Xavier University and Ochsner Health today announced the two institutions will collaborate to establish a joint College of Medicine.
"To launch the College of Medicine, Ochsner and Xavier will form a nonprofit corporation, create a new curriculum and use facilities, personnel, and administrative processes of both institutions," a joint news release states. "The new College of Medicine will be governed by a board of directors nominated by Ochsner and Xavier, with each institution appointing an equal number of directors."
"Our work with Ochsner and other partners who hold close to their hearts a vision of healing a broken world is a testament to Xavier’s mission to promote a more just and humane society," said Dr. Reynold Verret, President of Xavier University of Louisiana. "Our dedication to preparing more Black health care professionals in our fight against health inequity is our answer to the call of our nation’s critical need and makes their legacy proud."
"Ochsner has a long and rich history of excellence in medical education, and we are honored to continue our work with Xavier to improve the health of our state and region," said Pete November, CEO of Ochsner Health. "The Xavier medical students will get outstanding clinical training in our integrated health care system, and this significant expansion of our partnership with Xavier demonstrates our commitment to training the next generation of health care providers to solve the critical shortage of physicians in the United States and meet the needs of the diverse communities we serve."
Leaders of the two institutions say this is a step to help Louisiana deal with an expected shortage of doctors by 2030, as well as increase representation among minorities in the medical profession.