Research shows an urgent need for XOCOM, as the demand for doctors is expected to grow considerably. 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. To address this shortage, the United States needs programs that increase access to medical school for more community members. A key driver in the shortage is the comparatively low number of U.S. medical school graduates. Producing fewer graduates than peer countries, 24% of the incoming National Resident Matching Program interns in 2024 came from medical schools outside the U.S. By increasing the number of physicians to serve our communities, XOCOM will make Louisiana, the Gulf South and the United States healthier. A 2022 report emphasized that physicians who serve the communities they come from play a crucial role in enhancing health outcomes, as it improves the quality of access to healthcare services and fosters patient trust.
The Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine will welcome its first class after the school receives preliminary accreditation from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education(LCME).
Preliminary accreditation typically takes two to four years. Following the preliminary accreditation process, the Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine will recruit students.
The U.S. has four existing historically Black allopathic medical schools: Howard University College of Medicine, Morehouse School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, and the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine & Science.
Xavier and Ochsner are uniquely qualified to open a new HBCU medical school. For decades, Xavier, one of the country’s top ranked HBCUs, has been a leader in graduating students who achieve medical degrees and doctorates in the health sciences. Ochsner has a history of investing in communities 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 is a top-ranked HBCU college for pharmacy and prepares practitioners who demonstrate outstanding leadership and dedication to medically under resourced communities. More recently, the two institutions partnered to create a Physician Assistant (PA) program, new graduate programs in health sciences and the Ochsner Xavier Institute for Health Equity and Research (OXIHER).
By anchoring their partnership with the Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine, Xavier and Ochsner will advance healthcare excellence, bring new opportunities to our communities, and create stellar medical education for future generations.
Working together in downtown New Orleans, 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. The BioDistrict will drive the regional economy through strategic investments, grow the city’s biosciences and health innovation ecosystem, and create jobs and economic opportunities for New Orleanians.
Benson Tower is conveniently located in the BioDistrict of New Orleans. As the Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine expands the physician workforce and advances compassionate health care for the many communities we serve in the Gulf South, the medical school will also help the BioDistrict lead the region in healthcare excellence and promote inclusive job growth. Classrooms will support modern medical education with team-based learning, a medical laboratory, and a common area for students.
Classes for first- and second-year students will be held at Benson Tower. Students in third- and fourth-year classes will complete their clinical clerkships within Ochsner facilities.
The new medical school will feature state-of-the-art facilities and advanced medical technology, with a curriculum focused on interdisciplinary collaboration, compassionate patient care, and high standards of medical excellence.