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LSUH-S SOM - Year 2 Questions - Ochsner Physician Scholars Program

The LSU Health Shreveport Year 2 Ochsner Physician Scholar recipients will be awarded $120,000: $60,000 Year 2 of medical school, followed by $30,000 each year, maximum of 2 years, not to exceed $120,000, less applicable state and federal withholdings.

Who is eligible to apply for the Ochsner Physician Scholars program?

Anyone who will begin as a year 1,2,3 or 4 medical student at LSU Health Shreveport School of Medicine in the Fall who is committed to practicing Family Medicine, Internal Medicine Primary Care, Internal Medicine Pediatrics Primary Care (dual certification) or Psychiatry at Ochsner Health after completing their residency.

What eligibility requirements must be maintained by Ochsner Physician Scholars during medical school to remain eligible for Scholar funds?

  • Maintain good standing (academic and disciplinary)
    • LSU Health Shreveport School of Medicine medical students must pass all courses and rotations.
    • No academic gaps: approved leave of absences will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
    • Pass all USMLE examinations on the first attempt
    • No failed, repeated courses or rotations while in medical school
  • Graduated from a Louisiana high school
  • Commitment to Family Medicine, Internal Medicine Primary Care, Internal Medicine Pediatrics Primary Care (dual certification) or Psychiatry
  • Understand that the execution of an Ochsner Physician Scholar Retention Agreement is required which secures the Scholar’s Commitment to return to Ochsner Health for full-time employment for a minimum of five (5) years
  • Provide a letter from your residency training program that you are in good standing with the training program. Submit letter each year of residency training to OchsnerMDScholars@ochsner.org between April 15 – July 15.


What are the criteria for Ochsner Physician Scholar application selection?

  • Graduated from a Louisiana high school
  • Earned and maintained a minimum 3.0 GPA or above while in medical school
  • Commitment to Family Medicine, Internal Medicine Primary Care, Internal Medicine Pediatrics Primary Care (dual certification) or Psychiatry
  • Commitment to Ochsner Health

What documents are required as part of the Ochsner Physician Scholar application?

  • Proof of graduation from a Louisiana high school (diploma) or equivalency (Verification letter of graduation and proof of physical presence in Louisiana for at least two years)
  • Official Transcript from LSU Health Shreveport School of Medicine
  • Financial aid award letter from LSU Health Shreveport School of Medicine (where applicable)
  • Letter of Good Standing from LSU Health Shreveport School of Medicine
  • One Letter of Recommendation (Applicant’s choice, should be someone who can articulate your demonstrated professionalism, leadership skills, perseverance, and commitment to medicine.)
  • An essay of 500-words or less explaining why you are a strong candidate for this program and your financial need
  • A resume including all leadership roles you have held.

What if LSU Health Shreveport School of Medicine raises tuition, will I be given additional funds to supplement the installments if tuition is increased?

The amount for each of the Ochsner Physician Scholar tracks is determined by Ochsner Health. Changes in medical school expenses, including tuition, will not affect the Ochsner Physician Scholars award amount.