Humana Offers Scholarships for Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine to Boost Physician Workforce

Humana has created a $3 million scholarship fund for incoming medical students at Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine (XOCOM), with the goal of tackling physician workforce shortages and improving health care access in Louisiana. The insurer announced the fund on January 26, 2026.¹

The Humana Health Workforce Scholarship Fund will provide annual full-tuition scholarships for incoming medical students. According to a statement from Humana, the fund will attract top talent and expand opportunities for students who face financial obstacles to access medical education.

“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,” said George Renaudin, who oversees Humana’s Medicare and Medicaid business as the company’s insurance president. “Having also spent more than a decade working within the state’s health care 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.”¹

In April 2024, Xavier University of Louisiana and Ochsner Health founded XOCOM to respond to the urgent need for more US physicians and as part of Ochsner’s ongoing commitment to improve health outcomes in Louisiana. Shortfalls of physicians are projected as the population ages, with the Association of American Medical Colleges estimating a gap of 86,000 physicians by 2036²; Louisiana is estimated to become third in the nation for physician shortages by 2030.³ Reports on the looming shortage show the lack of residency training slots is contributing to increased wait times, delayed diagnoses, and reduced access to care.

In the statement, XOCOM officials said that in addition to addressing the physician workforce shortage, the new medical school aims to promote compassionate health care for all and train physicians who increase trust because they understand the cultures of the communities they serve.

“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,” said Leonardo Seoane, MD, FACP, XOCOM’s founding dean. “Humana’s support will directly impact our mission to train physician leaders committed to innovation and the reimagination of health care to improve outcomes for our communities.”

To qualify for scholarships, students must demonstrate financial need or hardship as well as a commitment to practice or specialize in primary care, internal medicine, or maternal care in Louisiana following graduation. The scholarship will be open to all qualified applicants.

The endowment builds on Humana’s existing relationship with Xavier University of Louisiana. Over the past 3 years, Humana has supported scholarships for 3 students at the school’s Physician Assistant Program to increase access to clinical education.

References

1. Humana launches $3 million scholarship fund for Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine to expand physician workforce in Louisiana. News release. Humana Inc. January 26, 2026. Accessed February 26, 2026. https://policy.humana.com/news-and-resources/news-press/2026/humana-launches--3-million-scholarship-fund-for-xavier-ochsner
2. New AAMC report shows continuing projected physician shortage. News release. Association of American Medical Colleges. March 21, 2024. Accessed February 26, 2026. https://www.aamc.org/news/press-releases/new-aamc-report-shows-continuing-projected-physician-shortage
3. Louisiana physician shortage facts. Cicero Institute. May 7, 2024. Accessed February 26, 2026. https://ciceroinstitute.org/research/louisiana-physician-shortage-facts/