May 1st 2024.
Xavier University, a Catholic HBCU located in New Orleans, has recently signed a significant agreement with Ochsner Health to establish a medical school on its campus. This new institution, named the Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine, will join the ranks of other historically Black medical schools such as Howard University College of Medicine, Morehouse School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, and the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science. In fact, Morgan State University is also in the process of creating its own medical school, which will further expand the number of historically Black medical schools in the country. While there is no set opening date for the Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine, it typically takes around three years to obtain accreditation from the Liason Committee on Medical Education. Once this is achieved, the school will begin recruiting students for its inaugural class, which can accommodate up to 50 students.
This new medical school aligns with the City of New Orleans' larger plan to establish a BioDistrict, which aims to promote economic development and job creation in the field of biological science. It also fits perfectly with Xavier's academic legacy of preparing students for medical school and careers in the medical field.
Xavier's president, Reynold Verrett, stated that the establishment of the Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine will play a crucial role in addressing long-standing health disparities in medicine. He emphasized the mission of Xavier, which was gifted nearly 100 years ago by its founder, St. Katharine Drexel and her Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, to promote a more just and humane society. Dr. Leonardo Seoane, the executive vice-president and chief academic officer of Ochsner Health and the first appointed dean of the new medical school, shared his excitement for the impact this school will have on the Black and Brown communities. He believes that seeing physicians who look like them will inspire young students to pursue careers in medicine and break down barriers to inclusivity in the medical field.
Verrett also reflected on the issue of trust in the medical community, particularly among Black people, which has led to health inequities and disparities. He mentioned the COVID-19 pandemic as a prime example of this lack of trust and how it has resulted in excessive deaths within the Black community. However, he believes that the Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine can play a significant role in rebuilding trust and promoting inclusivity in the medical field.
Dr. Derek Robinson, a Xavier alum and a founding member of the school's board of directors for the medical school, shared his enthusiasm for this new endeavor. He believes that Xavier has been living out its mission for almost a century by making a positive impact in the world and promoting inclusivity. He sees this new medical school as a vital step towards expanding access to careers and healthcare for all, and not just the responsibility of Xavier, but a collective effort of universities and local health partners across the country.
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