The Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine (XOCOM) hosted a groundbreaking panel event during the annual ESSENCE Festival of Culture weekend in New Orleans, highlighting the future of medicine and healthcare. On Friday, July 5th, the event took place on the third floor of Benson Tower in the burgeoning BioDistrict New Orleans, the future home of XOCOM. Led by award-winning host Angela Rye and local medical expert Dr. Courtney Washington, the event featured engaging discussions, live entertainment, and culinary delights.
This event marked a significant milestone for XOCOM, which is set to be the only Historically Black College and University (HBCU) medical school in the Gulf South when it opens. It provided a unique platform to explore XOCOM’s contributions to the medical profession and the communities it will serve. Esteemed panelists shared their insights and experiences, addressing critical health equity and diversity ideas.
The first panel, “Why Diversity in Medicine Matters: The Impact of the Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine on the Health of Our Communities,” was moderated by Angela Rye, Principal and CEO of IMPACT Strategies and Co-Host of the podcast “Native Land Pod.” Panelists included Jack Resneck Jr., MD, former President of the American Medical Association and Chair, and Bruce U. Wintroub Endowed Professor of Dermatology at the University of California San Francisco School of Medicine; Rachel Hardeman, PhD, MPH, Blue Cross Endowed Professor at the University of Minnesota and Founding Director, Center for Antiracism Research for Health Equity; Veronica Gillispie-Bell, MD, MAS, FACOG, XOCOM Board Member and Medical Director, Louisiana Perinatal Quality Collaborative (LaPQC); William McDCade, MD, PhD, Chief DEI Officer, Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education; and Yolanda Lawson, MD, FACOG, President of the National Medical Association. The discussion emphasized the urgent need for an inclusive and equitable healthcare system and highlighted XOCOM’s pivotal role in addressing the national physician shortage. Research shows an urgent need for this HBCU College of Medicine, as the demand for diverse doctors is expected to grow considerably. The Association of American Medical Colleges has projected a total shortage of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036, and numerous studies show representation in medicine improves health outcomes and fosters patient trust.
Courtney Washington, DO, WDSU Medical Analyst, moderated the second panel, “Demystifying the Process of Becoming a Physician,” featuring medical professionals from Ochsner Health. In addition to Dr. Veronica Gillispie-Bell, the panel included Leonardo Seoane, MD, FACP, Founding Dean of XOCOM and Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer, Ochsner Health; Maurice Sholas, MD, PhD, Pediatric PM&R attending at Ochsner Health, physician leader and Board Chair, the National Medical Association; Yvens Laborde, MD, Chief Community Medical Officer, Ochsner Health; Dr. Veronica Gillispie-Bell, and Brian Pettiford, MD, MBA, MMM, Thoracic Surgical Oncologist and General Thoracic Surgery Section Head, Ochsner MD Anderson Cancer Center. The panel provided guidance to those interested in pursuing medical careers and delved into the resources XOCOM will provide to support future physicians.
“We were thrilled to host this special panel event during ESSENCE weekend, as it provided a platform to discuss critical solutions to health equity and diversity while also exploring the future contributions XOCOM will bring to the medical world,” said Reynold Verret, PhD, President of Xavier University of Louisiana. “Inspired by the mission gifted to Xavier nearly 100 years ago by our foundress, St. Katharine Drexel, and her Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, XOCOM is dedicated to addressing long-standing health disparities and promoting diversity in medicine. Through this event, we aimed to highlight the essential role XOCOM will have in shaping the future of healthcare.”
At the official XOCOM signing ceremony on April 29, 2024, Xavier and Ochsner officials announced that Dr. Leonardo Seoane, FACP, Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer of Ochsner Health, would serve as the new HBCU medical school’s founding dean.
“Our panel showcased XOCOM’s commitment to fostering healthcare equity and diversity,” said Dr. Seoane. “By bringing in renowned medical professionals from all over the country, our panel highlighted the critical need for diversity in the medical field. This event was a testament to XOCOM’s dedication to empowering the next generation of physicians to create positive change, fulfilling our mission to better serve our communities.”
Slated to be the only HBCU medical school in the Gulf South when it opens, XOCOM will expand opportunities for New Orleans’ downtown area as part of the BioDistrict, a development district growing biosciences and the local economy.
XOCOM’s event not only celebrated the promising future of the institution but also ignited important conversations about the future of healthcare. As XOCOM prepares to open its doors in the coming years, its commitment to fostering diversity and excellence in medicine remains unwavering.
To learn more, visit www.xula.edu and www.ochsner.org.
