New Surgery Residency Program to Launch at Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center

Program to train next generation of surgeons and address physician shortage

On Tuesday, April 16, 2024, Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center, the region's only Level 2 Trauma Center, will celebrate the launch of its new General Surgery Residency Program. Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), the program is dedicated to training the next generation of surgeons to deliver safe, high-quality medical care. The ribbon cutting will take place at 11 a.m.

"The introduction of our surgical residency program emphasizes our commitment to putting patients first by enhancing the quality of care and increasing access to specialized surgical treatments. Residents will be trained under rigorous standards, preparing them to lead in dynamic and challenging environments while prioritizing patient care and safety,” said local surgeon Dennis Eschete, MD, Surgery Residency Program Director.

The new residency program is both a strategic response to the escalating physician shortage and a model for innovative care solutions leading to increased patient access. In a 2024 report, the Association of American Medical Colleges projected that physician demand will grow faster than supply, leading to a projected total shortage of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036. Moreover, Louisiana is projected to rank third nationally for a shortage of physicians by 2030, according to a Human Resources for Health analysis.

Residents have chosen Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center for its comprehensive facilities and robust support system, attributes that are essential for high-level trauma care and surgical training. The program is set to begin July 1.

“Our new residency program is a testament to Ochsner’s unwavering commitment to patient care and our mission to improve health outcomes," said Patrick Gandy, CEO, Ochsner Lafayette General. "Through hands-on training and a collaborative learning environment, residents will be equipped to lead and innovate in challenging settings. We will be aligned with Ochsner Health on residents’ rotations, which will enhance their education and experience and amplify our capacity for excellent care delivery. It’s an exciting time for the future of medicine in Acadiana.”

Nearly 600 applications were submitted for three coveted spots. The 5-year surgery program is expected to grow, training a new class of three residents per academic year. The inaugural class includes:

• Harrison Folse, MD (Louisiana State University School of Medicine – New Orleans)
• Matthew Moore, MD (Louisiana State University School of Medicine – Shreveport)
• Samuel Skinner, MD (University of Queensland School of Medicine)

Ziad Ashkar, MD, will serve as the Designated Institutional Official (DIO), ensuring the program meets the rigorous accreditation standards set by the ACGME. As DIO, Dr. Ashkar will work with members of the surgery supervising faculty to help maintain an environment conducive to educational excellence in medical training.

Located inside the new, recently constructed tower at Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center, the completed Graduate Medical Education space will be 17,115 square feet. Phase 1 includes eight resident sleep rooms, a resident lounge, classrooms, rounding rooms and lactation rooms. Phase 2 will house numerous simulation labs and additional classroom space.

Ochsner Health's Commitment to Graduate Medical Education

Ochsner Health has a long-standing tradition of excellence in GME, underscoring its mission to Serve, Heal, Lead, Educate, and Innovate throughout Louisiana, Mississippi, and the Gulf South. As the largest academic medical center in the region, Ochsner has been at the forefront of medical education and research, committed to training the next generation of healthcare professionals. Their GME programs are designed to foster leadership and meet the evolving challenges in healthcare, ensuring that both residents and fellows are well-prepared to provide high-quality patient care.

---