Xavier joins Howard, Morehouse, Meharry, Charles R. Drew, and Morgan State as only the fifth HBCU in the U.S. to offer a medical school.
According to HBCU Buzz, Xavier University of Louisiana has joined forces with Ochsner Health to launch the new groundbreaking Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine (XOCOM). This historic partnership aims to tackle health disparities and physician shortages while fostering a new generation of diverse medical professionals.
XOCOM marks a significant milestone in medical education. Located in the heart of New Orleans’ BioDistrict, the new medical school will focus on:
- Addressing health disparities: XOCOM aims to bridge the gap in healthcare access for underserved communities, especially the Black population, which is disproportionately impacted by physician shortages.
- Building a diverse physician workforce: By increasing the number of Black doctors, XOCOM will create a medical field that better reflects the communities it serves. Studies show that having doctors who share a patient’s background can lead to better health outcomes due to increased trust and understanding.
- Preparing future healthcare leaders: XOCOM will equip graduates with the skills and knowledge to address complex healthcare challenges through a curriculum that emphasizes collaboration, clinical expertise, and compassionate patient care.
Xavier and Ochsner bring a wealth of experience to this collaboration. Xavier boasts a long-standing reputation for producing top Black medical students, while Ochsner is a leading academic medical center with extensive experience in physician training.
Their successful partnership extends beyond XOCOM. Together, they have established a top-ranked College of Pharmacy and a Physician Assistant program, demonstrating a commitment to creating a diverse pipeline of healthcare professionals.
XOCOM is currently seeking accreditation from the relevant bodies, a process that typically takes three years. Once approved, the school plans to welcome its first class of 50 students and gradually expand its capacity.
With XOCOM, Xavier and Ochsner are poised to redefine medical education, increase access to quality healthcare, and create a brighter future for communities across the nation.
Cover photo: Xavier University Makes History as First HBCU to Launch a Medical School in the Gulf South/ Photo Credit: @Xula1925/Instagram