a main campus in New Orleans and an upcoming campus in Lafayette.

Osteopathic Medical Schools (DO)

Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM): The Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine was originally established in 2002 in Virginia, and its Louisiana campus opened in 2020. It is the only osteopathic school in Louisiana and is affiliated with the University of Louisiana at Monroe.

Cost of Medical Education in Louisiana

The cost of medical school in Louisiana varies depending on the institution and residency status:

Louisiana Medical School	Yearly Tuition In-State	Yearly Tuition Out-of-State
Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans	$32,937	$61,115
Louisiana State University School of Medicine at Shreveport	$29,375	$61,197
Tulane University School of Medicine	$75,824	$75,824
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine	$51,800	$51,800

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