Xavier University of Louisiana (Xavier) has announced continued progress with Ochsner Health (Ochsner) to launch their Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine (XOCOM). This groundbreaking partnership marks a significant milestone in advancing medical education by addressing health disparities in diverse communities and helping fulfill the urgent need for more physicians in Louisiana and the nation. The new medical school will be in the burgeoning BioDistrict New Orleans, located downtown in Benson Tower next to Caesars Superdome.
“With the establishment of the Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine, Ochsner and Xavier aim to address long-standing health disparities and foster stronger, healthier communities in pursuit of the mission to promote a more just and humane society gifted to Xavier nearly 100 years ago by our foundress, St. Katharine Drexel and her Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament,” said Reynold Verret, PhD, president of Xavier University of Louisiana. “Our partnership with Ochsner affirms our commitment to advancing health equity and excellence. XOCOM will provide cutting-edge medical training and biomedical research and, through a culture of mentorship and leadership, empower our students to be agents of change in healthcare.”
At a XOCOM signing celebration on April 29, Xavier and Ochsner officials announced that Leonardo Seoane, MD, FACP, executive vice president and chief academic officer of Ochsner Health, will serve as the new HBCU medical school’s founding dean.
“Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine was born from a truly collaborative vision between Xavier University of Louisiana and Ochsner Health. It epitomizes our 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,” said Seoane, Dean of Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine. “By addressing the critical shortage of physicians in standing up this HBCU medical school in the Gulf South, XOCOM will pursue diversity in medicine and ensure equitable representation in healthcare to better serve our communities for generations to come.”
The announcement follows votes by the Xavier University of Louisiana Board of Trustees and the Ochsner Health Board of Directors in February to approve the formation of the new medical school. On Monday, officials announced XOCOM’s founding board of directors, which includes Xavier and Ochsner appointees:
-C. Reynold Verret, PhD, president, Xavier University of Louisiana
-Pete November, CEO, Ochsner Health
-Trevonne M. Thompson, MD, FAAEM, FACEP, FACMT, associate dean, admissions, University of Illinois College of Medicine
-Matthew Block, executive vice president and chief administrative officer, Ochsner Health
-Gary C. Butts, MD, executive vice president, diversity, equity and inclusion, Mount Sinai Health System
-Veronica Gillispie-Bell, MD, MAS, FACOG, senior site lead and section head, Women’s Services, Ochsner Kenner; medical director of quality, Women’s Services, Ochsner Health; medical director of Minimally Invasive Center for Treatment of Uterine Fibroids, Ochsner Health; associate professor, Ochsner Clinical School
-Gregory N. Rattler Sr., managing director, JP Morgan Chase
-Deborah Grimes, RN, JD, MSHQS, senior vice president and chief diversity, equity, and inclusion officer, Ochsner Health
Slated to be the only Historically Black College and University (HBCU) medical school in the Gulf South when it opens, XOCOM expands opportunities for New Orleans’ downtown area as part of the BioDistrict, a development district that is growing biosciences and the local economy. As XOCOM advances healthcare equity and expands the physician workforce in the Gulf South, the medical school will also help the BioDistrict lead the region in healthcare excellence and promote inclusive, equitable job growth.
“Ochsner Health is committed to meeting the needs of the diverse communities we serve, and we are honored to continue our work with Xavier University of Louisiana to improve the health and wellbeing of New Orleans, our state and region,” said Pete November, CEO, Ochsner Health. “By providing excellent training to more diverse physicians so they may better serve our communities, we are not only investing in the future of healthcare, but also in the long-term prosperity and wellness for our many neighbors, friends and family members throughout the Gulf South.”
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.