In February 2024, the Xavier University of Louisiana Board of Trustees and the Ochsner Health Board of Directors approved the partnership to develop the Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine (XOCOM). Becoming the fifth Historically Black College and University (HBCU) medical school in the country, XOCOM seeks an exceptional leader to serve as the inaugural Biomedical Sciences Chair (BSC).
On the cusp of celebrating its first 100 years of service, Xavier University of Louisiana (Xavier) remains America’s only historically Black and Catholic University and is ranked among the top HBCUs in the nation. Recognized as a national leader in STEM and health sciences, Xavier has historically produced more African American students who graduate from medical schools each year than any other university in the United States. Ochsner Health (Ochsner) is committed to exceptional, patient-centered care and has evolved to include tertiary and quaternary care for Louisiana and the surrounding region. As the largest physician-led, nonprofit integrated health system in the Gulf South, Ochsner operates 46 hospitals and treated more than 1.6 million patients in 2024.
This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of the biomedical sciences department and develop a vision for an innovative curriculum for the preclinical sciences that is translationally relevant within a dynamic medical school setting. The BSC will foster academic excellence and innovative research by recruiting and developing faculty, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration in medical education, and ensuring community partnerships. The BSC will ensure a culture of mentorship and academic excellence.
The ideal candidate for this role will be a visionary leader with a successful record in medical education, medical school accreditation, and research in biomedical disciplines. Exceptional academic accomplishments are essential, as the Chair will be responsible for developing, supervising, teaching, and delivering the first two years of the medical school curriculum as well as advancing research. A distinguished reputation in medical education, along with a proven ability to mentor faculty and train future physicians, are critical for this position. A Ph.D., M.D./Ph.D., or equivalent degree is required in addition to a current academic appointment (and administrative experience) at the professor level.
For confidential nominations or expressions of interest, please contact the search consultant team of Imran Ali, Kerry Quealy and Cody Burke at [email protected].