Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System Supports the Next Generation of Healthcare Leaders
July 25, 2023
Baton Rouge, LA – As part of its commitment to empower and support the next generation of healthcare leaders, Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System (FMOLHS) hosted six students through the Reginald F. Lewis Scholar Program and served as one of the platinum sponsors of the University of Louisiana’s third annual Black Male Summit. This program, specifically designed to enhance the collegiate experience of Black male students across the UL System, provides valuable opportunities for personal and professional growth.
"We are honored to be a sponsor of the University of Louisiana System’s Annual Black Male Summit and support the Reginald F. Lewis Scholar program," said Tina Schaffer, VP of Talent Strategy & Chief Diversity Officer at FMOLHS. "By collaborating with the University of Louisiana System and supporting initiatives like these, we are actively working towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for all students."
The summit brought together over 650 students, educators, mentors and professionals from across the state of Louisiana to address the unique challenges and opportunities facing Black men across the state.
“The internship provided by FMOLHS through the Reginald F. Lewis program has been transformative. I had the opportunity to gain practical skills, build connections and further my understanding of the healthcare industry,” said Ebenezer Aggrey, a student from Northwestern State University. “I am grateful for the support and mentorship provided by this program.”
The Black Male Summit served as a platform to foster meaningful connections and collaborations among participants. It offered a range of workshops, panel discussions and networking opportunities, allowing attendees to develop and refine their professional skills. The event also aimed to encourage dialogue on strategies to recruit, teach, advise, coach and counsel Black male students in the UL System more effectively.
“We are dedicated to supporting initiatives that uplift and empower underrepresented students,” said Asha Johnson, Director of Talent Strategy & DEI at FMOLHS. “This collaborative effort serves as an important platform to not only promote success but professional development opportunities as well.”
FMOLHS recognizes the importance of nurturing talent and creating pathways for success. Through its sponsorship of the Black Male Summit and the Reginald F. Lewis Scholar program, FMOLHS reaffirms its commitment to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion within the UL system and beyond.
Click here to access an exclusive video available for download and learn more about the Reginald F. Lewis Scholar Program.
To learn more about the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System and its commitment to diversity and inclusion, please visit fmolhs.org/dei.
About the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System
The Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System is one of the largest healthcare systems based in Louisiana and is the leading healthcare provider for more than half the state’s population. The health system is a non-profit, Catholic organization sponsored by the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady. Headquartered in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the ministry serves patients in Louisiana and Mississippi through a network of hospitals, clinics, physicians and integrated health systems. The health system’s unified physician organization is comprised of more than 1,100 adult and pediatric primary care physicians and specialists. The system’s nine main campus hospitals include St. Francis Medical Center in Monroe, Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge and Gonzales, Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital in Baton Rouge, Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center, Heart Hospital, and Women's & Children's Hospital in Lafayette, Our Lady of the Angels in Bogalusa, and St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson, Mississippi. For more information, visit fmolhs.org.