America's Next Historically Black Medical School Earns Preliminary Accreditation

NEW ORLEANS — A pioneering chapter in medical education has begun for the Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine, which has received preliminary accreditation from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME), the accrediting body for U.S. programs granting medical doctorate degrees. With this milestone, the College of Medicine will begin recruiting students in the coming weeks for its inaugural class of 2027, advancing the vision for America's next historically Black college of medicine.

The only HBCU college of medicine in the Gulf South, the school brings together two trusted New Orleans institutions: Xavier University of Louisiana and Ochsner Health. It builds on decades of collaboration in education, research, and healthcare, reflected in initiatives such as the Ochsner-Xavier Institute for Health Equity and Research, Xavier's Physician Assistant Program, and its Genetic Counseling Program. Xavier contributes a century-long legacy of excellence in STEM education, was named a top HBCU by Forbes, and is a leading institution in sending African American students on to medical school. Ochsner brings more than 80 years of experience caring for its communities, over 60 years of training residents and fellows, and 17 years of excellence in medical student education, and was named the no. 1 hospital in Louisiana by U.S. News and World Report for 15 consecutive years.

Addressing a national physician shortage. The new school arrives in a region facing significant healthcare workforce challenges.

Preliminary accreditation follows years of planning and collaboration. The College of Medicine was formed through a partnership between Xavier and Ochsner in 2024, earned candidate status in October 2025, and hosted an LCME survey visit in June 2026. Following its review, the LCME determined the school had met the requirements for preliminary accreditation, allowing it to begin recruiting students for its inaugural class in summer 2027. Applications will be available through the American Medical College Application Service® (AMCAS®) in the coming weeks.

"Together, we have created a transformational college of medicine where future physician leaders will be prepared to pursue excellence with purpose, embrace innovation, and respond to the evolving needs of patients and our communities," said Leonardo Seoane, M.D., FACP, president and founding dean of the Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine. "By bringing together the strengths of two mission-driven institutions, we are creating opportunities for future physicians to make a lasting difference across Louisiana and beyond."

Investing in New Orleans and the Gulf South. Located in New Orleans' growing BioDistrict, the College of Medicine is projected to contribute $152.5 million in economic impact across Louisiana by 2040 — including $122 million in New Orleans — while supporting more than 1,185 jobs statewide. Physicians trained by the College are projected to contribute an additional $2.9 billion to the U.S. economy by 2040.

For HBCU Connect's community of students, alumni, and aspiring physicians, this is a landmark opportunity. Pre-med students and prospective applicants can learn more about the Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine at xula.edu/xocom and should watch for applications opening through AMCAS in the coming weeks.