The Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine, upon its eventual opening, will mark a significant addition to the nation's medical education landscape, becoming the fifth historically Black medical school in the United States. It will join Howard University College of Medicine, Morehouse School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, and the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science. Additionally, Maryland's Morgan State University is also in the process of establishing its own medical school.
While a firm opening date has yet to be set, projections suggest that it may take up to three years for the school to secure accreditation from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education. Following accreditation, the Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine will embark on the journey of recruiting its inaugural class, with plans to enroll an initial cohort of 50 students.
Leonardo Seoane, MD, has been appointed as the founding dean of the Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine. Dr. Seoane currently serves as the executive vice president and chief academic officer of Ochsner Health. His leadership promises to steer the new medical school towards excellence and innovation in medical education.
The inception of the Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine has been years in the making, with plans initially announced in 2022. The formal agreement between Xavier University and Ochsner Health was unveiled in January of 2023, culminating in the approval of the new medical school by the Xavier University Board of Trustees and the Ochsner Health Board of Directors this past February.