1.1 History
LSUHSC-S encompasses three schools: School of Medicine, School of Allied Health Professions, and School of Graduate Studies. The institution is a doctoral research university with an array of programs that offer the full continuum of higher education from baccalaureate to post-doctoral levels in the health professions and biomedical sciences. Through its diverse programs, the institution is committed to educating health professionals who will provide excellent patient care and make transformational discoveries for a healthier Louisiana and world.
The history of LSUHSC-S dates back to 1876 when the Shreveport Charity Hospital was established at Pierre Avenue and Ford Street. In 1889, the hospital relocated to a four-acre site at Texas Avenue and Murphy Street in downtown Shreveport. In 1904, a new, larger facility was constructed on the same site. The hospital’s final move occurred in 1953 to a 23-acre campus at Kings Highway and Linwood Avenue. It was renamed Confederate Memorial Medical Center, reflecting its funding from the Confederate Veterans’ Pension Fund.
Established by the Louisiana Legislature in 1965, the School of Medicine has served the health and well-being of Louisiana’s diverse population for over 50 years through innovative medical education and training programs, excellent patient care, and world-class biomedical research. The school enrolled its inaugural class of 32 medical students in 1969, holding classes at the nearby Veterans Administration Hospital. The first Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degrees were awarded in 1973. Construction of the medical school’s permanent buildings was completed in 1975, immediately adjacent and connected to the Confederate Memorial Medical Center.
Established in 1965 as part of the LSU Medical Center in New Orleans (LSUMC-NO), the School of Graduate Studies has offered coursework at the Shreveport campus since its inception. The first class of graduate students at the Shreveport campus exclusively began in 1974, and the first Ph.D. degree was awarded in 1978. The school provides students with training in the most significant areas of biomedical sciences, including research aimed at advancing the understanding of disease mechanisms at the molecular, genetic, cellular, and systems levels, as well as developing innovative, targeted therapies for human diseases. Programs include doctorate (Ph.D.), master’s (M.S.), and postdoctoral fellowships in various biomedical science fields including biochemistry and molecular biology; cellular biology and anatomy; microbiology and immunology; molecular and cellular physiology; pathology and translational pathobiology; and pharmacology, neuroscience, and toxicology.
Established in 1977 as a branch of the LSUMC-NO campus, the School of Allied Health Professions in Shreveport is a leader in educating students in a wide range of dynamic allied health disciplines. The school initially offered programs in Cardiopulmonary Science, Speech Language Pathology, and Medical Technology. Its first graduating class of 11 students completed their studies in 1980. Today, the school offers two undergraduate and six graduate degree programs, including its original degree programs plus additional offerings in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physician Assistant Studies, Public Health, and Rehabilitation Sciences. In 2008, the School of Allied Health Professions moved into a new state-of-the-art facility on the south side of the campus.
In 1976, the State Legislature authorized the transfer of the Confederate Memorial Medical Center from the State Charity Hospital System to the LSU System. Two years later, in 1978, the hospital was renamed to the Louisiana State University Hospital in Shreveport to reflect its new status. Additionally, the legislature approved the transfer of E.A. Conway Medical Center in Monroe and Huey P. Long Medical Center in Pineville to LSUHSC-S in the early 2000s. In 2013, privatization of state-run hospitals took place as part of a program instituted by the governor, and LSUHSC-S partnered with a private entity to lease and operate the hospitals that were previously under its management.
In 1999, the institution’s name was changed from Louisiana State University Medical Center at Shreveport to the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport. In November 2000, an independent Chancellor for LSUHSC-S was appointed. In 2004, the School of Graduate Studies in Shreveport and the School of Allied Health Professions in Shreveport were administratively separated from LSUHSC-NO, becoming part of LSUHSC-S under the leadership of the Shreveport Chancellor, with new deans appointed for both schools. In July 2005, LSUHSC-S was legislatively authorized as a separate entity. In 2009, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) awarded LSUHSC-S separate accreditation, reaffirmed in 2014 and again in 2024.
1.2 Mission, Vision, and Values
Our Mission
The primary mission of Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport (LSUHSC-S) is to TEACH, HEAL and DISCOVER, in order to advance the well-being of the State, region, and beyond. LSUHSC-S encompasses the Schools of Medicine, Graduate Studies, and Allied Health Professions in Shreveport.
To implement its mission, LSUHSC-S is committed to:
- Prepare learners for careers in health care service, teaching, and research using state-of-the-art curricula, methods, and facilities.
- Provide a growing, diverse regional patient population with state-of-the-art clinical care, including a range of tertiary special services.
- Achieve distinction and international recognition for basic science and clinical research programs that contribute to the body of knowledge and practice of science and medicine.
- Utilize research and knowledge to support economic growth and prosperity of the region and State by engaging in productive partnerships with the private sector.
- Foster a culture of diversity and inclusion that promotes mutual respect for all.
Our Vision
To be a preeminent academic medical center that transforms health and health care for a diverse population through compassionate and patient-centered care, technologically advanced education, and transformative research.
Our Core Values
- Collaboration: We work together to serve our institution, state, nation, and global community.
- Compassion: We treat others in a caring, empathetic manner and aim to prevent and alleviate human suffering.
- Excellence: We foster a lasting spirit of inquiry and creativity, leading to outstanding evidence-based health care, impactful research and scholarship, and superb teaching.
- Innovation: We cultivate an ongoing, cooperative process of discovery and translate knowledge for the benefit and service of humanity.
- Professionalism: We act in accordance with the highest standards of integrity, ethical behavior, and exemplary moral character.
- Respect: We nurture free and open discourse, listen to new ideas, and value diverse perspectives, experiences, backgrounds, and talents.
Approved:
LSUHSC-S General Faculty - July 29, 2021
LSUHSC-S Administrative Council - August 2, 2021
LSU Board of Supervisors - September 10, 2021
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