Louisiana State University of Alexandria (LSUA) catalyzes a groundbreaking partnership with LSU Health Shreveport and LSU Health New Orleans, marking a significant advance in medical education within the state.
Aimed at creating a robust pipeline of medical professionals, this alliance ensures LSUA graduates with qualifying MCAT scores earn guaranteed admissions interviews at either of the LSU Medical Schools.
LSUA will establish an interdisciplinary pre-med program designed to equip Biology, Chemistry, and Psychology pre-med majors with the skills and knowledge required to excel in medical school admissions. LSUA's pre-med program will employ a comprehensive set of criteria that go beyond academic performance. This includes participation in seminars on academic preparedness, financial literacy, and personal health, as well as engagement in diverse community service and co-curricular activities to foster a well-rounded understanding of the medical field. This initiative demonstrates the institution's dedication to fostering a strong pipeline of well-prepared medical school applicants.
Nathan Sammons, LSUA’s Assistant Vice Chancellor of Engaged Teaching and Learning, remarked, “We are thrilled about this announcement because it marks a pivotal moment for students embarking on their medical careers. These collaborations significantly bolster the recruitment, preparation, and retention of aspiring physicians and, concurrently, enhance Louisiana's healthcare landscape.”
Students may also become candidates for LSU's rural medicine scholarship program, specifically designed to train doctors and medical professionals for service in the state's rural communities. This scholarship combined with LSUA’s lowest undergraduate tuition in the state will build the most affordable path to becoming a physician in Louisiana.
Both med schools will appoint a liaison to work closely with LSUA, ensuring that the program’s curriculum and advisory services are seamlessly integrated.
“This initiative not only underscores our commitment to affordable, personalized education but also serves as a launchpad for ambitious futures in medical fields,” said Paul Coreil, Chancellor of LSUA. “We are excited to guide our students as they explore, connect, and discover the diverse opportunities this partnership opens up.”
Written by Adam Lord and Nathan Sammons
Photo credit - Nathan Parish