In 1942, Alton Ochsner and his colleagues embarked on a mission to revolutionize healthcare in New Orleans. Their vision was to establish a multi-specialty group practice that would deliver the highest standard of medical care while prioritizing the needs of patients. This innovative approach aimed to provide individualized and comprehensive care through the collective expertise of a team of doctors.
The early years of Ochsner were marked by challenges as the founders faced opposition from the local medical community. However, their perseverance paid off, and Ochsner Clinic merged with the Ochsner Foundation Hospital, setting a new benchmark for medical care in New Orleans and south Louisiana.
Today, Ochsner Health stands as an integrated healthcare system driven by its mission to Serve, Heal, Lead, Educate, and Innovate. With over 80 years of service, it has established itself as a national leader in various fields, including cancer care, cardiology, neurosciences, liver and kidney transplants, and pediatrics. U.S. News & World Report consistently recognizes Ochsner as the top hospital and top children's hospital in Louisiana.
As a not-for-profit organization, Ochsner Health is committed to inspiring healthier lives and stronger communities. Its ambitious Healthy State by 2030 initiative focuses on disease prevention and patient-centered care that is accessible, affordable, convenient, and effective. By pioneering new treatments, embracing emerging technologies, and conducting groundbreaking research, Ochsner Health remains at the forefront of medical advancements. In 2022 alone, it enrolled 4,000 patients in 685 clinical studies.
Ochsner Health boasts a dedicated workforce of over 37,000 employees, including more than 4,700 employed and affiliated physicians across 90 medical specialties and subspecialties. Its extensive network comprises 46 hospitals and over 370 health and urgent care centers spanning Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and the Gulf South. Through its cutting-edge Connected Health digital medicine program, Ochsner Health extends its care beyond traditional boundaries.
In the past year, Ochsner Health has provided medical treatment to over 1.4 million individuals from across all states and 62 countries, solidifying its reputation as a global healthcare destination. Furthermore, as Louisiana's premier healthcare educator, Ochsner Health and its partners play a crucial role in training thousands of healthcare professionals annually.
Ochsner's history is not only a captivating narrative of triumph, but also a testament to a healthcare system that remains deeply committed to the communities it serves. It has become a shining example of what a twenty-first-century healthcare system should strive to be.
