Xavier University in New Orleans has officially signed an agreement with Ochsner Health to establish a medical school, making it the fifth historically Black medical school in the nation. The Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine will be joining institutions such as Howard University College of Medicine and Morehouse School of Medicine. While there is no set opening date, it is expected to take about three years to obtain accreditation from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education before recruiting the first class of 50 students. Dr. Leonardo Seoane, the current executive vice president and chief academic officer of Ochsner Health, has been appointed as the founding dean of the new medical school.
The plans for a medical school at Xavier were initially announced in 2022 and the agreement with Ochsner was formalized in January of 2023. In February, both the Xavier University of Louisiana Board of Trustees and the Ochsner Health Board of Directors unanimously approved the formation of the medical school. The new institution will be located in an office tower next to the Superdome in the BioDistrict New Orleans area, which focuses on economic development in the biological sciences. Xavier University, founded in 1925, has a history of sending high numbers of African American students to medical schools, and the establishment of the Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine aims to address health disparities and create healthier communities.
Xavier President Reynold Verret expressed his mission to promote a more just and humane society, reflecting the values of the university’s founder, St. Katharine Drexel. Ochsner Health, a New Orleans-based healthcare provider with a network of 46 hospitals and over 370 health and urgent care centers, is partnering with Xavier to support the new medical school’s vision. The collaboration between the two institutions is aimed at fostering stronger communities and tackling long-standing health disparities. Both Xavier and Ochsner aim to honor the mission entrusted to the university nearly a century ago by St. Katharine Drexel and her Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament.
The establishment of the Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine represents a significant milestone in diversifying the healthcare workforce and addressing healthcare inequalities in the region. By adding another historically Black medical school to the nation’s academic landscape, Xavier University and Ochsner Health are paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future in healthcare education and practice. As plans for the new medical school progress, the focus remains on preparing future generations of healthcare professionals who are committed to serving underserved communities and promoting better health outcomes for all individuals.
With its strategic location in the BioDistrict New Orleans, the Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine will contribute to the economic development and growth of the region by attracting talented students and faculty members in the field of medicine. By situating the medical school next to the Superdome, students and faculty will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources to support their education and research endeavors. The vibrant and diverse community of New Orleans provides a unique setting for medical students to engage with a wide range of patients and healthcare professionals, enriching their educational experience and preparing them for successful careers in healthcare.
