Humana has established a $3 million scholarship fund for incoming medical students at the Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine (XOCOM), aiming to help address physician workforce shortages and improve access to care across Louisiana.
The Humana Health Workforce Scholarship Fund will provide annual full-tuition scholarships to incoming students, with a focus on expanding opportunities for applicants facing financial need and on attracting top talent to the state.
The scholarship program is designed to increase the number of physicians trained to deliver integrated care that addresses both medical and social needs. Scholarships will be awarded to students who demonstrate financial need or hardship, as well as a commitment to practice or specialize in primary care, internal medicine, or maternal care in Louisiana after graduation. Humana said the scholarship will be open to all qualified applicants.
XOCOM was founded by Xavier University of Louisiana and Ochsner Health in April 2024, with the goal of growing the physician pipeline and improving health outcomes in Louisiana and beyond. The announcement comes as national projections point to a widening physician shortfall in the coming decade, with shortages affecting both primary care and specialties and contributing to longer wait times and reduced access to services.
Humana said the endowment builds on its existing relationship with Xavier University of Louisiana, where the company has funded scholarships for three students in the university’s Physician Assistant Program over the past three years. Beyond medical education, Humana also highlighted additional efforts in Louisiana focused on physical, behavioral, and social health needs, including partnerships tied to digital health programs, recovery services, veteran support, food security, school nutrition initiatives, and programs supporting seniors’ emotional health.
KEY QUOTES
“The Humana Health Workforce Scholarship Fund will help us train more physicians who can address the complex health intersections of behavioral health, preventive health and chronic disease.”
Leonardo Seoane, MD, FACP, Founding Dean, Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine
“As someone who grew up in Louisiana and as the son of a New Orleans physician, I understand the challenges many communities face in accessing care. Having also spent more than a decade working within the state’s healthcare system, I’ve seen firsthand the dedication of Louisiana’s clinicians. This scholarship will help ensure more physicians are available where they’re needed most.”
George Renaudin, Insurance President, Humana (Medicare and Medicaid business)
“Investing in future clinicians means investing in families. These scholarships will help ensure healthcare is available across all communities, giving everyone the opportunity to achieve their best health.”
Tamara Smith, Vice President of Health Equity and Social Impact, Humana
