LSU Health New Orleans: A Legacy of Medical Education and Research
LSU Health New Orleans is a premier public university dedicated to the health sciences. Located in the heart of New Orleans, Louisiana, this institution serves as a critical hub for medical training, bioscience research, and patient care. As a key component of the LSU System, it integrates academic rigor with clinical practice to prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals.
The university operates an urban campus that houses six specialized schools, 12 centers of excellence, and two patient care clinics. While it primarily admits residents of Louisiana, it also welcomes children of alumni and students enrolled in combined M.D./Ph.D. programs.
Key Facts
- Established: 1931
- Chancellor: Steve Nelson
- Student Population: 2,699 students
- Faculty Size: 649 members
- Academic Scope: 6 schools and 12 centers of excellence
- Primary Teaching Hospital: University Medical Center New Orleans
Historical Evolution
The foundation of the institution began in 1931 with the establishment of the LSU Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, commissioned by Governor Huey Pierce Long, Jr. The original facility was situated at 1542 Tulane Avenue, adjacent to the Charity Hospital, which was completed in 1939. Governor Long took great pride in the school's modern infrastructure, noting that the American Medical Association granted it an "A" rating within its first eighteen months of operation.
Over the following decades, the university expanded its academic offerings to cover a broader spectrum of healthcare. The School of Graduate Studies was founded in 1965, followed by the School of Dentistry (1966), the School of Nursing (1968), and the School of Allied Health Professions (1970). The most recent addition was the School of Public Health in 2003.
Impact of Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina presented a significant challenge to the university's operations. The institution suffered a drastic loss of capacity at its two primary teaching hospitals, Charity Hospital and University Hospital. For 15 months, LSUHSC-NO operated without these facilities, even establishing a temporary trauma center in a vacant shopping center. While University Hospital was renovated and reopened on November 20, 2006, the Charity Hospital building was deemed too damaged to be restored.
The School of Dentistry was also temporarily relocated to Baton Rouge during this period before eventually returning to its New Orleans campus.
Modern Infrastructure and the BioDistrict
In 2011, officials began construction on a $1.1 billion teaching hospital. This culminated in the opening of the University Medical Center New Orleans on August 1, 2015. This state-of-the-art academic medical center supports medical, dental, and allied health education, as well as bioscience research, serving as a cornerstone of the city's biomedical research corridor.
Academic and Organizational Structure
LSU Health New Orleans is organized into six distinct schools that provide comprehensive training across various health disciplines:
- School of Medicine
- School of Dentistry
- School of Nursing
- School of Allied Health Professions
- School of Graduate Studies
- School of Public Health
The university's clinical reach is extended through the LSU Healthcare Network and the LSU Health Sciences Center School of Dentistry clinics.
| Category | Group | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Race and Ethnicity | White | 59% |
| Black | 18% | |
| Asian | 9% | |
| Hispanic | 9% | |
| Two or more races | 3% | |
| International / Unknown | 2% | |
| Economic Diversity | Low-income (Pell Grant recipients) | 19% |
| Affluent (Middle class or above) | 81% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the current leader of LSU Health New Orleans?
The university is currently led by Chancellor Steve Nelson.
Which students are eligible for admission to the university?
As a public university, it primarily accepts residents of Louisiana. However, exceptions are made for children of alumni and students applying for combined M.D./Ph.D. programs.
What is the primary teaching hospital for the university?
The primary teaching hospital is the University Medical Center New Orleans, a state-of-the-art facility that opened in 2015.
How did Hurricane Katrina affect the School of Dentistry?
Due to the storm, the School of Dentistry was temporarily relocated to Baton Rouge before eventually returning to its campus in New Orleans.
When was the School of Medicine founded?
The School of Medicine was founded in 1931, commissioned by Governor Huey Pierce Long, Jr.